The U.S. Forest Service is recruiting up to five volunteers in North Idaho to serve on a Resource Advisory Committee that will help make funding recommendations for natural resource projects to benefit federal public lands.
Members of the Idaho Panhandle Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will participate in collaborative decision making and distribution of Title II funding under the Secure Rural Schools Act for projects on or adjacent to the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
In 2023, the RAC recommended more than $1.5 million for 25 projects with far-reaching benefits across north Idaho.
The committee’s duties include reviewing and recommending projects to improve forest health, watersheds, roads, and facilities. Past projects include noxious weed control, road realignment, trail construction, timber sale preparation, and the restoration of fish passages to benefit native species.
Interested applicants will need to submit an application by Friday, March 1.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their training and experience in the interest group they represent, their demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision making, and their contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.
The Forest Service is seeking a diverse and representative committee that reflects a wide range of perspectives. The agency encourages applicants from all sex and gender identities, and from all racial, cultural and ethnic identities and backgrounds, including people with disabilities and people from historically underserved communities. Members must be a resident of Idaho and should reside within Boundary, Bonner, Kootenai, Shoshone or Benewah County to the extent practicable.
More information and application materials can be found online here. For more information, contact Resource Advisory Committee coordinator Patrick Lair at patrick.lair@usda.gov or (208) 765-7211.