Nevada City, CA…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. 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 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; 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

Proposals must be submitted electronically by May 12, 2017, to be considered for funding. 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.

The RAC is a committee of volunteers that advises the Tahoe National Forest about the use of funds allocated through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self –Determination Act Title II program. The committee encourages cooperation between the Forest Service and local communities on projects that provide mutual benefits to forest resources and communities. It consists of 15 county residents who represent a broad cross-section of the community.

Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self–Determination Act Title II program is available at www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe. For more information about the Nevada and Placer Counties RAC program, contact Michael Woodbridge at (530) 478-6205 or mjwoodbridge@fs.fed.us.