Forest Service Seeks Members for Resource Advisory Committee   Roanoke, VA (Aug. 14, 2020) - Roanoke, VA – August 13, 2020 - The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are accepting applications for membership to the Virginia Resource Advisory Committee. Resource Advisory Committees are established as a provision under Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which was recently reauthorized. This committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects for funding under Title II of the Act. The committee members represent many different national forest interests. “The Forest is seeking a diverse representation of applicants to serve as members on our Resource Advisory Committee,” said Job Timm, Forest Supervisor. “Joining this committee is a great way for people to engage with the Forests and recommend resource projects funded by the Secure Rural Schools Act that will have a positive impact on their communities.” Committee members serve four-year terms, must be residents of the Commonwealth of Virginia and must represent one of the following three interest groups: Category One: Five members who represent energy and mineral development; the commercial timber industry; organized labor or non-timber forest product harvester groups; developed outdoor recreation; off-highway vehicle users, or commercial recreation; federal grazing or other land permits; or represent nonindustrial private forest land owners. Category Two: Five members who represent nationally, regionally or locally recognized environmental organizations; dispersed recreational activities; archaeological and historical interests; or nationally or regionally recognized wild horse and burro interest groups, wildlife or hunting organizations, or watershed associations. Category Three: Five members who hold state elected office; hold county or local elected office; represent Indian tribes within or adjacent to the area for which the Council is organized; are school officials or teachers with knowledge in natural resource management or the natural sciences; or represent the affected public-at-large and/or are employed by a state agency responsible for the management of natural resources, land or water. If you are interested in serving as a member of the Virginia Resource Advisory Committee, please contact Rebecca Robbins or submit an application form (Form AD-755) to rebecca.robbins@usda.gov. You can also mail or drop off your application to the following address: George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Attn: Rebecca Robbins 5162 ValleyPointe Parkway Roanoke, VA 24019. Thanks to recommendations and advice from the Virginia Resource Advisory Committee, $760,358 has been recommended to be used for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. You can learn more about the committee on our website: www.fs.usda.gov/main/gwj/workingtogether/advisorycommittees. For more information about the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests please visit us on the web at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/.

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