Advisory Committees

In 2000, Congress signed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 106- 393), also known as Payments to Counties, to provide support for counties that have historically depended on income from federal timber programs.

The national forest works with a resource advisory committee to select projects available for funding under Title II of the act. These projects may be proposed by individuals, non-profit organizations, local governments, or others and must restore watersheds, decommission or maintain roads, control noxious weeds, or otherwise improve the condition of the Forest. Proposed projects need not be implemented on Forest Service lands, but must show benefit to national forest resources.

In 2015, Congress passed a two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Act. The Mt Hood and Willamette National Forests and Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are working with the public, communities, and partners to identify projects to receive funding under Title II of the act.

• Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee

  

  Information about the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC), a joint effort between the Mt. Hood National Forest, the Willamette National Forest, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, including funded projects and the application process.

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• Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council

  

  ***The Opal Creek Advisory Council is currently in inactive status.*** The 13 member Opal Creek Advisory Council serves as a consultant on matters relating to the management of the 13,408-acre Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area which was established in 1998.

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• Recreation Resource Advisory Committee

  

  The Forest Service is seeking nominations to fill 11 positions on the Pacific Northwest Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee.

  Learn more & engage