LACONIA, N.H. — The White Mountain National Forest is seeking
volunteers to serve on a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) being formed
for Oxford County, Maine. The committee will be a mechanism for local
community collaboration with forest managers in recommending projects
on federal lands or projects on adjacent lands that will also benefit
resources on federal lands.
The committee will be responsible for making recommendations to the
Forest Service on Title II projects funded with Secure Rural Schools
and Community Self-Determination Act payments. Committee members must
be residents of Maine, and selected applicants must pass a background
check. Appointments are for four years (or less if Title II funds are
exhausted). It is not a paid position; however, members may be
reimbursed for travel expenses to meetings. The committee will be
comprised of 15 members representing a broad spectrum of interests.

Under the 2008 Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination
Act, counties that are located within the boundary of the White
Mountain National Forest are eligible for certain federal funds. As
part of the funding process, Oxford County chose to receive funds under
Title II of the Act. In order for the funds to be disbursed, a RAC must
be formed to provide advice on the use of the funds.
The 2008 act specifies the membership of the RAC. Nominations are being
sought to fill three categories. In Category I five persons are being
sought representing the following interests: organized labor or
non-timber forest product harvester groups; developed outdoor
recreation, off-highway vehicle users or commercial recreation
activities; energy and mineral development, or commercial or recreation
fishing interests; commercial timber industry; or holders of federal
grazing permits or other land use permits or who represent
non-industrial private forest land owners.
To fill out the ranks of Category II five persons are sought who
represent nationally recognized environmental organizations; regionally
or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed
recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or
nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro groups,
wildlife or hunting organizations or watershed organizations.
In Category III five persons are sought who hold state or elected
office or their designee; hold county or local elected office;
represent American Indian tribes in or adjacent to the area for which
the committee is organized; are school officials or teachers; or
represent the affect public-at-large. All members must be residents of
Maine, but not necessarily from within the geographical boundary of the
White Mountain National Forest.
Efforts are being made to fill as many of the specific positions in
each category for the 15-person committee. Once formed, members will
determine their meeting schedule and operating procedures under the
general guidelines for such RACs.
Applications are available at
www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/rural_schools/ or at the
Androscoggin or Saco Ranger District offices during regular business
hours. Application due by Aug. 31.
For more information, visit www.fs.fed.us/srs. For questions about the
RAC being formed for the White Mountain National Forest, contact
District Ranger Katie Stuart, Androscoggin Ranger District, 300 Glen
Road, Gorham, N.H., or 603-466-2713