[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 194 (Monday, October 7, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53399-53400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21818]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Forest Service


Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees

AGENCY: Forest Service.

ACTION: Notice of Intent to Establish Secure Rural Schools Resource 
Advisory Committees.

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[[Page 53400]]

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to 
establish the following: The Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Committee 
(RAC) in Rocky Mountain Region (R2) by consolidating Bighorn, Medicine-
Bow Routt, Shoshone, Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison and Pike-San 
Isabel RACs; the Northern Utah RAC in the Intermountain Region (R4) by 
consolidating the Ashley RAC and the Uinta Wasatch Cache RAC; the 
Mendo-Lake County RAC in the Pacific Southwest Region (R5) by 
consolidating the Mendocino RAC and Lake County RAC; the Gifford 
Pinchot RAC in the Pacific Northwest Region (R6) by consolidating the 
North Gifford Pinchot RAC and the South Gifford Pinchot RAC; and the 
Northern Wisconsin RAC in the Eastern Region (R9) by consolidating the 
Chequamegon RAC and Nicolet RAC. Secure Rural Schools (SRS) RACs 
pursuant to the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination 
Act (the Act), as amended, most recently by the Agricultural 
Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). The SRS RACs will operate in 
compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose 
of the SRS RACs is to improve collaborative relationships among people 
who use and care for National Forests. The Secretary has determined 
that the work of the SRS RACs are in the public's interest and relevant 
to the duties of the Department of Agriculture. The SRS RACs are 
statutory committees. Additional information concerning the SRS RACs 
can be found by visiting the SRS RACs website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/pts/.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jonathan Word, National Partnership 
Coordinator, Forest Service Secure Rural Schools Program, by telephone 
at (928) 699-5016 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

    In accordance with the provisions of FACA, the Secretary of 
Agriculture intends to establish SRS RACs to provide advice and 
recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding 
consistent with SRS Title II of the Act. The duties of SRS RACs include 
monitoring projects, advising the Secretary on the progress and results 
of monitoring efforts, and making recommendations to the Forest Service 
for any appropriate changes or adjustments to the projects being 
monitored by the SRS RACs.

SRS RACs Membership

    The SRS RACs will be comprised of no more than 15 members, no fewer 
than 9 members in accordance with the Agriculture Improvement Act of 
2018; hereafter, 2018 Farm Bill. Members will be approved by the 
Secretary of Agriculture except in Arizona and Montana where they will 
be approved by the Regional Forester and each will serve a 4-year term. 
SRS RACs membership will be balanced in terms of the points of view 
represented and functions to be performed. The SRS RACs shall include 
representation from the following interest areas:
    (1) Five persons who represent:
    (a) Organized Labor or Non-Timber Forest Product Harvester Groups,
    (b) Developed Outdoor Recreation, Off Highway Vehicle Users, or 
Commercial Recreation Activities,
    (c) Energy and Mineral Development, or Commercial or Recreational 
Fishing Interests,
    (d) Commercial Timber Industry, or
    (e) Federal Grazing or Other Land Use Permits, or Represent 
NonIndustrial Private Forest Land Owners, within the area for which the 
committee is organized.
    (2) Five persons who represent:
    (a) Nationally Recognized Environmental Organizations,
    (b) Regionally or Locally Recognized Environmental Organizations,
    (c) Dispersed Recreational Activities,
    (d) Archaeological and Historical Interests, or
    (e) Nationally or Regionally Recognized Wild Horse and Burro 
Interest Groups, Wildlife or Hunting Organizations, or Watershed 
Associations.
    (3) Five persons who represent:
    (a) State Elected Office (or a designee),
    (b) 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.
    Of these members, one will become the Chairperson who is recognized 
for their ability to lead a group in a fair and focused manner and who 
has been briefed on the mission of the RAC. A chairperson is selected 
by a majority of RAC members. The Committee will meet on an annual 
basis or as needed and determined by the Agency.
    In the event that a vacancy arises, the Designated Federal Officer 
(DFO) may fill the vacancy in the manner in which the original 
appointments were made. In accordance with the SRS Act, members of the 
SRS RAC shall serve without compensation. SRS RAC members may be 
allowed travel and per diem expenses for attendance at committee 
meetings, subject to approval of the DFO responsible for administrative 
support to the SRS RAC.
    Equal opportunity practices in accordance with USDA policies shall 
be followed in all appointments to the SRS RACs. To ensure that the 
recommendations of the SRS RACs 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: September 24, 2019.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-21818 Filed 10-4-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3411-15-P