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Committees

 

Who should serve on the Florida National Forests Secure Rural Schools RAC?

A Florida resident who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation in the communities local to the Florida National Forests are invited to apply and join our Resource Advisory Committee. Expertise in roads, recreation, resources and forestry is not required for RAC. A commitment to attend RAC meetings and be an engaged participant in the project review process is essential and apprecaited. Any Florida resident may apply to serve on the RAC. Individuals representing minority, disability, military veteran, urban, or disadvantaged communities are encouraged to apply.

 

Why serve on a RAC?

RAC members can have a direct impact on where and how millions of federal dollars are spent by providing funding recommendations on Title II funding proposals. These dollars improve community infrastructure, create local jobs, enhance tourism opportunities, and restore ecosystems, on and off federal land. RAC members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve a four (4) year term. The average annual time commitment is minimal, typically involving only one meeting annually (for which travel expenses may be reimbursed). 


Interest Groups

The Florida National Forests RAC has 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 5 members. To hold a RAC meeting, at least three (3) members from each category must be present. 

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories

  Category A

  Five (5) persons who:

 Category B

 Five (5) persons representing:

 Category C

 Five (5) persons who:

  • represent organized labor;
  • represent developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities;
  • represent energy and mineral development interests;
  • represent the commercial timber industry; or
  • hold Federal grazing permits or other land use permits within the area for which the committee is organized.
  • nationally recognized environmental organizations;
  • regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations;
  • dispersed recreational activities;
  • archaeological and historical interests; or
  • nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups.
  • hold state elected office or their designee;
  • hold county or local elected office;
  • represent American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized;
  • are school officials or teachers; or
  • represent the affected public at large.

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national Charter, last filed October 15, 2021. The charter is valid for two years, through October 15, 2023.


How to Apply

The Florida National Forests RAC is always accepting applications from prospective new Members! Applications are accepted year round, and those received outside a recruitment window will be stored and considered during future recruitment periods. To apply, please fill out this application (Form AD-755 - Application for RAC Vacancies (.pdf) and hand deliver or mail** it to:

Florida National Forests​
Attn: Matthew Chopp
325 John Knox Road, Suite F-210
Tallahassee, FL 32323

**Due to the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) on applications, the most secure and preferred method for sending is via hand delivery or postal service. 

 

Contact Information

Got Questions?... Interested in applying to join the RAC, but need more information about the process? Please contact the Florida National Forests Partnership Coordinator, Matthew Chopp: matthew.chopp@usda.gov or (386) 406-2976

Last updated June 30th, 2025

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