Ontonagon Resource Advisory Committee to Consider Funding for Secure Rural Schools Title II Projects

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, March 14, 2011 - The third meeting of the Ontonagon Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2011, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (ET) at the Rockland Township Office, Rockland, Michigan. This meeting is open to the public.

Agenda items include consideration of projects on the Ottawa National Forest that enhance forest ecosystems, restore and improve land health and water quality, and improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure. Project proposals were received from the public, RAC Committee members, and Forest Service employees. The Ontonagon RAC will make recommendations on how to spend nearly $10,000 of Title II funds. This federal government funding is made available to Ontonagon County through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 110-343.)

Previous projects approved by the Ontonagon RAC include: support to the County Road Commission for maintenance and repairs of Forest Highway 16; Courtney Lake Trail Maintenance; boat landing rehabilitation; invasive plant control and aquatic invasive species signage; trail work and resource protection at the Norwich Mine area; and, tree plantings and signing to address illegal OHV use. These projects totaled just over $300,000, leaving a balance of approximately $10,000 for additional projects.

The public is invited to view project proposals and provide comments prior to or during the April 8 meeting. Project proposals can be viewed at any Forest Service office or on-line. Written comments should be sent to Lisa Klaus, Ottawa National Forest, E6248 US Hwy. 2, Ironwood, MI 49938. Comments may also be sent via email to lklaus@fs.fed.us or via facsimile to 906-932-0122. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying.

The committee is meeting as authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Pub.L 110-343) and in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Klaus, RAC coordinator, USDA, Ottawa National Forest, E6248 US Hwy. 2, Ironwood, MI, (906) 932-1330, ext. 328; e-mail lklaus@fs.fed.us.