Nevada City, Calif. December 12, 2019 – The Nevada and Placer Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is requesting project proposals for natural resource improvement projects in Nevada and Placer counties that benefit National Forest System lands.  These lands include portions of the Humboldt-Toiyabe, Eldorado, and Tahoe National forests, as well as the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, in Placer and Nevada counties.

Project proposals will be reviewed and approved by the Nevada and Placer Counties RAC and the Tahoe National Forest Supervisor per the provisions of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

The project proposal deadline has been extended and proposals will now be accepted through January 3, 2020.  Project proposals may be submitted by community-based organizations, tribes, individuals, or government agencies that are eligible for funding consideration with the Forest Service. All project proposals must demonstrate a benefit to National Forest System lands or resources and must include a letter of support from the associated district ranger. Project proposals should also 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 forest ecosystem health
  • Watershed restoration and maintenance
  • Restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat
  • Control of noxious and exotic weeds
  • Re-establishment of native species

Approximately $214,000 is available for projects. Proposals must be submitted electronically or by mail though January 3, 2020, to be considered for funding. Project submission forms and specific information on how to apply are available online at http://bit.ly/2hbhbOZ  

The Nevada and Placer Counties RAC will review applications in February of 2020 and provide their recommendations to the Tahoe National Forest Supervisor for project approval.  All RAC project proposals must be closely coordinated early in the process with the appropriate district ranger and other key partners during the application process.

The RAC is a committee of volunteers that advises the Tahoe National Forest about the use of funds allocated through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II program. The committee encourages cooperation between the Forest Service and local communities on projects that provide mutual benefits to forest resources and communities. It consists of between 9 and 15 county residents who represent a broad cross-section of the community.

Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II program is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/home. For more information about the Nevada and Placer Counties RAC program, contact Joseph Flannery at (530) 478-6205 or joseph.flannery@usda.gov.