Kalispell, Montana, March 11, 2024— The Flathead National Forest on behalf of the Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee, is now accepting new project proposals. The application deadline is April 4, 2024, and the committee has approximately $195,000 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 project submissions that received funding through this authority included trail maintenance and construction, whitebark pine cone collection, weed spraying, river site accessibility, aquatic invasive species (AIS) surveillance, and dust abatement on North Fork and Ashley Lake roads.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act provides funding for activities that benefit Federal lands and resources in the 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.
Proposals are due by April 4, 2024 and individuals are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible. It is the responsibility of the individual submitting a proposal 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. The application can be found on the Flathead National Forest webpage at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd872366.pdf.
To submit a project proposal, or for more information or details about how to apply, contact Flathead National Forest Resource Advisory Committee Designated Forest Officer Tad Wehunt (406) 758-5280 or william.wehunt@usda.gov
The Flathead County Resource Advisory Committee will meet to hear proposals and make funding recommendations by quorum vote on April 18 and 23, 2024 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. Information on how to join virtually can be found on the Forest’s website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/flathead/workingtogether/advisorycommittees. 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.
