[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 169 (Friday, September 1, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41587-41588]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18557]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Forestry Research Advisory Council

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.

ACTION: Call for nominations.

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SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking 
nominations for the Forestry Research Advisory Council of the 
Agriculture and Food Act of 1981 (the Act), and the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act. Additional information on the FRAC can be found by 
visiting the FRAC Web site at: http://www.fs.fed.us/research/about/forestry-research-council/.

DATES: Written nominations must be received by October 16, 2017. 
Nominations must contain a completed application packet that includes 
the nominee's name, resume, and completed Form AD-755 (Advisory 
Committee Membership Background Information). The package must be sent 
to the address below.

ADDRESSES: Tracy C. Hancock, USDA Forest Service, Office of the Deputy 
Chief, Research and Development, 201 14th Street SW., Mail Stop 1120, 
Washington, DC 20250-11 by express mail or overnight courier service. 
If sent via the U.S. Postal Service, they must be sent to the following 
address: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Office of the 
Deputy Chief, Research and Development, Mail Stop 1120, 1400 
Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20250-1120.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy C. Hancock, FRAC Designated 
Federal Official (DFO), USDA Forest Service, Office of the Deputy 
Chief, Research and Development, by telephone at (202) 205-1724, or by 
email at [email protected] or Sharon Parker, Ph.D., FRAC Executive 
Secretarry, USDA Forest Service, Office of the Deputy Chief, Research 
and Development by telephone at (703) 340-7864, 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 a.m. and 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday 
through Friday.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The FRAC will be comprised of no more than 20 members approved by 
the Secretary of Agriculture. The FRAC membership will be fairly 
balanced in terms of the points of view represented, functions to be 
performed, and will represent a broad array of expertise, leadership 
and relevancy to a membership category. Geographic

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balance and a balanced distribution among the categories are also 
important. The FRAC members will serve 3-year terms, and will meet 
annually, or as often as necessary. The FRAC shall include a maximum of 
five representation from each of the four following categories: (1) 
Federal and State Agencies; (2) Forest Industry; (3) Academic; and (4) 
Voluntary Organization. Vacancies on the FRAC will be filled in the 
manner in which the original appointment was made. Members of the FRAC 
shall serve without compensation. FRAC members may be allowed travel 
expenses and per diem for attendance at council meetings, subject to 
approval of the DFO responsible for administrative support to the FRAC.

Nomination and Application Information

    The appointment of members to the FRAC will be made by the 
Secretary of Agriculture. The public is invited to submit nominations 
for membership on the FRAC, either as a self-nomination or a nomination 
of any qualified and interested person. Any individual or organization 
may nominate one or more qualified persons to represent the interest 
areas listed above. To be considered for membership, nominees must 
submit a:
    1. Identify what interest group they would represent and how they 
are qualified to represent that interest group;
    2. Provide a cover letter stating why they want to serve on the 
FRAC and what they can contribute;
    3. Provide a resume showing their past experience in working 
successfully as part of a group working on forest research activities; 
and
    4. Complete Form AD-755, Advisory Committee Membership Background 
Information. The Form AD-755 may be obtained from Forest Service 
contact person or from the following Web site: https://www.ocio.usda.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2012/AD-755%20-%20Approved%20Master%202015.pdf. All nominations will be vetted by 
USDA.
    Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA policies shall 
be followed in all in all appointments to FRAC. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the FRAC have taken into account the needs of the 
diverse groups served by USDA, membership will, to the extent 
practicable, include individuals with demonstrated ability to represent 
all racial and ethnic groups, women and men, and persons with 
disabilities.

    Dated: August 14, 2017.
Malcom Shorter,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration.
[FR Doc. 2017-18557 Filed 8-31-17; 8:45 am]
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