Committees
A Secure Rural Schools Resource Resource Advisory Committees (RAC ) provides recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Self-Determination Act in Public Law 110-343 (SRS).
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) reauthorized SRS payments for FY 2021, FY 2022 and FY 2023 (to be paid in FY 2022, FY 2023, and FY 2024, respectively).The IIJA increased the full funding amount used to calculate the formula payments under the SRS Act to the full funding amount for fiscal year 2017 ($282,043,153).The Forest Service Albuquerque Service Center is in the process of calculating the payments for FY21. We anticipate funds will be electronically transferred to states in spring 2022 after several budget steps are completed.
Projects may occur on NFS lands or adjacent lands that would provide a benefit or improved condition to NFS lands. The RAC makes recommendations on how to use the available funds. Funding for 2022 is approximately $216,000.
Project Proposals/Reports
Project proposals must be sent to Greyling Brandt, District Ranger of the Mio Ranger District. They can be mailed to: Mio Ranger District, RAC Project Proposal, c/o Greyling Brandt, 107 McKinley Rd. Mio, MI 48647.
You are invited to bring your unique perspective to a citizen advisory committee.
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking a diverse group of nominees to reflect and represent your respective community needs and values as part of the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. The 11 positions will serve 17 national forests and one tall grass prairie across the Northeast and Midwest. The committee will review recreation fee proposals for the forests/prairie in the Eastern Region and recommend fee changes.
Recreation is the portal through which people connect to their national forests. Thus, national forest recreation plays a key role in the social stability, environmental integrity, and economic vitality of these communities. Recreation fees help improve access to recreation sites and increase opportunities for enjoyment of public lands.
To be effective, we need a committee that is representative of the diversity of our nation. We will look to members to communicate emerging issues and share technical and professional knowledge. This will allow us to increase collaborative work across boundaries and borders to optimize recreation benefits for all.
Nomination Information
Potential nominees must represent the following forest-related interests:
- Category One: Five people who represent recreation users, one in each position: summer motorized, summer non-motorized, winter motorized, winter non-motorized, and hunting and fishing.
- Category Two: Three people who represent interest groups that include as appropriate: motorized outfitter and guides, non-motorized outfitter and guides, and local environmental groups.
- Category Three: Three people, one in each position: State tourism official, a person who represents affected local government interests, and a person who represents affected Tribal Nations’ issues.
Applicants will be recommended to the Regional Forester for a two to three-year term appointment based on the following criteria:
- How the person is qualified to represent one or more of the interests listed above.
- Experience working with underserved populations including people of color.
- Why the person wants to serve on the committee and what they can contribute.
- Past experience in successfully working in a group setting.
Nominees’ demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities will be considered in membership selections.  United States Department of Agriculture policies regarding equal opportunity will be followed.
Travel Costs
The Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee members will receive travel and per diem expenses for regularly scheduled meetings, however, they will not receive compensation. Meetings may be in-person, virtual, or a combination of the two. The jurisdiction of the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee covers the National Forests/National Tallgrass Prairie in: Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Have questions or need assistance? Contact Krystal Fleeger at sm.fs.r9_rrac@usda.gov.