Committees

Secure Rural Schools Act and Resource Advisory Committees Information

For more information on the RAC process and program contact Todd Tisler: 218.335.8629 or todd.tisler@usda.gov
 

RAC Completes Secure Rural Schools Act Funding Recommendations

The Chippewa Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met on February 28, 2024, and completed the Secure Rurals Schools Act (SRS) project review. A total of thirteen projects were reviewed by the committee for funding. After over three hours of project discussion, the RAC recommended all thirteen projects for various levels of funding, totaling $373,341. Those approved projects were forwarded to and approved by Forest Supervisor Michael Stansberry.

Partners including the Itasca and Cass counties, Northern Lights Trails Coalition, Wilderness Riders ATV Club, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources were all successful securing SRS and stewardship funding. The funded projects will improve campgrounds, boat access sites, and trails; reduce lakeshore erosion; restore pollinator habitat; reduce non-native aquatic invasives and improve access within the Chippewa National Forest

MEETINGS: 

The Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting according to the details below. The Committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the Committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with title II of the Act on the Chippewa National Forest within Beltrami, Cass, and Itasca counties.

DATES:

• An in-person and virtual meeting was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6–9 p.m., central standard time (CST).
• Federal Register Meeting notice:  Federal Register :: Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee

An in-person and virtual meeting was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 6–9 p.m., central standard time (CST). 

Federal Register Meeting notice:  Federal Register :: Chippewa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee

Meeting Notes:

• February 28, 2024
• January 11, 2022

Beltrami, Cass and Itasca Counties have each elected to invest 15% of their annual payments towards Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act. The Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The 15 member Chippewa National Forest RAC will convene in 2021 to recommend use of these funds.

• Over the four year life of the Act, the national forest RAC will have nearly $900,000 to recommend towards projects within the Chippewa National Forest boundary. Title II special projects must be consistent with the Chippewa National Forest Plan.
• In October 2008 the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, and Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (P. L. 110-343) reauthorized the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act for four years, ending by 2012.
• Title I of Public Law 110-343 provides a secure payment for State and counties containing federal land. Title II allows implementation of special projects on federal land via a Resource Advisory Committee.
• Resource Advisory Committees  provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands. Secure Rural Schools RACs are formed and operate in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.  RAC members work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest personnel
• A Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) as authorized, consists of 15 people representing specific areas of expertise. RAC members serve 4 year terms in a non-paid position, meeting two to six times per year.  Members must live in the state, and possess an interest in the geographic area covered by the RAC.
• A representative of a Tribe, State and County are expected members of the RAC. Government to government consultation is also allowed in recommending membership to the RAC. The Forest Supervisor is the Designated Federal Official.
• The pubic may submit project proposals for the RAC to consider.