Committees
The purpose of a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is to improve collaboration and provide advice to the Forest Service. RAC members are responsible for reviewing proposed land management projects on or adjacent to national forest lands. The RAC then makes recommendations to the Forest Service in accordance with the Act on which projects should be funded.
Northeast Oregon Resource Advisory Committee
Resource Advisory Committees (RAC) exist as part of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The RAC is made of citizens representing a variety of natural resource-based interests who were selected by the Secretary of Agriculture to advise the Forest Service on the use of funds allocated to counties through the Reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, also called “Payments to States” Act.
The purpose of the RAC is to improve collaboration and provide advice to the Forest Service. RAC members are responsible for reviewing proposed land management projects on or adjacent to national forest lands. The RAC then makes recommendations to the Forest Service in accordance with the Act on which projects should be funded.
Northeast Oregon Resource Advisory Committee
The Pacific Northwest, perhaps more than any other region in the United States, is defined by its public lands.
More than 30 percent of Washington and 53 percent of Oregon are managed by the federal government. In addition, a small area in Idaho falls within the management of Region 6 in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. These lands provide the people and communities within Idaho, Oregon and Washington their livelihood, recreation, visual backdrop, and identity. The agency is seeking nominees for a Regional for Recreation Resource Advisory Committee to reflect and represent your respective community needs and values.
Recreation is the portal through which people connect to their national forests. Thus, national forest recreation plays a key role in the social stability, environmental integrity, and economic vitality of these communities. Recreation fees help improve access to recreation sites and increase opportunities for enjoyment of public lands.
To be effective, we need a committee that is representative of our nation. We will look to members to communicate emerging issues and share technical and professional knowledge. This will allow us to increase collaborative work across boundaries and borders to optimize recreation benefits for all.
Secure Rural Schools Program
The Secure Rural Schools program provides critical funding for schools, roads, and other municipal services to more than 700 counties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The Forest Service was established in 1905 with 56 million acres of land. By 1910, the amount of National Forest System land tripled to 172 million acres. Today, the agency manages approximately 196 million acres. Congress ratified the Act of May 23, 1908, as a measure to support rural counties whose tax base was limited by the growing amount of Federal land. A portion of Forest Service funds generated through multi-use activities, such as grazing, timber production, and special use permits, are distributed to eligible counties to help maintain local roads and schools.