Forest Service seeks resource advisory committee members
COEUR D’ALENE – The Idaho Panhandle National Forests is seeking Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) applicants to fill three vacancies on the Idaho Panhandle RAC. As reauthorized under the Secure Rural Schools Act and Community Self-Determination Act in Public Law 115-141, RAC members participate in collaborative decision making and recommend distribution of Title II funding for projects to improve forest health, watersheds, roads and facilities on or adjacent to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
Applicants must be a resident of Idaho and should reside within Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah or Latah County to the extent practicable. RAC committee members will be officially appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for a term of four years. RAC committees are to be balanced and diverse with equal representation from industry, environmental groups, recreation groups, elected officials, and local residents. The committee typically has several full-day meetings each year.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience working in the interest group they represent, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision-making, and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC. One vacancy will be filled for each category A, B or C in either of the interest areas shown below:
Category A
- Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups
- Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities
Category B
- Nationally recognized environmental organizations
- Archaeological and historical interests
Category C
- State-elected office holder (or a designee)
- American Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized
The Idaho Panhandle RAC improves collaborative relationships, works across a wide variety of interests to successfully propose projects and associated funding for improvements that benefit the residents of north Idaho, as well as those who come to visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Past projects include funding noxious weed control, road maintenance, trail construction and improvement, and the restoration of fish passages to restore native species.
If you are interested in serving on the Idaho Panhandle RAC, please visit the Idaho Panhandle National Forest website or contact Shoshana Cooper, Idaho Panhandle RAC Coordinator, at (208) 765-7211 or smcooper@fs.fed.us. Applications are due June 14, 2018.