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The USDA Forest Service is seeking candidates to serve on the Alabama Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).  The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships among those interested in Alabama’s national forests and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service on projects funded under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act.   

The Act provides payments to counties based on the amount of national forest land in the county, among other factors.  In Alabama, 17 counties contain national forest land and are eligible for funds.  Counties may designate a portion of funds to projects that will be reviewed by the RAC.

The RAC is chartered by the USDA and will be comprised of 15 members representing a wide array of interests.  Committee members must be residents of Alabama, but do not have to reside in the counties containing national forests.

The Secure Rural Schools Act encourages counties to collaborate with the Forest Service on projects to benefit public lands and local communities.  Example projects include maintaining existing recreational developments, enhancing wildlife habitat, and improving roads to benefit water quality and user access.

“We are seeking people interested in collaborating on a diverse array of proposed projects that will serve to enhance the benefits our national forests provide to surrounding communities,” said Cherie Hamilton, forest supervisor for Alabama’s four national forests.

Nominations for committee membership must be received on or before March 31, 2020.  For more information, please contact Sheila Holifield at 334-241-8173 or sheila.holifield@usda.gov.