Committees
Secure Rural Schools Act
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.
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.
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.
Proposals for new Title II funds are accepted from:
- Tribes
- Federal agencies
- State and local governments
- Private entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Landowners
When Title II funding is allocated, and the Hood-Willamette RAC is prepared to convene, a formal solicitation will be released to the public to request new funding proposals. The solicitation will include specific information on application materials, process for submission, and due dates. Please check back here for more information, or reach out to Eileen Kitayama, RAC Coordinator, at eileen.kitayama@usda.gov, 458-245-0170 to be added to a notification list for upcoming solicitations.
Project proposals are not being accepted at this time.
Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC
The Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is a group of 9-15 volunteers that provide advice and recommendations to the Willamette and Mt. Hood National Forests regarding 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, including representation from tribal and government agencies, industry, environmental groups, recreation groups, and local residents.
Any individual who cares about roads, recreation, natural resource restoration, and job creation on or in communities around the Willamette and Mt. Hood National Forests 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 especially encouraged to apply.
RAC members can have a direct impact on where and how millions of federal dollars are spent by providing funding recommendations on Title II funding proposals. 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 are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture for 4 year terms. The annual time commitment is minimal, typically with only two to three one-day meetings per year, for which travel expenses may be reimbursed.
The Hood-Willamette 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.
Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees Membership Categories
Category A 3-5 persons that represent: | Category B 3-5 persons that represent: | Category C 3-5 persons that represent: |
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The Hood-Willamette RAC is always accepting applications from prospective new members! Applications are accepted year-round, and those received outside a recruitment window will be stored and considered during future recruitment periods. To apply, contact Eileen Kitayama at eileen.kitayama@usda.gov for a RAC member application form. Fill out the form and drop the application off at the Supervisor's Interagency Office or mail the completed application to the mailing address listed below. Due to the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) on applications, the most secure and preferred method for sending is through the mail.
Thanks for your interest in serving on the Hood-Willamette Resource Advisory Committee!
Hood-Willamette RAC Meetings & Archive
- 2024 RAC Accomplishment Report & Approved Projects (FY21-23 Title II Funding)
- RAC Meeting Minutes: December 2, 2024
- RAC Meeting Minutes: November 7, 2024
- RAC Meeting Minutes (with appendices): December 12, 2022
- Call for Applications for new Hood-Willamette RAC Members: May 19, 2022
- 2021 RAC Accomplishment Report & Approved Projects (FY19 & 20 Title II Funding)
- RAC Meeting Minutes: July 7, 2021
- RAC Meeting Minutes: June 7 and 9, 2021
- 2020 RAC Accomplishment Report & Approved Projects (FY18 Title II Funding)
- RAC Meeting Minutes: February 11, 2020
- RAC Meeting Minutes: January 14, 2020
- RAC Meeting Minutes: June 7, 2018
- 2016 RAC Accomplishment Report & Approved Projects
- RAC Meeting Minutes: July 6, 2016
- RAC Meeting Minutes: May 4, 2016