Resource Advisory Committees seeks new members

The posting reads: The Sanders and Mineral Resource Advisory Committees (RAC) are seeking new members. What in the world is RAC? What do they do and who do they answer to if anyone?

RACs are comprised of volunteer citizens that are nominated, and then they are federally appointed to review and recommend projects proposed for Title II funds (another lesson for another day). The committee members represent a cross-section of interests and expertise including outdoor recreation, wildlife, hunting, environmental organizations, forest industry, schools and local government.

Upon selection, committee members serve four-year terms. If you like to hunt, fish, hike, run, mountain bike, snowmobile, watch wildlife, pick huckleberries, ATV and motorcycle on logging roads, use a metal detector, basically anything outdoors and you have strong feelings for its future, you have the basic qualifications required.

Volunteer RAC committee members serve an important role in recommending how funds received by counties under the Secure Rural Schools Act will be spent on projects that are on National Forest lands and how the project will benefit them. In a nutshell, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act was enacted to provide transitional assistance to rural counties. Counties receive federal funds based on calculations including the percentage of land in federal ownership, funds generated through multi-use activities such as timber harvest, grazing and special use permits, and per capita income.

“This is a great opportunity for locals to have a direct impact in their community by helping to fund projects that benefit National Forest lands and the broader public,” said Abby Lane, Superior District Ranger. “We have several vacant positions on both committees that we are eager to fill.”

This actually is a big deal and an honor to be accepted. By law, Resource Advisory Committees must be comprised of 15 members with a balanced and broad representation in the communities they reside. You must reside in Montana and be representative of the interests from three diverse categories: Organized Labor; Environmental Groups, Recreation and History Interests; and Elected Officials, School Officials, Tribes, or other members of the Public-At-Large. This means that if you live here and are tired of talking or whining about it, they would like you to apply.

Here’s the skinny on being accepted as a RAC committee member:

• Review and make recommendations on proposed conservation projects and recreation fee proposals. • Each member serves a four-year term.

• Participate in meetings an average of 1-3 times per year. Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or other electronic means.

• There is no compensation for RAC service, but committee members may be reimbursed for certain travel expenses.

• SRS funds may be used for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, restore, and improve land health, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality. RACs also review and make recommendations on recreation fee proposals submitted by the local National Forests.

If you’re sold and ready to apply, pick up your packet at the Superior Ranger District, 209 West Riverside Avenue in Superior (406) 822-4233. If you are in Sanders County, contact the Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District, 408 Clayton, Plains. If you’re in Mineral County and on the fence with questions, please contact:

Abby Lane (406)361-1186 or abigail.lane@usda.gov . Also, Amy Erickson, Superior RAC Coordinator, 406-822-3930 or amy.l.erickson@usda.gov . For Sanders County, it’s David Wrobleski, Plains-Thompson Falls District Ranger (406) 826-4321 or david.wrobleski@usda.gov . And Heather Berman, Sanders RAC Coordinator (406) 210-5287 or heather.berman@usda.gov .