Advisory Committees

Citizens involvement is important to the work we do here on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest! There are a variety of ways the public can become involved. Resource advisory committees, with members from nearly every occupational and industry group and geographic location, have played an important role in accomplishing the Forest Service mission.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1967 governs the operation of resource advisory committees and emphasizes public involvement through open meetings and reporting.

 

Why Resource Advisory Committees?

The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act authorizes the use of resource advisory committees as a mechanism for local community collaboration with federal land managers in recommending Secure Rural Schools Title II projects on federal lands or that will benefit resources on federal lands.

Each resource advisory committee shall...

  • Review projects proposed under Secure Rural Schools Title II Program.
  • Provide early and continuous coordination with appropriate Forest Service officials in recommending projects consistent with the Secure Rural Schools Title II Program.
  • Provide frequent opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management agencies, and other interested parties to participate openly and meaningfully, beginning at the early stages of the project development process under Secure Rural Schools Title II Program.
  • Adopt by-laws or rules of operation that are consistent with applicable laws and agencies regulations, as deem advisable.
  • Monitor approved projects and advise the designated Federal Official on the progress of the monitoring efforts.
  • Make recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture for any appropriate changes or adjustments to the projects being monitored.

Different resource advisory committees exist for Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.

 

How are Resource Advisory Committees Comprised?

Each resource advisory committee consists of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to serve a four-year term and has a two-term limit. Committee members must reside within the state in which the resource advisory committee has jurisdiction and represent the interests of one of three categories (five members each). To the extent practicable, each of the three categories shall be composed of local representatives. Members of the committee serve without compensation.

 

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Resource Advisory Committees

Alpine Resource Advisory Committee

  • Alpine County in California
  • Designated Federal Officer, Matt Zumstein, Carson District Ranger

Nevada Resource Advisory Committee

  • White Pine, Nye, Lander, Eureka, Humboldt, Mineral, and Lyon Counties
  • Designated Federal Official, Jose Noriega, Ely District Ranger

 

Become a Resource Advisory Committee Member Today!

 To be considered for membership, nominees must:

  • Be a resident of the state in which the resource advisory committee has jurisdiction (California or Nevada).
  • Identify what interest group you would represent and how you are qualified to represent that interest group.
  • Contact the resource advisory committee's designated federal official to receive an application package.
    • Identify what interest group you would represent and how you are qualified to represent that interest group.
    • Provide a cover letter stating why you want to serve on the resource advisory committee and what they can contribute.
    • Provide a resume showing their past experience in working successfully as part of a group working on forest management activities.
    • Complete Form AD-755, Advisory Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information (https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf).
  • Send completed application or any questions to RAC Designated Federal Official.

Nominees are vetted, reviewed and appointed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Please note that this process can take several months.