Public Encouraged to Submit Proposals for Ottawa National Forest Project Funding

IRONWOOD, MI - Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – Both the Gogebic Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) and the Ontonagon RAC are seeking proposals for projects that would enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve forest health and water quality on the Ottawa National Forest and other near-by lands. The Gogebic RAC committee will have nearly $400,000 to spend on projects and the Ontonagon RAC will have just over $300,000 available through Title II funds under the reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

“The public is encouraged to propose projects designed to improve Ottawa National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties.” stated Forest Supervisor Susan Spear. To be considered for funding, completed project applications must be received by October 31, 2010. The RAC’s will work closely with the Forest Service to review and recommend project proposals. “We look forward to working with the Resource Advisory Committees to identify and implement projects that will provide long term benefits to the local communities as well as to national forest resources,” stated Spear.

Projects that: benefit fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; or that maintain roads, trails, and other existing infrastructure; obliterate unneeded roads; or control noxious weeds, will be considered. To qualify for Title II funding, RAC projects must be located on National Forest System Lands in Gogebic and/or Ontonagon counties or on other nearby lands if the project will benefit the resources on the National Forest.

Project application forms and instructions are available on-line through the link to the Gogebic and Ontonagon RAC pages in the Secure Rural Schools section of the Ottawa National Forest web site or paper copies can be obtained from any Ottawa National Forest office.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their completed project proposal forms via email to the attention of Lisa Klaus. Paper copies of proposals will be accepted at Forest Headquarters in Ironwood. For more information on the RAC’s or to learn more about proposing projects please contact RAC Coordinator, Lisa Klaus at 906-932-1330, ext. 328, or any Ottawa National Forest District Ranger.

BACKGROUND:

Under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act, projects may be funded that restore watersheds, decommission roads, remove noxious and invasive weeds, thin trees, enhance recreation sites and maintain roads and trails. At least 50 percent of all Title II funds must be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or restoration of streams and watersheds.

The funds are made available as a result of the Gogebic and Ontonagon county boards’ decision to allocate funds under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Act. Approximately $400,000 is available for Gogebic County, and just over $300,000 is available to Ontonagon County as part of this federal revenue-sharing program for counties containing federal lands. Counties receive federal funds based on the percentage of land in federal ownership, forest product receipt payments (including timber and recreation receipts), and per capita income.

Individuals, non-profit organizations, and local governments can submit Title II project applications. The funds for projects approved this winter will be available for implementation in Fiscal Year 2011.

Additional information concerning the Secure Rural Schools Act, including Title II projects, is available at the national Forest Service website as well as the Ottawa National Forest Website at: www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa.