The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is looking for nominees to fill nine soon-to-occur vacancies on its 15-member Resource Advisory Committee (RAC).
“We have been very fortunate to have worked with wonderful RAC members over the years, and we are now in a situation where some of their terms will be expiring leaving vacancies on the committee,” said Forest Supervisor Kristin Bail. “We hope to receive enough applications to fill these vacancies so the RAC can continue to help serve local communities through their work in selecting and recommending projects for funding.”
The RAC consists of members representing a wide array of interests. RAC members review proposed Secure Rural Schools Self-Determination Act Title II projects to benefit national forest lands in Chelan, Okanogan, Kittitas and Yakima Counties, and make recommendations for priorities in funding those projects.
The vacancies are in positions representing developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle user groups, or commercial recreation activities; federal grazing permit or other land use permit holders, or representatives of non-industrial private forest landowners; nationally recognized environmental organizations; county or locally elected office holders; school officials or teachers; the commercial timber industry; American Indian Tribes; nationally recognized wild horse and burro interests, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations; and regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations.
Generally, there are two to three meetings held each year at the forest headquarters office in Wenatchee. Committee members serve a four-year term without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses. Members must reside within Washington state, and to the extent practicable within the RAC boundary.
To obtain an application packet or additional information, contact RAC Coordinator Robin DeMario: phone (509) 664-9292, email demario@usda.gov, or mail to Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801.
Completed application packets should be submitted before Aug. 31.
