Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee soon accepting proposals for Title II Funding

By on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News

JOHN DAY, PENDLETON & BAKER CITY – (Release from the U.S. Forest Service) The Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will begin accepting project proposals on January 13, 2025, for Secure Rural Schools Title II funds to benefit the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. The committee is tasked with recommending projects to improve forest health, watersheds, roads and facilities around the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. All project proposals are due by February 28, 2025 to be considered.

Project proposal forms must be filled out electronically and can be found on the Northeast Oregon Forests RAC website. Completed forms with all appropriate maps and attachments included will then be submitted to the RAC Coordinators. For applicants external to the Forest Service, submissions also require the “Supplemental to non-FS Title II Project Applicants” form. Further instructions and contact information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=fseprd1003510.

The RAC is made of citizens representing a variety of natural resource-based interests who were selected by the Secretary of Agriculture to advise the Forest Service on the use of funds allocated to the Northeast Oregon Forests RAC through the Reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, also called “Payments to States” Act.

The RAC members review proposed land management projects on/or adjacent to national forest lands in Baker, Grant, Harney, Morrow, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler Counties, then make recommendations to the Forest Service in accordance with the Act on which projects should be funded.

Non-profit and youth-based organizations, state and county governments, academic, and private enterprises are encouraged to propose projects. Natural resource agencies may also submit project proposals. Projects are considered for Title II funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:

  • Improvement of existing infrastructure maintenance.
  • Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems.
  • Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
  • Projects must comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations.
  • Projects must be consistent with the applicable resource management plan and with any watershed or subsequent plan developed pursuant to the resource management plan.

The funds may be used for projects that have broad-based support and with objectives that include:

  • road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration.
  • soil productivity improvement.
  • forest ecosystem health improvements.
  • watershed restoration and maintenance.
  • wildlife and fish habitat restoration, maintenance, and improvement.
  • noxious and exotic weeds control.
  • native species re-establishment.

At least 50% of all project funds are to be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or to restoration of streams and watersheds.

Members of the Northeast Oregon Forests RAC will review the projects in an open public meeting, which will be held in person with a virtual option, sometime during the late spring or early summer. The meeting will focus on general business and reviewing and recommending project proposals that meet the intent of the Payments to States Act. Objectives of the proposed projects are to protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat; improve the maintenance of existing Forest Service infrastructure; protect and enhance ecosystems on the national forests; and restore and improve land health and water quality.

For more information, assistance with submitting project proposals, or to receive updates on the RAC meeting status, please contact any of the forest specific Coordinators:

For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=fseprd1003510.

Elkhorn Media Group