Committees
Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)
Title II of the Secure Rural School Act (SRS Act) provides funding, allocated by county, for the protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land and on non-federal land where a project directly impacts resources on Federal land.
The Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is a group of 15 volunteers who provide advice and recommendations to the Olympic National Forest regarding the allocation of Title II funds, fee proposals, and greater project work across the Forest.
The committee's role is to improve collaborative relationships among community members and land managers that use and care for the National Forests, as well as provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act (SRS Act).
Advisory committee members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and interests with equal representation from local tribal and government agencies, industry, environmental groups, recreation groups, and residents.
Apply to be a RAC Member!
Who should serve on a RAC?
Any individual who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation on or in communities around the Olympic National Forest would be a great RAC member. Expertise in these areas is not required. A commitment to attend RAC meetings and be an engaged participant in the project review process is essential. Anyone may apply to serve on the RAC and individuals representing minority, disability, veteran, urban, or low income communities are encouraged to apply.
Why serve on a RAC?
RAC members can have a direct impact on where and how hundreds of thousands of federal dollars are spent. These dollars improve local infrastructure, create local jobs, enhance tourism opportunities, and restore ecosystems both in their communities and on and off federal land. The time commitment is minimal, typically with only one to two one-day meetings per year, in which travel expenses may be reimbursed.
Interest Groups
The Olympic Peninsula RAC has 9-15 members representing various interests and areas of expertise. Interest groups are established by the National Charter and are divided into three categories- A, B, and C. Each category has 3-5 members. To hold a RAC meeting, at least 3 members from each category need to be present.
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Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees operate under a national Charter, last filed October 15, 2021. The charter is valid for two years, through October 15, 2023.
Contact Information
Please contact Jennifer Garcia-Santiago at jennifer.garciasantiago@usda.gov, if you are interested in applying to join the Olympic Peninsula RAC.
How to submit a Project Proposal
Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
- Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance.​
- Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems.
- Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
- Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.
- Projects must be consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan.
The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:
- road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration.
- soil productivity improvement.
- forest ecosystem health improvements.
- watershed restoration and maintenance.
- wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement.
- noxious and exotic weeds control
- native species re-establishment
At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds.
Who Can Apply
- Federal agencies
- State and local governments
- Private entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Landowners
Applicants should consult with Olympic National Forest staff prior to proposal submission.
The Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee Title II Project Submission Form.
A Microsoft Word version is available by emailing the RAC Coordinator.
Please submit completed forms electronically to Jennifer Garcia-Santiago at jennifer.garciasantiago@usda.gov.
or
Mail paper copies to:
Attention: Title II/RAC Coordinator
Olympic National Forest
1835 Black Lake Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
The Olympic Peninsula RAC meets annually to discuss project applications and hear presentations from project sponsors so they can make informed recommendations for funding projects proposed under Title II of the SRS Act.
Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
- Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance,
- Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems; and
- Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
Fifty percent of Title II funds are reserved for road and trail maintenance and stream and watershed restoration.
Title II projects are treated the same as projects funded by appropriated dollars. The Forest Service is responsible for complying with National Environmental Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and all other applicable law and regulations for these projects. Like other projects on National Forest Service lands, Title II projects are subject to administrative appeal and judicial review.
Past approved projects on the Olympic National Forest have involved road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration, soil productivity improvement, improvements in forest ecosystem health, watershed restoration and maintenance, restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat, control of noxious and exotic weeds, and the reestablishment of native species.
Meeting Archives
On November 25, 2024 the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met in Olympia, WA and virtually to review Fiscal Year 23 Title II project proposals and make recommendations for the expenditure of funds resulting from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.
On September 18, 2023, the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) met in Port Angeles, WA and virtually to review Fiscal Year 20, 21, and 22 Title II project proposals and make recommendations for the expenditure of funds resulting from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.