Small Town News

County RAC seeks forest project ideas

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The Big Horn County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is seeking proposals for projects that would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality on the Bighorn National Forest and other near-by lands in Big Horn County.

According to RAC Chairman Jeff Petty, "The RAC committee currently has more than $80,000 of Title II funds to spend on projects," made available to Big Horn County through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The RAC will be funded annually for an additional two years with slightly declining amounts each year.

The RAC works closely with the Forest Service to recommend projects that will benefit Forest health,

fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintain roads, trails, and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds.

Project application forms are available at the Bighorn National Forest Web site http://www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn. Completion of this Title II form is required for submitting projects.

Applicants for Title II funds are encouraged to submit their proposal forms electronically on the SRS RAC Web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/srs/by Nov. 1, 2010. You will need to click on "RAC Web site" on the left side to get to the project proposal forms. You may also e-mail Title II forms to Laurie Walters-Clark at lwaltersclark@fs.fed. us. Hand written proposals will be accepted at Forest Service offices in Lovell, Sheridan and Buffalo and

in the Treasurers Office at the Big Horn County Courthouse in Basin, WY.

Title II projects must be located on National Forest System lands in Big Horn County or on other nearby lands if the project will benefit the resources on National Forest System lands. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements or by open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations.

Title II projects fund work such as, decommissioning roads or road repair work, restoring watersheds, treating noxious and invasive weeds, conservation education, thinning trees, enhancing recreation sites and maintaining roads and trails.

"Our strengthened partnership with county commissioners and community

members is a highlight of our work under the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Act," said Forest Supervisor Bill Bass, Bighorn National Forest. "The Resource Advisory Committees' work reviewing and recommending Title II projects benefits forest health, recreation, and fish and wildlife habitat on the national forest in addition to enhancing local economies," added Bass.

The RAC will begin reviewing projects for possible funding during their meeting early December.

The public is welcome to attend all RAC meetings. For more information on the committee or to learn more about proposing projects please contact the RAC Coordinator, Laurie Walters-Clark at 307-674-2627 or the RAC Chairman Jeff Petty at 307-765-2526.



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