Committees
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 Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee covers the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.
Committee Requirements
Council members serve a three-year term without compensation but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Meetings are generally held quarterly at locations within the geographic area the RAC serves. Members must reside within the State in which the RAC is located, and to the extent practicable, within the RAC boundary. Prospective members are advised that membership on a RAC calls for a substantial commitment of time and energy.
These committees are balanced and diverse with equal representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, and local people. Specifically, the composition of each RAC is balanced according to the following three interest categories identified in Public Law 106-393:
Five regular members who represent one or more of the following interests:
- Organized labor
- Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or
commercial recreation - Energy and mineral development
- Commercial timber industry
- Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area
Five regular members who represent one or more of the following interests:
- Nationally recognized environmental organizations
- Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations
- Dispersed recreation activities
- Archaeological and historical interests
- Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups
Five regular members who represent one or more of the following interests:
- State-elected office holders or their designee
- County or local elected office holders
- American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas
- School officials or teachers
- Citizens representing the affected public at large