WILLOWS >> Mendocino National Forest officials are conducting public outreach to fill committee member seats and accept project proposals for several Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) RAC boards within Glenn, Colusa, Tehama, Mendocino and Lake counties.
RACs were established as a provision of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. By law the four-year term, 15-member committee is composed of a wide representation of national forest interests organized into three categories. An additional member is also appointed as a replacement should a committee member leave for any reason.
“RACs are extremely beneficial to both the Forest and local communities. They allow for public engagement and approval on resource projects that benefit public lands,” said forest supervisor Ann Carlson.
Applicants must complete a cover letter, interest form and an FBI background check form prior to being considered for the committee. An interest form is available on the Mendocino National Forest website at: www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino. From the main page, click “Working Together” on the left side bar, then Advisory Committees.
To apply for Glenn, Colusa or Tehama County RACs, address correspondence to Zach Rich or Randy Jero, 825 North Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988 or call (530) 934-3316 for more information. Applications must be received on or before March 7.
To apply for Mendocino or Lake County RACs, address your correspondence to Debbie McIntosh, RAC Coordinator, 10025 Elk Mountain Road, Upper Lake, CA 95485 or call (707) 275-1407 for more information. Applications must be received on or before March 15.
RAC projects must have broad community-based support with objectives that may include, but are not limited to, road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvements; improvements in forest ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat; control of noxious and exotic weeds; hazardous fuels reduction; and reintroduction of native species. Projects must be on public land but can occur on private land if it can be demonstrated that there is a benefit to public land resources.
Proposals currently being accepted for:
• Glenn County RAC — $79,998 available. Submit project proposals to Rich no later than March 7,
• Colusa County RAC — $32,418 available. Submit project proposals to Rich no later than March 7,
• Tehama County RAC — $200,046 available. Submit project proposals to Jero no later than March 7,
• Mendocino and Lake County RAC. Submit project proposals to McIntosh — call (707) 275-1407 for more information.
Project proponents are encouraged to present their proposals at upcoming RAC meetings.
The first Glenn and Colusa County RAC meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 825 N. Humboldt Ave., Willows, CA 95988.
Tehama County RAC meeting is tentatively scheduled for March 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Tehama County Farm Bureau Office, 275 Sale Lane, Red Bluff, CA 96080.
For additional information about the SRS legislation, including Titles I, II and III, visit its website at www.fs.fed.us/srs. For further information or questions contact each RAC coordinator directly.
