The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
Past project funded by the forest's RAC: Johnny Crow Habitat Project- South Crow Creek Riparian Improvement - This project was recommended to receive $36,200 by the RAC to help remove colonizing conifers and treat noxious weeds within the South Crow Creek riparian area.
Past project funded by the forest's RAC: Students in Cultural Preservation - This project was recommended to receive $39,860 by the RAC to provide training to three students in field research, interpretation, and stewardship models with experienced cultural research specialists and archeologists, while advancing important historic preservation goals on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.
Past project funded by the forest's RAC: Youth Forest Monitoring Program – This project was recommended to receive $12,500 from the RAC to help expose nine students to monitoring the forest through five immersive weeks of collecting data on soils, waters, and weeds in the forest. Students presented their findings to a room of Forest Service staff and community members on their last day.
HELENA - The Helena–Lewis and Clark National Forest invites interested parties to submit project proposals for funding consideration by the Helena-Lewis and Clark Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The RAC will consider proposals for projects that are on or provide substantial benefits to National Forest System lands within Broadwater, Teton, Lewis and Clark, Fergus, Judith Basin, Pondera, Meagher and Wheatland counties. The deadline to submit project proposals is April 15, 2024.
"In the past the Forest had some great projects get funded through the Resource Advisory Committee such as recreational cabin restoration, our Youth Forest Monitoring Program, and projects that help control noxious weeds. We look forward to working with our communities on projects they feel can provide substantial benefit to the Forest across all resource areas," said Deputy Forest Supervisor Molly Ryan.
Projects can be considered for RAC funding if they make additional investments in, and create employment opportunities through:
· Improved maintenance of existing infrastructure;
· Implementation of stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems; and
· Restoration and improvement of land health and water quality.
Please coordinate with Forest Service staff and all other partners prior to submitting the proposal to ensure it is complete. Project proponents will be notified of the time and location of RAC meeting where project proposals will be considered. Proponents are encouraged to attend this meeting and come prepared to answer questions regarding their proposed projects. This meeting is also open to the general public.
The Helena-Lewis and Clark RAC is a group of 9-15 volunteers that provide advice and recommendations to the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest regarding the allocation of funds, fee proposals, and greater project work across the Forest. Advisory committee members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and interests and committees strive for equal representation from tribal and government agencies, industry, environmental groups, recreation groups, and local residents. Funding and administration for the RAC is provided under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Self–Determination Act (Title II).
Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hlcnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees for project applications, submission guidelines, and instructions.
We are currently recruiting for several vacancies on the RAC for members with the following affiliations:
· American Indian tribes within or adjacent to committee area;
· Organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups;
· Nationally recognized environmental organizations;
· Hold State elected office or their designee;
· Commercial timber industry
Please contact HLF RAC Coordinator Chiara Cipriano at [email protected] if you are interested in serving on the RAC or have questions.
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