[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 115 (Monday, June 16, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 34274-34275]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-14046]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Renew the Secure Rural School Resource 
Advisory Committees

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SUMMARY: The Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the charter for 
the Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) pursuant 
to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 
2000 (the Act) (Pub. L. 110-343) and operates in compliance with the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) (Pub. L. 92-463). The purpose of 
the RACs is to improve collaborative relationships among the people 
that use and care for the National Forests and to provide advice and 
recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding 
consistent with Title II of the Act. Additional information concerning 
the RACs can be found by visiting the Secure Rural School Web site at: 
http://www.fs.usda.gov/pts/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alicia Bell-Sheeter, Acting Secure 
Rural Schools Program Manager, USDA Forest Service, 1400 Independence 
Avenue Southwest, Mail Stop 1158, Washington, DC 20250; or by email at 
[email protected]. Individuals who use telecommunication devices 
for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service 
(FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern 
Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On October 2, 2013, the Helium Stewardship Act of 2013 (Pub. L. 
113-40) reauthorized the Act. In accordance with the provisions of 
FACA, the Secretary of Agriculture intends to renew the charter for the 
RACs. The Secretary has determined the work of the RACs is in the 
public interest and relevant to the duties of the Department of 
Agriculture. Renewing the RACs is to ensure that line officers 
responsible for implementing Title II projects have efficient and 
effective access to the advice from stakeholders. Equally important, 
the RACs operation encourages early and continuous coordination among 
Forest land management agencies, and others to participate openly and 
meaningfully in planning and implementing projects to benefit 
communities and forest health.

RAC Membership

    The RACs consist of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of 
Agriculture and consist of members who represent the interests of the 
following three categories:
    (1) Five persons who represent:
    (a) Organized Labor or Non-Timber Forest Product Harvester Groups;

[[Page 34275]]

    (b) Developed Outdoor Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle Users, or 
Commercial Recreation Activities;
    (c) Energy and Mineral Development, or Commercial or Recreational 
Fishing Groups;
    (d) Commercial Timber Industry; or
    (e) Federal Grazing Permit or Other Land Use Permit Holders, or 
Representative of Non-Industrial Private Forest Land Owners, within the 
area for which the committee is organized.
    (2) Five persons who represent:
    (a) Nationally or Regionally Recognized Environmental 
Organizations;
    (b) Regionally or Locally Recognized Environmental Organizations;
    (c) Dispersed Recreational Activities;
    (d) Archaeology and History; or
    (e) Nationally or Regionally Recognized Wild Horse and Burro 
Interest, Wildlife Hunting Organizations, or Watershed Associations.
    (3) Five persons who represent:
    (a) Hold State-Elected Office;
    (b) Hold County or Local-Elected Office;
    (c) American Indian Tribes within or adjacent to the area for which 
the committee is organized;
    (d) Area School Officials or Teachers; or
    (e) Affected Public-At-Large.
    No individual who is currently registered as a Federal lobbyist is 
eligible to serve as a member of the RAC. Members of the RAC serve 
without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses while 
performing duties on behalf of the RAC, subject to approval by the 
Designated Federal Official (DFO). The RAC members serve 4-year terms 
and shall reside within the State(s) in which the committee is 
organized. To the extent practical, the membership of each of the three 
categories will include residents in the vicinity of the national 
forest for which the committee provides advice.
    The Secretary may appoint replacements for each of the three 
membership categories who may serve on the committee in the event a 
vacancy arises. If an appropriate replacement is unavailable, nominees 
will be sought through an open and public process and submitted to the 
Secretary for vetting, approval, and appointment.
    Equal opportunity practices in accordance with U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA) policies shall be followed in all appointments to 
the RACs. To ensure that the recommendations of the RACs have been 
taken into account, the needs of the diverse groups served by the 
Departments, membership should include, to the extent practicable, 
individuals with demonstrated ability to represent all racial and 
ethnic groups, women and men, and persons with disabilities.

    Dated: June 10 2014.
Malcom A. Shorter,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2014-14046 Filed 6-13-14; 8:45 am]
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