USDA seeks volunteer applicants for Ottawa National Forest advisory committee

IRONWOOD — The Ottawa National Forest is currently seeking volunteers to serve on a federal Resource Advisory Committee. 

The purpose of the RAC is to make recommendations on the use and expenditure of available Secure Rural Schools Title II funds through projects proposed by counties and other interested parties.  These funds cannot be utilized until the RAC is formed and makes recommendations on how to utilize the available funds.

Project examples that the RACs recommend include: 
• Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration 
• Soil productivity improvement 
• Improvements in forest ecosystem health 
• Watershed restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat 
• Control of noxious and exotic weeds
• Re-establishment of native species
Volunteers are needed to fill positions on the RAC.  Committees are made up of 15 members that serve four-year terms. Members must be a resident of Michigan.
Interested individuals need to submit a Membership Interest Form along with the Advisory Committee or Research Promotion Background Information Form no later than Oct. 8. 

Forms can be obtained at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ottawa/workingtogether/advisorycommittees or by calling 906-932-1330 for an application. Selections to the committees are reviewed and made by the US Department of Agriculture. 

Completed and signed applications can be returned attention of Lisa Klaus, Public Affairs Officer via email at sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov.