Hey All, as I mentioned on the zoom meeting, I am a RAC member and there is $118k of funds to be spend on projects in El Dorado National Forest this year. Projects that focus on trail improvements or watershed protections would be getting priorities. Here are a few ideas I am running by Kyle:
-Tools and the Carsonite (brown plastic trail markers) to refresh trail signage
-Hand tools (log rolling tools and loppers for clubs to use when doing maintenance)
-Info boards for ends of major trails
-More permanent maps to go onto info boards (metal printed type)
-Custom printed trasharoos to give out in exchange for people collecting trash (was thinking something like raffle prizes for a hosted event)
-picnic tables/materials to build some dispersed camp sites along strawberry creek
Please post up your suggested ideas and I will run them by Kyle.
Here is the press release from the forest service with a bit of background on the RAC and the funding. It is for sure an interesting program and I applied to be on the RAC in 2016, they went into a holding pattern, and 2 months ago the funds were made available so they re-formed the group. The last few meetings have been very bureaucratic with adopting rules, etc. but the next meetings will be voting on projects.
El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee Requests Proposals for Funding Projects to Benefit Federal Lands
PLACERVILLE, Calif. - El Dorado County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is now accepting proposals for projects to benefit Federal lands in El Dorado County.
The RAC is a 15-member committee representing diverse views and partners and is appointed by the Secretary of the United States Department of Agricultural to provide advice and recommend funding projects consistent with the Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act (Act) 2000 (reauthorized in March 201😎. Funds may be used for creating additional employment opportunities through projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality.
Applications are welcome for projects that have broad-based support and objectives that may include, but are not limited to: road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration; soil productivity improvement; improvements in ecosystem health; watershed restoration and maintenance; restoration, maintenance and improvement of wildlife and fish habitat; control of noxious and exotic weeds; and reestablishment of native grasses. At least 50% of the funds must be used for projects that are primarily dedicated to road maintenance, decommissioning, or obliteration; or restoration of streams and watersheds.
Currently, approximately $118,000 is available for eligible projects and another rounding of funding is anticipated to be included in this call for proposals.
Applications, instructions, project evaluation criteria, and other information are found on the
El Dorado County RAC website. A letter of support from the local District Ranger or other Federal representative is required with the application.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/eldorado/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=fseprd529532&width=full.
Completed project application package should be submitted electronically to:
[email protected]
Application deadline: April 16, 2021 (by 4:30 pm)
