Apply to be a RAC Volunteer

How to Apply

To apply, fill out the RAC application below and send the completed application to:

Deschutes National Forest
​Attention: Alex Enna
63095 Deschutes Market Road
Bend, Oregon 97701

APPLY: FORM AD-755 - Application for RAC Vacancies

Due to the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) on applications, the most secure and preferred method for sending is through the mail. Applications sent to the Deschutes National Forest via email will not be accepted unless they are password protected or encrypted emails.

For more information, please contact Alex Enna at alexander.enna@usda.gov, or 541-410-1691.  

Contact Information

Please contact Alex Enna, if you are interested in applying to join the Deschutes-Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee.

Email: alexander.enna@usda.gov
Phone: 541-410-1691
Mail: Alex Enna
Deschutes National Forest
63095 Deschutes Market Road
Bend, Oregon 97701

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should serve on a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)?

The 15-member Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), which reviews projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The makeup of the advisory committee is diverse, with representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, forest-user groups, and public at large. 

Any individual who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation on or in communities around the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland is 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.

RAC members review proposed land management projects on or adjacent to national forest lands in Deschutes, Crook, Jefferson, Klamath and Wheeler Counties. They then make recommendations to the Forest Service in accordance with the Act on which projects should be funded.

How are committee members chosen?

Nominees will be evaluated based on their education, training and experience working within the interest area they represent. Consideration is also made for their knowledge of the geographic area covered by the RAC, demonstrated commitment to collaborative resource decision-making, and contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.

Committee members are nominated by the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and Crooked River National Grassland and must be approved by the Secretary of Agriculture. Members must reside within the State in which the RAC is located, and to the extent practicable within the RAC boundary.

What is the time commitment?

Members serve a four-year term without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Day-long meetings are generally held yearly at the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Counsel Offices in Bend.

Interest Groups 

The Deschutes-Ochoco Resource Advisory Committee has 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. 

Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories

Category A 3-5 persons that:	Category B 3-5 persons that represent:	Category C 3-5 persons that:
represent organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; represent developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; represent energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests; represent the commercial timber industry; or hold Federal grazing or other land use permits, or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners, within the area for which the committee is organized.	nationally recognized environmental organizations; regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.	hold State elected office (or a designee); hold county or local elected office; represent American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized; are school officials or teachers; or represent the affected public at large.

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.