Bozeman, MT – The Gallatin and Southern Montana Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) are accepting project submissions from June 25-August 25, 2021. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) reauthorization allows both Gallatin and Southern Montana RACs to convene and recommend projects to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The RACs receive Title II federal funding based on a percentage that individual counties elect. The Gallatin RAC encompasses all of Gallatin County, while the Southern Montana RAC includes Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Powder River counties.
“RAC project proposals represent the interests and needs of specific communities and we get to hear from many organizations about important projects benefiting National Forests System lands,” said Kathy Minor, Acting Custer Gallatin Forest Supervisor. “It is a great avenue for citizens, partners and organizations to bring project ideas forward. Many of these projects benefit overall ecosystem health and recreationists often see work done in areas they care about.”
Acceptable project proposals aim to enhance forest ecosystems and restore and improve land health or water quality on the Custer Gallatin National Forest and/or adjacent lands. Past projects have included Hyalite snowplowing, avalanche education, OHV and trail enhancements, aquatic invasive species prevention, watershed restoration and weed eradication and/or road improvements leading to or on National Forest System lands.
RAC projects must be located on or be adjacent to and directly benefit National Forest System (NFS) lands within the respective participating counties on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Projects can be completed through partnership agreements, by open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations, or by Forest Service personnel. Organizations, government entities, or individuals may submit proposals and are strongly encouraged to work with each local ranger district on project submissions and feasibility, prior to submitting the final proposal.
Project Submission Forms are available online at: www.fs.usda.gov/custergallatin by clicking on the upper right-hand Resource Advisory Committee quick link. For more information or details on submitting a project proposal contact the appropriate RAC Coordinator: Kat Barker (Gallatin RAC) at 406-522-2536 kathryn.barker@usda.gov or Vicki Regula (Southern Montana RAC) at 406-848-7375 ext. 31 victoria.regula@usda.gov. To learn about the Secure Rural School Program visit www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/secure-rural-schools.
