Members sought for Forest Service resource advisory committees

IRONWOOD — Officials of the Ottawa National Forest are conducting outreach to fill positions on two federal resource advisory committees.

“I am very pleased Gogebic and Ontonagon counties have elected to continue with their RACs,” said Tony Scardina, Ottawa National Forest supervisor.

“RACs are a great way for interested community members to engage in a public lands dialogue and recommend resource projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act.”

RACs are responsible for reviewing and recommending projects for implementation under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act.

By law, the four-year term, 15-member committee is composed of a wide representation of National Forest interests.

Replacement members are also needed, should a committee member leave for any reason.

Recommended projects must have broad, community-based support with objectives that may include, but are not limited to: road, trail and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvements; improvements in forest ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat; control of noxious and exotic weeds; hazardous fuels reduction; and reintroduction of native species.

Projects must be on public land, but can occur on private land if a benefit to public land resources can be shown.

People interested in serving as a member of the Gogebic and/or Ontonagon RAC should contact Lisa Klaus at 906-932-1330, ext. 328, for the appropriate forms.

Applicants must complete forms and return them to the ONF by Oct. 18.

For more information, call Klaus or visit fs.usda.gov/pts.