Committees

Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)

Mt. Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) members work collaboratively with Mt. Hood National Forest, Willamette National Forest, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and partners to improve conditions via projects that provide local jobs, restore landscapes, enhance recreation, combat invasive species and engage youth.

The Resource Advisory Committee is chartered under the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self Determination Act. The RAC consists of 15 members who represent a variety of interest groups who work together to review and recommend approval of forest improvement projects to the Forest Supervisors of the two forests. Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II funds are appropriated by the U.S. Congress and sent to Counties in lieu of the former 25% of payments from timber harvest to Counties (basically to make up for the loss of property tax in counties that have a lot of federal land). Counties can elect to put some or all of their payments into the Title II fund.

For current information visit the Mt. Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee webpage.

Background - Secure Rural Schools Act

On October 3, 2008 a new law was enacted, amending the original Secure Rural Schools Act with some significant changes. To learn more, check out the Forest Service's implementation of the new Secure Rural Schools Act. This will include information on the following:

• Overview of the program
• Map of RAC Area
• Charter
• Members & Contacts
• Meeting Information & Minutes
• Projects