US Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument

Contact: Priscilla Summers

Resource Advisory Council to Accept Project Proposals

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST, August 31, 2010… The Kern and Tulare Counties Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is seeking the first round of applications for projects that would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health and water quality on the Sequoia National Forest and other near-by lands in Tulare and Kern counties.

According to RAC Chairman Mark Cave, “the RAC committee will have nearly $100,000 to spend on projects this year”, made available to Tulare and Kern Counties through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. The RAC will be funded annually for an additional year, and will be accepting proposals again in February 2011.

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. Projects can be implemented by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements, or by open-bid contracting with individuals and/or corporations.

Proposals will be accepted hard copy, email, and in person, with this first round due September 16, 2010. RAC Project Proposal application forms (.rtf text file - 197k) and instructions (PDF - 82k) are available on the Sequoia National Forest website http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/projects/rural-schools/index.html or can be picked up at any Forest Service office.

Completed proposal forms can be sent hard copy to Priscilla Summers, 32588 HWY 190, Springville CA 93265, by email to psummers@fs.fed.us no later than September 16, 2010. Project proposal forms can also be brought in person to the September 23rd RAC meeting in Bakersfield. If you plan to present your proposal in person at this meeting please notify Priscilla Summers by calling 559-539-2607 ext 210 no later than September 16th. Presentations will be limited to 10 minutes per proposal.

The RAC will begin reviewing projects for possible funding at this September 23rd meeting. This meeting will be held at the County of Kern Administrative Office, 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend RAC meetings and observe the proceedings. For more information on the Committee or to learn more about proposing projects please contact the RAC Designated Federal Officer, Priscilla Summers at 559-539-2607 ext 210, or Penelope Shibley, RAC Coordinator at 760-376-3781 ext 650.