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Advisory Committees

Resource Advisory Committee Charter

Secure Rural Schols Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national charter, last filed December 19, 2023 . The charter is valid for two years, through December 19, 2025.

The role of Resource Advisory Committees includes:

  • review projects proposed under Title II by participating counties and other persons;​​​​​

  • propose projects and funding through the Designated Federal Official (DFO);

  • provide early and continuous coordination with the DFO in recommending title II projects;

  • provide frequent opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management agencies, and other interested parties to participate openly and meaningfully, beginning at the early stages of developing Title II projects;

  • monitor implementation of approved Title II projects and advise the DFO on the progress of the monitoring;

  • make recommendations to the DFO for any appropriate changes or adjustments to the projects being monitored by the resource advisory committee.

Committee Membership

Each local Resource Advisory Committee has nine to 15 representatives of varied interests and areas of expertise. They work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest employees. Each RAC meets up to four times per year in a location and facility that is accessible to the public. Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or other electronic means.

Members are required to live within the state(s) in which the committee has jurisdiction. To the extent practicable, the members also represent municipalities covered by the committee. Members are appointed to four-year terms and may be reappointed for additional terms. Members serve without compensation, but may be allowed travel expenses and per diem for attendance at committee meetings.

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories

Category A

3-5 persons that:

Category B

3-5 persons that represent:

Category C

3-5 persons that:

  • represent organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups;

  • represent developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities;

  • represent energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests;

  • represent the commercial timber industry; or

  • hold Federal grazing or other land use permits, or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners, 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, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.

  • hold State elected office (or a 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.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Locate your local Regional Coordinator

  2. Complete form AD-755 Background Check

  3. Attach a current resume

  4. Submit completed the Background Check form and resume to the coordinator

Nominees are vetted, reviewed and appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please note that this process can take several months.

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees are formed and operate in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act and USDA committee management regulations.

Propose a Project

Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:

  • Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance;

  • Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems;

  • Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.

  • Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.

  • Projects must be consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan.

The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:

  • road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration;

  • soil productivity improvement;

  • forest ecosystem health improvements;

  • watershed restoration and maintenance;

  • wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement;

  • noxious and exotic weeds control

  • native species re-establishment

At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds.

Planning and implementing the projects should help improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for Federal land and the agencies that manage the Federal land.

Who Can Apply

  • Federal agencies

  • State and local governments

  • Private entities

  • Nonprofit entities

  • Landowners

Applicants should consult with the local District Ranger prior to proposal submission. Projects must be reviewed and recommended by the local Resource Advisory Committee and approved by the Designated Federal Officer for that committee.

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools/title-2