Lincoln Resource Committee seeks forest enhancement proposals
Kootenai National Forest
The Lincoln Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is seeking proposals for projects that would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality on the Kootenai National Forest.
Funding available for RAC projects this year is $468,546.83. These funds are made available to Lincoln County through the Secure Rural Schools and Self-determination Act.
The Secure Rural Schools and Self-determination Act provides funding for a variety of activities that benefit federal lands and resources. Title II projects fund work such as watershed restoration, noxious weed abatement, thinning trees, fuels reduction, enhancing recreation sites, and maintaining roads and trails.
Individuals, non-profit organizations and local governments can submit Title II project applications.
Proposal ideas should be directed to each district ranger where the project proposal resides. All project proposals need to be approved by the district ranger before they are submitted.
New project application forms are available at
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd882623.pdf.
The deadline for project proposal submission is Sept. 2. No late projects or
modifications to submitted projects will be accepted after the Sept. 2 date.
The contact information for each ranger district is below:
Rexford/Fortine Ranger District
Seth Carbonari
seth.carbonari@usda.gov
949 U.S. 93 North
Eureka, MT 59917-9550
406-296-2536
Three Rivers Ranger District
Kirsten Kaiser
kirsten.a.kaiser@usda.gov
12858 U.S. 2
Troy, MT 59935-8750
406-295-4693
Libby Ranger District
Nate Gassmann
nathan.gassmann@usda.gov
12557 Montana 37
Libby, MT 59923-8212
406-293-7773
The next Lincoln RAC meeting is tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28. The meeting will be held at the Supervisor’s Office. A virtual link will be provided for the public.
In addition to seeking project proposals, the Kootenai National Forest is also seeking members to serve on the Lincoln RAC. The RACs are to consist of 15 members representing a wide array of interests.
The committee's duties include reviewing proposed forest management projects in accordance with Title II of the Act and making funding recommendations to the Forest Service, coordinating with land management agency officials, and providing opportunities for interested parties to participate in the project development process.
Committee members are sought to work collaboratively with other interests for the long-term benefit of National Forest System lands. Applications are now being accepted to become a member for the October 2022 meeting. Applications need to be submitted by July 31.
The RACs create mechanisms for local community collaboration with federal land managers in recommending projects to be conducted on federal lands or that will benefit resources on federal lands.
The geographic boundaries of the RACs in northwest Montana are proposed to be aligned with county boundaries. The boundary of this RAC would cover Lincoln County.
Committee members serve a four-year term without compensation, but may be
reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Meetings are generally held quarterly at locations within the geographic area the RAC serves. Members must reside within the State in which the RAC is located and preferably within the RAC geographic boundary.
Prospective members are advised that membership on a RAC calls for a commitment of time and energy.
Specifically, the composition of the RAC is to be balanced according to the following three interest categories identified in the Act.
Group A
Organized labor
Developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation
Energy and mineral development
Commercial timber industry
Federal grazing permit holders or land use permit holders within the RAC area
Group B
Nationally recognized environmental organizations
Regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations
Dispersed recreation activities
Archaeological and historical interests
Nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups
Group C
State-elected office holders or their designee
County or local elected office holders
American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas
School officials or teachers
Citizens representing the affected public at large
The application process involves completing the federal form AD-755 which is available at the following link https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-755.pdf or can be picked up at Kootenai National Forest Supervisor's Office.
Send completed application packets by to Lincoln RAC coordinator LaRona Rebo at larona.rebo@usda.gov or by mail to: LaRona Rebo, Kootenai National Forest, 31374 U.S. 2 West, Libby, MT 59923.
Nominees will be evaluated based on their education, training and experience working with the interest area they represent, their knowledge of the geographic area covered by the RAC, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative resource decision-making, and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.
Equal opportunity practices, in line with USDA policies, will be followed in all membership appointments to the committee. To ensure that the recommendations of the committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by the Department, membership will include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women and persons with disabilities.
For more information on the Committee or to learn more about the RAC, please contact RAC coordinator Larona Rebo at 406-283-7764 or larona.rebo@usda.gov.