The recent reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act means Lassen County will receive federal funding in support of local schools, roads, and for other purposes. The Act, commonly known as Payments to States, was reauthorized and signed into law on April 16th, 2015.
The Lassen National Forest is looking to get the Lassen County Resource Advisory Committee up and running to make decisions on how the funds are to be spent. Before the RAC can get back to work, it must be fully staffed.
Newly appointed Forest Public Affairs Officer Joyce El Kouarti is calling for new RAC members to fill a number of vacant seats on the 15-member committee that represents national forest and community interests. Organized into three categories, each consists of five persons representing a range of interests.
“We are looking for Lassen County stakeholders who represent a variety of interests and who use Lassen National Forest in many different ways,” said El Kouarti.
She said the RAC is particularly in need of those who:
- Represent organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups
- Represent energy and mineral development OR a commercial or recreational fishing group
- Represent the commercial timber industry
- Are federal grazing permit or other land use permit holders
- Serve on nationally or regionally recognized wildlife or hunting organizations
- Represent archaeology and history interests
- Represent nationally or regionally wild horse and burro interests OR a wildlife or hunting organization OR a watershed organization
- Hold state-elected office
- Hold county or locally-elected office
- Represent American Indian tribes
- Serve as an area school official or teacher
RAC funds are designated for use on national forest lands, but may also be used on lands adjacent to the national forest as long as the projects show strong benefits to the adjoining national forest and resources.
Examples of past projects include environmental education programs, such as the Lassen Land and Trails Trust’s partnership with local schools and summer camp; water quality monitoring activities; invasive weed eradication; and recreation and trails projects.
For more information, contact El Kouarti at 530-252-6604 or [email protected].