Committees
Secure Rural Schools Act and Resource Advisory Committees Information
For more information on the RAC process and program contact Todd Tisler: 218.335.8629 or todd.tisler@usda.gov
Meeting Notes:
Beltrami, Cass and Itasca Counties have each elected to invest 15% of their annual payments towards Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act. The Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. The 15 member Chippewa National Forest RAC will convene in 2021 to recommend use of these funds.
- Over the four year life of the Act, the national forest RAC will have nearly $900,000 to recommend towards projects within the Chippewa National Forest boundary. Title II special projects must be consistent with the Chippewa National Forest Plan.
- In October 2008 the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, and Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008 (P. L. 110-343) reauthorized the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act for four years, ending by 2012.
- Title I of Public Law 110-343 provides a secure payment for State and counties containing federal land. Title II allows implementation of special projects on federal land via a Resource Advisory Committee.
- Resource Advisory Committees provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands. Secure Rural Schools RACs are formed and operate in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. RAC members work collaboratively to improve working relationships among community members and national forest personnel
- A Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) as authorized, consists of 15 people representing specific areas of expertise. RAC members serve 4 year terms in a non-paid position, meeting two to six times per year. Members must live in the state, and possess an interest in the geographic area covered by the RAC.
- A representative of a Tribe, State and County are expected members of the RAC. Government to government consultation is also allowed in recommending membership to the RAC. The Forest Supervisor is the Designated Federal Official.
- The pubic may submit project proposals for the RAC to consider.