El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee Accepting Project Proposals

Placerville, CA … Applications, instructions, project evaluation considerations and other information are found on the Eldorado National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado

The committee is expecting to have approximately $170,000 available to recommend projects to the Eldorado National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisors for implementation on their respective units.

“The first step in the application process is to go to the website,” said Dale Van Dam, El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee Chairperson. “Duane Nelson, the Forest Service Designated Federal Official, will review the proposals to insure they meet the intent of the law, Forest Service rules and regulations, and the Forests’ Land and Resource Management Plans before presenting them to the committee..”.

Resource Advisory Committee funds were made available under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2012 which spells out how the funds can be spent. The Act says funds may be used for the purpose of making additional investments in, and creating additional employment opportunities through, projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality.

The Act goes on to say that projects should have broad based support with objectives that may include, but are not limited to: road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvement; improvements in ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat; control of noxious and exotic weeds; and reestablishment of native grasses.

At least 50% of the funds must be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to: road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or restoration of streams and watersheds.

The purpose of the El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee is to recommend funding of eligible projects to the Forest Supervisors of Eldorado National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The next scheduled RAC meetings are September 10, 17 and 24 beginning at 6 p.m. in the community room at El Dorado Center, Folsom Lake College, 6699 Campus Drive, Placerville, CA 95667.

Frank E. Mosbacher, Accredited in Public Relations

Public Affairs Officer

530-621-5268 (Office)

530-621-5297 (fax)