Forest Service seeking nominations for San Juan Resource Advisory Committee

Posted

By Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Special to The SUN

The U.S. Forest Service is seeking to fill openings on the San Juan Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The Secure Rural Schools Act authorizes the use of RACs as a mechanism for local community collaboration with federal land managers in recommending Title II projects on federal lands or that will benefit resources on federal lands. The RAC supports the San Juan National Forest and participating counties in reviewing and recommending projects submitted for funding under Title II provisions of the Secure Rural Schools Act. The RAC consists of 15 members representing a wide range of interests:

Category One

  • Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups.
  • Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle, commercial recreation.
  • Energy and mineral development.
  • Commercial or recreational fishing.
  • Commercial timber industry.
  • Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area.

Category Two:

  • Nationally recognized environmental organizations.
  • Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations.
  • Dispersed recreation.
  • Archaeological and historical interests.
  • Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups, wildlife or hunting organizations or watershed associations.

Category Three:

  • State-elected office holders.
  • County or local elected officials.
  • American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas.
  • School officials or teachers.
  • Citizens representing the affected public at large.

Citizens interested in applying for RAC membership are encouraged to fill out a RAC Recruit Form and an Advisory Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information form (AD-755). Both documents are available online at https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools.nsf/Web_Documents/9F0710BEAFA405E888256CDE007487A9?OpenDocument.

Completed and signed hard copies of the applications should be submitted no later than Aug. 29 to Ann Bond, RAC Coordinator, San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301. The secretary of agriculture will make appointments based on applications received, striving to appoint a diverse membership. Special attention will be given to those who have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with others of different viewpoints. RAC members serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Additional information on Title II and the Secure Rural Schools Act is also available at the above website. For more information on the application process, please contact Ann Bond at 385-1219 or abond@fs.fed.us.