US Forest Service seeks RAC members

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The U.S. Forest Service is seeking applicants to serve on the Manti-La Sal Resource Advisory Committee. The committee’s duties include reviewing proposed land management projects on or adjacent to the Manti-La Sal National Forest.
The committee recommends which projects to finance with Title II money provided by the Secure Rural Schools Fund and is responsible for coordinating with land management agencies and county officials. Projects may be located in Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, and Sanpete counties.
“Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination RACs create an opportunity for the Forest Service to work directly with local community members on forest management,” said Pam Brown, Manti-La Sal National Forest Supervisor. “I hope we get many qualified and exciting people to submit applications to participate.”
Applications can be obtained from the nearest Manti-La Sal National Forest Office, from the five county commission offices (above) and online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal/. Completed application forms must be received at the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Attn: Pam Brown, 599 West, Price River Drive, Price Utah 84501, before 5 p.m., May 1.
The RAC will consist of 15 members and three non-voting alternates representing a wide range of interests. Members would serve four years upon appointment by the Secretary of Agriculture. Committee members serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Members must be Utah residents, preferably living in Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan, and Sanpete counties. Meetings are held at least once during the year. Alternates attend all meetings and are prepared to fill a permanent position if a vacancy occurs.
The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture will make appointments to the RAC based on the applications received, striving to appoint a diverse membership. Special attention will be given to those who have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with others of different viewpoints.
The 15 members and three alternates of the Manti-La Sal RAC will be split equally between the following three categories:
Category A; organize labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; develop outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle, commercial recreation; energy and mineral development or commercial or recreational fishing; commercial timber industry; Federal grazing permit holders, or land use permit holders within the RAC area, or nonindustrial private landowners.
Category B: nationally recognized environmental organizations; regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreation; archaeological and historical interests; nationally or regionally recognized wild horse or burro groups, wildlife or hunting organizations or watershed associations.
Category C: state-elected office holders; county or local elected officials; American Indian tribal representatives from tribes within or adjacent to RAC areas; school officials or teachers; citizens representing the affected public at large.
Interested parties may contact Forest Supervisor Pam Brown or the following county representatives for more information: Commissioner John Jones, Carbon County; Commissioner Gary Kofford, Emery County; Council Member Gene Ciarus, Grand County; Rick Bailey, San Juan County; and Commissioner Steve Frischknecht, Sanpete County.
Those interested in applying for RAC membership are encouraged to retrieve an application form (AD 755) on-line at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/mantilasal/, from any Forest Service office or from county commission offices in Carbon, Emery, Grand, San Juan and Sanpete counties.
Applications must be received at the Manti-La Sal National Forest, Attn: Pam Brown, 599 West Price River Drive, Price, Utah 84501 before 5 p.m., May 1.