Committees

El Yunque Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)

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El Yunque National Forest is in the process of establishing a Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The purposes of the RACs are to improve collaborative relationships among the people that use and care for the National Forests and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act. Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national charter, last filed May 19, 2026. The charter is valid for two years, through May 19, 2028.

In 2025, Puerto Rico local governments received $231,392 and El Yunque received $28,832 Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Title II payment that was available for projects. In 2024, Puerto Rico received $205,955 and El Yunque received $28,788 for projects.

Funding and administration for the El Yunque Resource Advisory Committee is provided under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self–Determination Act of 2000.

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act funds activities that benefit federal lands and resources in El Yunque’s Municipalities. The Title II funds are designed to make investments in public lands and create additional employment opportunities through projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. These projects are also designed to improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for public lands and the agencies that manage these lands. At least 50 percent of all funds must be used for projects primarily dedicated to restoring streams and watersheds, and road maintenance, decommissioning, or removal.

Individuals are encouraged to begin thinking about project proposals to submit once there is a full committee. It is the responsibility of the project proponent to coordinate with Forest Service staff and all other partners prior to submitting the proposal to ensure it is complete and meets the intent of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

RAC Information

A SRS RAC provides recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands reauthorized under the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Self-Determination Act in Public Law 115-141. Each RAC consists of 15 people representing varied interests and areas of expertise, who work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest personnel.