Proposals due April 19, 2021
information released
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is accepting proposals for forest improvement projects, funded by the Secure Rural Schools program, from now until April 19th. Over the past 20 years, almost $12 million dollars has been allocated to projects on the Forest in Okanogan, Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima Counties through Title II of the Secure Rural Schools Self-Determination Act. Proposals may be submitted by volunteer organizations, interest groups, local governments, and others for projects that meet the requirements of the program.
“These projects enhance the quality of life and support rural prosperity for all of Central Washington,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor Erick Walker. “We all benefit from clean water, improved roads, and reduced wildfire risk.”
Projects selected in the past have varied widely including trailhead relocation, noxious weed control projects, road stabilization, trail maintenance and construction of trail bridges, roadside brush cutting, relocation of campsites out of sensitive streamside areas, fire risk reduction, forest road resurfacing, enhancing wildlife habitat, rehabilitation of wetlands, toilet replacements and portable toilet rentals, litter and abandoned vehicle removal, herbicide treatments, culvert replacement and youth-oriented outdoor recreation project work.
Project proposals must be submitted to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest headquarters in Wenatchee by April 19, 2021 to receive consideration for Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act Title II funds for 2021. Projects will be reviewed and recommended by the Forest’s citizen Resource Advisory Committee. For more information about the reauthorized Act, go to www.fs.fed.us/srs .
For those planning to submit projects for consideration, project submission forms are available on the Forest’s website at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/okawen/rac (scroll to the bottom). Projects proposed on National Forest System lands should be coordinated with the local Ranger District office prior to submitting an application for funding.
Please send completed project submission forms to Robin DeMario (robin.demario@usda.gov); hardcopy submissions may be sent to DeMario at Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801. For more information, or if you have questions about Secure Rural Schools project submissions, contact DeMario at 509-664-9292.
