Lassen National Forest officials are conducting public outreach to fill membership on the Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee. RACs are a provision of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 and re-authorized in December 2019.
The Lassen County RAC works closely with the Forest Service to review and recommend projects that benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintain roads, trails and infrastructure; or control noxious weeds.
RACs have 15 members who serve four-year appointments. Committee members are not paid positions; however, they may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses.
RAC members must reside within the State in which the committee has jurisdiction and, to the extent practicable, provide local representation in each category.
They represent a wide array of National Forest interests organized into three categories, specified in Section 205 (d)(2) of the Act:
(A) 5 persons that–(i) represent organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; (ii) represent developed outdoor recreation, off highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation activities; (iii) represent energy and mineral development interests; or commercial or recreational fishing interests; (iv) represent the commercial timber industry, or; (v) hold Federal grazing or other land use permits, or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners, within the area for which the committee is organized.
(B) 5 persons that represent–(i) nationally recognized environmental organizations; (ii) regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; (iii) dispersed recreational activities; (iv) archaeological and historical interests or; (v) nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations.
(C) 5 persons that–(i) hold State elected office (or a designee); (ii) hold county or local elected office; (iii) represent American Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the committee is organized; (iv) are school officials or teachers, or; (v) represent the affected public at large.
“We are seeking a diversity of members with various backgrounds and experience in the areas outlined in Categories A, B, and C to assist the forest in caring for the land,” said Deb Bumpus, Forest Supervisor, LNF. “This is an opportunity to serve and to advance projects that are initiated and inspired by the community.”
For further information or questions contact Mark Gaston, Public Affairs Officer at (530) 252-6604. Interested applicants can apply for Lassen County RAC membership by completing an interest form, and mailing it to Mark Gaston, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130. Download the interest form/application at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-755.
Committee members are not paid positions. Individuals may nominate themselves or others. Nominations and applications are due July 13th, 2020
