Grants available to improve watersheds and forest health
Flagstaff, Ariz., June 13, 2017, For Immediate Release —
Grant applications are being accepted now by the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for projects that can be funded under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act.
The primary location for projects is intended to be on federal lands on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, and small sections of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forests. However, projects can be on non-federal lands within Coconino County where projects would benefit resources on the national forests.
The Act authorizes grants to federal agencies, State and local governments, private and non-profit entities, and tribal governments for projects that improve the maintenance
of existing infrastructure such as roads, trails, recreation facilities or projects that improve forest health and restore and improve land health and water quality.
Some examples of eligible projects include:
• Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration,
• Soil productivity improvement,
• Improvements in forest ecosystem health,
• Watershed and stream restoration and maintenance,
• Restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife habitat,
• Control of noxious weeds,
• Re-establishment of native species.
Each project proposal will be evaluated on its cost-effectiveness, to what extent partners are involved, how the project improves the quality of human life including
any employment opportunities, and how the project will improve watersheds and forest ecosystem health in general. The total amount to be dispersed by the committee includes approximately $600,000.
The Act allows RAC Title II funds to be used for the costs of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, or for on-the-ground project implementation. All
project proposals for on-the-ground project work need to be NEPA sufficient at the time of the proposal.
Proposals are submitted online at
www.tinyurl.com/RACproposal,
and the proponent should choose “Coconino” for the name of the Resource Advisory Committee.
Deadline for submission of project proposals is July 21, 2017. Previous project examples can be found online at
www.tinyurl.com/RACprojectexamples.
More information about the Secure Rural Schools Act can be found at
www.fs.usda.gov/pts/, and information
about RACs can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/specialprojects/racs.
For questions regarding the Coconino RAC, please contact the RAC Coordinator, Brady Smith, at the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 928-527-3490 or by email at
bradysmith@xxxxxxxxx.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
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Brady Smith, MBA
Public Affairs Officer
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Forest Service
Coconino National Forest,
Supervisor's Office
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p: 928-527-3490
bradysmith@xxxxxxxxx
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1824 S. Thompson Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
www.coconinonationalforest.us
  
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Caring for the land
and serving people
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