[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 33313-33314]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09085]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE


Solicitation of Nominations for Membership for the West Virginia 
Resource Advisory Committee

AGENCY: Department of Agriculture (USDA).

ACTION: Notice of solicitation of nominations for membership.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and 
Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 as amended, codified in 
Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, and the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act (FACA), as amended, the United States Department of 
Agriculture is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be 
considered for the West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). The 
West Virginia RAC will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on proposed 
recommendations and other such matters as the Secretary determines. The 
West Virginia RAC will be governed by the provisions of FACA. Duration 
of the West Virginia RAC is for two years unless renewed by the 
Secretary of Agriculture.

DATES: Nominations must be submitted via email or postmarked by June 
30, 2024. The package must be sent to the address listed in FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT. Criteria for a completed package can be found in 
Nomination and Application Information Below.

ADDRESSES: Please submit nominations and resumes may be submitted to 
the Secretary of Agriculture through Kristopher Hennig, Monongahela 
National Forest, Partnership Coordinator, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, 
WV 26241 or email at [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Inquiries may be sent to Kristopher 
Hennig, Forest Supervisor's Office, 200 Sycamore Street, Elkins, WV 
26241, by Phone at (304) 940-3317, or by email at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Public Law of Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination 
Act of 2000, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 7125, directs the Secretary of 
Agriculture to create Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees 
(SRS RAC) to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service 
concerning projects and funding consistent with SRS Title II of the 
Act. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C 7125 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 
5 U.S.C. 10, notice is hereby given that the Secretary of Agriculture 
is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to be considered for the 
West Virginia RAC. Additional information on the West Virginia RAC can 
be found by visiting the following website at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/mnf/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
    The Act describes the duties of the committee as follows: to review 
projects proposed by counties and other interested parties; to 
recommend projects and funding; to provide early and continuous 
coordination with Forest Service officials; to provide frequent 
opportunities for citizens, organizations, tribes, land management 
agencies and other interested parties to participate openly and 
meaningfully, beginning in the early stages of project development; to 
monitor projects approved under the Act; to advise the designated 
federal official on the progress of monitoring; and to make 
recommendations for any appropriate changes or adjustments to projects 
being monitored.
    Meetings for the SRS RAC's will be published on the Federal 
Register website at least 15 days prior to the meeting date at: 
www.federalregister.gov.

Membership Balance

    The SRS RACs will be comprised of 15 members approved by the 
Secretary of Agriculture (or designee) where each will serve a 4-year 
term. SRS RACs memberships 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 Non-
Industrial Private Forest Landowners, 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 request the 
Secretary to 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.

Nomination and Application Information

    The appointment of members to the SRS RACs will be made by the 
Secretary of Agriculture. The public is invited to submit nominations 
for membership on the SRS RACs, 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.

[[Page 33314]]

    Individuals who wish to be considered for membership on the West 
Virginia Secure Rural Schools Advisory Committee must submit a 
nomination with information, including a Form AD-755 (Advisory 
Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information). 
Nominations should be typed and include the following:
    If nominating an individual, a brief summary, no more than two 
pages, explaining the nominee's qualifications to serve on the Secure 
Rural Schools Advisory Committee and addressing the membership 
composition and criteria described above.
    (a) A resume providing the nominee's background, experience, and 
educational qualifications.
    (b) A completed Form AD-755, Advisory Committee or Research and 
Promotion Background Information. The form can be downloaded by 
visiting the following website https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad755.pdf.
    (c) Letters of endorsement are required for certain 
representations.
    Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of 
communication for program information (for example., Braille, large 
print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the 
responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and 
TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-
8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in 
languages other than English.
    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.
    USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, 
color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 
gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital 
status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance 
program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil 
rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA 
(not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing 
deadlines vary by program or incident.

    Dated: April 23, 2024.
Cikena Reid,
USDA Committee Management Officer.
[FR Doc. 2024-09085 Filed 4-26-24; 8:45 am]
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