Ottawa Resource Advisory Committee members sought

IRONWOOD – The Ottawa National Forest is outreaching to fill volunteer positions on its federal Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). Committees are made up of 15 members that serve four year terms and must be a resident of Michigan. Meetings are held approximately twice yearly, and will have virtual attendance options. 
Interested individuals need to submit a Membership Interest Form along with the Advisory Committee or Research Promotion Background Information Form (AD-755) no later than Sept 30. 
Forms can be obtained at https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/ottawa/workingtogether/advisorycommittees or by calling Ian Shackleford at 906-285-6911 for an application. Selections to the committees are reviewed and made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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
Completed and signed applications can be returned attention of Ian Shackleford, RAC Coordinator, via email at sm.fs.Ottawa_NF@usda.gov, or mail to E6248 US Hwy 2, Ironwood, Mich. 49938.