The Prescott National Forest is seeking nominees to fill 9 vacancies on the 15-member Yavapai Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). 

RACs are chartered under the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self Determination Act, which was recently extended until 2023. This extension authorizes “Title II” payments for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat, and other natural resource objectives on Federal land and adjacent non-Federal lands. 

The Forest Service seeks committee members committed to collaboratively working with other interests for the benefit of National Forest System lands. RAC members review proposed projects on or adjacent to national forest lands in Yavapai County. The RAC then makes recommendations to the Forest Service on which projects should be funded. 

Committee members are nominated by the Prescott National Forest and are approved by the Southwest Regional Forester.  Members serve a four-year term without compensation, with a time commitment of one or two one-day meetings per year.  

The makeup of the advisory committee is diverse, with representation from industry, environmental groups, elected officials, forest-user groups, and the public at large. The Act encourages the representation of minorities, women, and people with disabilities. Members must reside within the state in which the RAC is located, and, preferably, within the RAC boundary. The committee consists of 15 members and each member is assigned to one of three categories. 

- Category A represents organized labor, developed outdoor recreation, off-highway vehicle use, commercial recreation activities, energy development interests, the commercial timber industry, and Federal grazing or other land use permits.

- Category B represents nationally recognized environmental organizations, regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations, dispersed recreational activities, archaeological and historical interests.

- Category C represents state, county, or local elected offices, American Indian tribes, school officials or teachers, and the affected public-at-large. 

Additionally, the Yavapai RAC has been asked to provide input on recreation fee proposals. Regional fee coordinators would provide a brief overview of the Federal Land Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) roles and responsibilities associated with providing recommendations on recreation fee proposals. It is not expected that Yavapai RAC members are familiar with FLREA or have knowledge of it. Upon determining if the Yavapai RAC is willing to hear the proposal (note that the charter does not require Yavapai RACs to take on this work), FLREA 101 training would be provided which would take approximately 30 minutes. 

This is a unique opportunity to provide advice and recommendations on management activities on National Forest land in Yavapai County.  The time commitment to serve on the RAC would involve one or two half day meetings per year held in Prescott, Arizona and approximately one day on your own to review projects.  

We are looking for individuals with energy and commitment to the long-term benefit of the National Forest in Yavapai County and who also are interested in working with a diverse array of interests represented on the RAC. 

To be considered for nomination, interested participants should submit the required AD-755 application form, available on the Prescot National Forest’s website. Letters of support may be added to the application package but are not required. Nominees will be evaluated based on their education, training and experience working within the interest area they represent. Consideration is also made for their knowledge of the geographic area covered by the RAC, demonstrated commitment to collaborative resource decision-making, and contribution to the balance and diversity of the RAC.  Return completed AD-755 (Advisory Committee or Research and Promotion Background Information Form) to Prescott NF, ATTN:  Rebekah Blakley, Yavapai RAC Coordinator, 735 N. Highway 89, Chino Valley, AZ 86323, or email to [email protected] by November 30, 2022. 

For more information on the Yavapai RAC you can visit the Prescott National Forest website at  Prescott National Forest - Advisory Committees (usda.gov) or call Rebekah Blakley at (928) 777-2218. For more information on the Secure Rural Schools program visit Secure Rural Schools Program | US Forest Service (usda.gov)