Forest Improvement Projects Sought

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is accepting proposals for forest improvement projects, funded by the Secure Rural Schools program, from now through April 10^th. Volunteer and non-profit organizations, interest groups, local governments, and others may submit a proposal for forest improvement projects.

“We are asking for projects that would improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, enhance forest ecosystems or restore and improve land health, fish and wildlife habitat, and water quality in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest,” said Forest Supervisor Kristin Bail.

Projects must occur on national forest land or benefit the national forest. Projects selected in the past have varied widely including trailhead relocation, noxious weed control, road maintenance and stabilization, trail maintenance and construction of trail bridges, roadside brush cutting, relocation of campsites out of sensitive streamside areas, fire risk reduction, enhancing wildlife habitat, rehabilitation of wetlands, toilet replacements and portable toilet rentals, litter and abandoned vehicle removal, culvert replacement, and youth-oriented outdoor recreation project work.

Project proposals must be submitted to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest headquarters by April 10, 2022, to receive consideration for Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II funds. Projects will be reviewed and recommended by the Forest’s citizen Resource Advisory Committee (RAC). For more information about the reauthorized Act that funds these projects, go to www.fs.fed.us/srs .

For those planning to submit projects for consideration, the project proposal form and new supplemental form are available on the Forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/rac (scroll to the bottom).

Projects may be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements, or by contracting with individuals and corporations.

Prior to applying, projects proposed on National Forest System lands should be coordinated with the local Ranger District office to obtain information that may be needed for a proposal, including a Forest Service contact, and to ensure proper agreements and paperwork are completed that will enable the project sponsor to obtain funding if recommended for funding by the RAC. Project sponsors will be asked to make a brief virtual presentation to the RAC when it meets this spring.

Please send completed project submission forms to RAC Coordinator Robin DeMario (robin.demario@usda.gov) by April 10. For more information, or if you have questions about Secure Rural Schools project submissions, contact DeMario at 509-664-9292.