NEVADA CITY, Calif. May 16, 2017 – The Designated Federal Official for the Nevada and Placer Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is requesting proposals for natural resource improvement projects in Nevada and Placer counties that benefit National Forest System lands. The deadline to submit project applications has been extended to June 30, 2017

Project proposals:  1) may be submitted by community-based organizations, tribes, individuals, or government agencies that are eligible for funding consideration with the Forest Service; 2) must demonstrate a benefit to National Forest System lands or resources; 3) must include a letter of support from the district ranger, on the District where the project is located; and 4) should have broad-based support with objectives that may include, but are not limited to:

  • Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration
  • Soil productivity improvement
  • Improvements in forest ecosystem health
  • Watershed restoration and maintenance
  • Restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat
  • Control of noxious and exotic weeds
  • Re-establishment of native species

Many of these projects will require environmental analysis to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and/or California Environmental Quality Act. The proposal should discuss if these analyses are complete or how they will be completed. With the two-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, approximately $240,000 is expected to be available this year for RAC-recommended projects. Project submission forms and information on how to apply are available online at http://bit.ly/2hbhbOZ or by contacting Michael Woodbridge, RAC coordinator, at (530) 478-6205 or mjwoodbridge@fs.fed.us.

Once the new Nevada and Placer Counties RAC committee membership is approved by the Secretary of Agriculture, the RAC will review applications and provide their recommendations to the Tahoe National Forest Supervisor for funding consideration and approval. All of the RAC member nominations are currently on hold due to the change in Administration transition period.

Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self–Determination Act Title II program is available at http://bit.ly/2hbhbOZ.