Members of the Manti-La Sal National Forest Research Committee

The Safe Rural Schools (RAC) Resource Advisory Committee is open for applications

Forest Service press release

The Manti-La Sal National Forest is seeking candidates for its Advisory Committee on Safe Rural Schools (RAC) Resources. CCR members make recommendations to the forestry supervisor on the development and implementation of special projects on federal lands. Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2021.

The forestry supervisor is responsible for reviewing the committee’s recommendations in the context of the forest land management plan and the laws and regulations that govern the activities of the Forest Service and approving the project as appropriate. The projects are funded under Title II of the Rural School Safety and Community Self-Determination Act 2000 (Public Act 106-393).

“We are excited to be rebuilding this Resource Advisory Board,” said Ryan Nehl, Manti-La Sal Forest Supervisor. “This is a great opportunity to direct secure funding for rural schools towards much needed improvements to public lands in our local counties. “

Currently, the forest is looking for candidates in several specific categories:

• People who represent trade union groups or groups of harvesters of non-timber forest products;
• Individuals who hold federal grazing or other land use permits, or represent owners of private, non-industrial forest land;
• People who represent nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations;
• People who represent Native American tribes in or near the area for which the committee is organized;
• People who are school officials or teachers.

Nominees can be submitted by tribal governments, county governments, or non-governmental organizations. In addition, persons who represent the interests specified in the law can introduce themselves. The best candidates will have varying interests and areas of expertise and should be willing to work collaboratively with community members and national forest staff.

Once applicants have been identified, their names and basic data are submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Liaison Office at the White House for review. The review process includes a background check to determine if any of the candidates have a conflict of interest that would prevent them from serving on the RAC due to criminal or ethical violations.

Applicants must reside in the state of Utah and, where possible, provide local representation in each category listed in the legislation. The tasks of the committee include:

• Review projects proposed by participating counties, tribal governments, organizations and individuals;
• Make recommendations to the forestry supervisor acting for the Secretary of Agriculture on projects and financing;
• Provide frequent opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management agencies and other interested parties to participate;
• Monitor projects that have been approved by the forestry supervisor and inform the designated federal official on the progress of monitoring.

The times and places of meetings are not prescribed by law, and the committee may establish appropriate procedures for proposing projects. The CCR will meet as often as necessary to accomplish its tasks, generally one to four times a year.

If you represent one of the categories listed and would like to apply for a position at RAC, please contact Samantha Stoffregen, Public Affairs Manager, at [email protected], or Andrew Orlemann, Public Services Personnel Manager, at george . [email protected].