Do you enjoy national forests in Montana? Want to support your local community? We’d like to invite you to a unique opportunity to share in the management of your National Forests by serving on a local Resource Advisory Committee.
Several National Forests in Montana are now actively recruiting members to serve on local Resource Advisory Committees. Over $3 million in Secure Rural Schools funding has been announced for conservation projects in Montana. RAC members are needed to make collaborative recommendations to local National Forests on projects to fund.
What a Resource Advisory Committee is:
Volunteer members of Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) serve an important role in recommending how funds received by counties under the Secure Rural Schools Act will be spent in their area on projects that are on, or will benefit, nearby National Forest lands. Funds may be used for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, restore and improve land health, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality. RACs also review and make recommendations on recreation fee proposals submitted by the local National Forests.
By law, RACs must be comprised of a 15 member committee with balanced and broad representation of the public who have varied interests and life experience. Committee members must reside in Montana and be representative of the interests of the following three categories:
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Category A |
Category B |
Category C |
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§ Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups |
§ Nationally recognized environmental organizations |
§ State elected official or their designee |
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§ Developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; |
§ Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations |
§ County or local elected official |
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§ Energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests |
§ Dispersed recreational activities |
§ American Indian tribes within or adjacent to committee area |
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§ Commercial timber industry |
§ Archaeological and historical interests |
§ School officials or teachers |
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§ Federal grazing or other land use permittee or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners, within the area for which the RAC is organized |
§ Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations |
§ Represent the affected public at large. |
RAC Member Duties and Commitment:
- Review and make recommendations on proposed conservation projects and recreation fee proposals.
- Each member serves a four-year term.
- Participate in meetings an average of 1-3 times per year. Attendance may be in-person, by telephone, or other electronic means.
- There is no compensation for RAC service, but committee members may be reimbursed for certain travel expenses.
Being a RAC member is an excellent way to take an active role in the management of our National Forests for the benefit of our lands, neighbors and communities.
Interested? See the below listing to identify member vacancies you might be a good match for, and contact the corresponding RAC Coordinator to explore becoming a member of a Resource Advisory Committee.
