The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is seeking to fill vacancies on two federal Resource Advisory Committees. The committees are created as a provision of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. RACs are responsible for reviewing and recommending projects for implementation under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act.
By law, the 15-member committee is composed of a broad constituency of national forest interests. Each member serves a four-year term. The Forest Service seeks a broad range of interests to participate. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest RACs include those representing education interests, recreation, environmental organizations, elected officials and the public at large. Replacement members are also needed, in case a committee member steps down or is removed.
“RACs are a great way for interested community members to engage in a public lands dialogue and recommend resource projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act,” Gina Owens, Gifford Pinchot National Forest supervisor, said in a press release.
Recommended projects must have broad community-based support with objectives that improve aspects such as forest infrastructure, watersheds, hazardous fuels reduction, native plants and animals aimed at improving forest health. All projects must be on national forest lands or directly benefit national forest resources.
To become a member of the North Gifford Pinchot and/or the South Gifford Pinchot RAC, contact Gala Miller at (360) 891-5014 or galamiler@fs.fed.us. Applicants must complete the Advisory Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information Form and return it to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest no later than Dec. 11. More information is available online at: www.fs.usda.gov/main/giffordpinchot/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
