Kalispell, Montana, April 19, 2023— The Flathead National Forest on behalf of the Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee, has rescheduled a spring meeting and is accepting new project proposals. The proposals received for the meeting that was cancelled in March will be considered for the May meeting. The application deadline is May 18, 2023, and the committee has approximately $180,000 in project funding to award. Funding and administration for the Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee is provided under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self–Determination Act.
Last year’s submissions funded under this authority included projects like educational events, fuels reduction, weed spraying, trail construction, and dust abatement.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act funds activities that benefit Federal lands and resources in the benefiting county. The Title II funds are designed to make investments in public lands and create additional employment opportunities through projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. These projects are also designed to improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for public lands and the agencies that manage these lands.
Individuals are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of the proponent to coordinate with Forest Service staff and all other partners prior to submitting the proposal to ensure it is complete and meets the intent of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Please visit the Forest’s website for the application.
To submit a final project proposal, or for more information or details about how to apply, contact Flathead National Forest Resource Advisory Committee Coordinator Ivy Gehling (406) 758-5251 or ivy.gehling@usda.gov
The Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee will meet to hear proposals and make funding recommendations by quorum vote on May 25th and May 31st, 2023, either in-person or online. The In-person meeting will be held at the Flathead National Forest Supervisor’s office at 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell or information on how to join can be found on the Forest’s website. The Advisory Committee is comprised of a group of local citizens from the public, with representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, and other local interests.
