Committees

Title II of the Secure Rural School Act (SRS Act) provides funding, allocated by county, for projects that benefit forest resources, infrastructure, enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land.

Resource Advisory Committees (RAC) are established to advise the Forest Service on the use of these funds under the SRS Act. A RAC is made up 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 a 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 SRS Act on which projects should be funded. 

Any individual who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation on or in communities around the Forest would be a great Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) member. Expertise in these areas is not required. A commitment to attend RAC meetings and be an engaged participant in the project review process is essential. Anyone may apply to serve on the RAC, and individuals representing minority, disability, veteran, urban, or low-income communities are encouraged to apply.

RAC members are required to live within the state in which the committee has jurisdiction. To the extent practicable, the members also represent municipalities covered by the committee. Members are appointed to four-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms. Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses and per diem for attendance at committee meetings.

RACs have 9-15 members representing various interests and areas of expertise. Interest groups are established by the national Charter and are divided into three categories: A, B, and C. Each category has 3-5 members. To hold a RAC meeting, a quorum of at least 3 members from each category must be present. Each RAC meets up to four times per year in a location and facility that is accessible to the public. Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or by other electronic means.

Membership Categories

Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:

• Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance;
• Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems;
• Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
• Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.

The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:

• Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration;
• Soil productivity improvement;
• Forest ecosystem health improvements;
• Watershed restoration and maintenance;
• Wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement;
• Noxious and exotic weeds control
• Native species re-establishment

At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds.

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.

By the year 2000, after decades of declining agency revenues, Congress passed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act to help stabilize the funds available to rural counties.

Counties typically receive 20% or less of Secure Rural Schools funds under Title II, which are used by willing Federal agencies, State and local governments, private and nonprofit entities, and landowners for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land and on non-Federal land where projects would benefit these resources on Federal land.