Committees
Alabama Resource Advisory Committee (RAC)
The Alabama Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) supports counties and communities that include national forest lands across our state. It was established under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self‑Determination Act of 2000. Congress created the Act to ensure states continue receiving federal revenue tied to their national forest lands.
The Alabama RAC works directly with county leaders, natural resource professionals, and local community members to recommend projects that improve our national forests and benefit nearby communities. Counties may choose to direct a portion of their Secure Rural Schools payments to Title II projects, which fund on‑the‑ground improvements such as forest health work, road and trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and public safety enhancements.
Alabama RAC Meetings
Meeting September 21, 2023
Meeting January 11, 2023
Meeting August 10, 2021
Title II Project Proposal Process
Title II special projects must occur on national forests or directly benefit national forest resources. They are designed to support collaborative relationships and are reviewed and recommended by a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) before final approval by the Forest Supervisor.
Propose a Project
Projects may be considered for Title II funding if they provide additional investments and create employment opportunities through:
• Improving existing infrastructure maintenance
• Implementing stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems
• Restoring and improving land health and water quality
All projects must comply with applicable federal laws and regulations. They must also be consistent with the relevant resource management plan and with any watershed or other plans developed under that management plan.
The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and 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
• Control of noxious and exotic weeds
• Re‑establishment of native species
At least 50 percent of all project funds must be used for projects primarily focused on road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration, or on the restoration of streams and watersheds.
Planning and implementing these projects should help strengthen cooperative relationships between the people who use and care for federal lands and the agencies that manage them.
Who Can Apply
- Federal agencies
- State and local governments
- Private entities
- Nonprofit entities
- Landowners
Applicants should consult with the local District Ranger before submitting a proposal. All projects must be reviewed and recommended by the local Resource Advisory Committee and approved by the committee’s Designated Federal Officer (DFO).
Secure Rural Schools
County Payments and Project Deadlines
- Title II Special Project Deadlines
- Payments