ELKINS W.Va. (WVDN) – Monongahela National Forest is recruiting people who are interested in serving on the West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). West Virginia RAC members recommend how the Forest Service should award Title II funds from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. To receive the greatest consideration, submit your applications by June 30.
Fifteen members are needed to fill specific committee positions. Committee members serve four-year terms and are selected by the Secretary of Agriculture. The committee generally meets up to four times a year, every other year. There is no compensation for RAC service, but committee members may be reimbursed for certain travel expenses.
“In my time on the forest, I’ve spoken with so many West Virginians who care very deeply about how the Monongahela National Forest is managed,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Tracy Calizon. “Becoming a RAC member is an excellent way to take an active role in that management.”
Members of the RAC must reside in the State of West Virginia and must represent one of the following interests as described in the Secure Rural School Act:
Category A – Five persons who represent: (1) Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; (2) Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; (3) Energy and mineral development, or commercial or recreational fishing interests; (4) Commercial timber industry; or (5) Hold Federal grazing permits or other land use permits or represent non-industrial private forest landowners.
Category B – Five persons who represent: (1) Nationally recognized environmental organizations; (2) Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; (3) Dispersed recreational activities; (4) Archaeological and historical interests; or (5) Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.
Category C – Five persons who (1) Hold State elected office or their designee; (2) Hold County or local elected official; (3) Represent American Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized; (4) School officials or teachers; or (5) Represent the affected public-at-large.
Once members are selected, the Committee will review project proposals submitted by local communities, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and Forest Service staff. The Committee then collaborates with Forest Service managers in developing and recommending projects that benefit national forest resources. Past Title II projects have included recreation site and trail improvements, wildlife habitat improvement, new interpretive signs, and noxious weed treatments. The Forest will seek 2024 Title II project proposals later this year.
Any West Virginia resident interested in serving on the committee must complete an interest sheet and background form that will be used for a required background check. More information and application forms can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
For more information about the West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee, please contact Kris Hennig at kristopher.hennig@usda.gov, (304) 635-4475, or Robert West at robert.west2@usda.gov, (304) 635-4485.
