Project proposals being accepted by the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest

SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE

CARSON CITY — Project proposals are now being accepted by the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest for the Alpine County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) recommendation.  Successful project proposals will be designed to improve National Forest System lands within Alpine County and the economies of rural communities within the county.  Around $51,128 is expected to be available in Alpine County.

Portions of the Humboldt-Toiyabe, Eldorado, and Stanislaus National Forest are within Alpine County.  Project funding was made available through Title II funds under the reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 110-343).  At least 50 percent of Title II funds are for road maintenance, decommissioning or obliteration, and/or restoration of streams and watersheds.

Completed project applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on March 1, 2011.  Projects will be reviewed and recommended at the quarterly Alpine County RAC meeting at 6:00 p.m. on September 21, 2011, at the Alpine Early Learning Center, at 100 Foothill Road, in Markleeville, California.  Projects should be entered directly on-line.  It is recommended that the form is first downloaded, printed, and filled out, before entering directly online to prevent mistakes.

More information may be found at the Secure Rural Schools Website at www.fs.fed.us/srs.

To submit a project proposal, go to:  https://fsplaces.fs.fed.us/fsfiles/unit/wo/secure_rural_schools.nsf.  On the bottom of the page, use the drop down menu to enter Alpine County. Follow the directions on the page and fill out the proposal form accurately and completely.  Enter 2010 – 3rd year, at the top of the form.
All projects must:

Occur on National Forests or directly benefit National Forest System lands

Have broad-based support

Help foster collaborative relationships

Be reviewed and recommended by the Alpine Resource Advisory Committee

Be approved by Forest Service

Successful projects will include one or more the following:

Improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure

Implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems

Restore and improve health of the land and water quality

Protect, restore, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat

Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration

Soil productivity improvement

Improvements in forest ecosystem health

Watershed restoration and maintenance

The restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat

The control of noxious and exotic weeds

The re-establishment of native species

Projects may be proposed by:

Resource Advisory Committee members

Tribes, counties, and state and federal agencies

Fire Safe Councils and Firewise communities

Fish, wildlife, and watershed interest groups

Other partners and stakeholders

Forest Service

Projects may be implemented by contract or by Forest Service personnel or through grants or cooperative agreements with:

Tribes

Federal agencies, and state and local governments

Private and nonprofit organizations

Landowners

Learn more about this release by contacting Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator, Daniel Morris, at 775-884-8140, or by emailing him at [email protected].