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Advisory Committees
The West Virginia Resources Advisory Committee (WVRAC) is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects to be funded by Title II of the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act of 2000.
Background
For over a hundred years, the federal government has made payment to counties that contain National Forest System land. Payments were made based on 25 percent of the receipts generated from national forests in that state and were to be used for the benefit of public schools and public roads. In the late 1980s, due largely to declines in timber sale receipts, these payments began to drop significantly and fluctuate.
In 2000, President Clinton signed the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act that gave states the option of enhanced, stabilized payments instead of the 25 percent payments. The Act also created a forum for community interests to participate collaboratively in the selection of natural resource projects on the national forests and has assisted in community wildfire protection planning.
The Secure Rural Schools Act provides for three types of payments:
- Title I: Payments to states for roads and schools
- Title II: Funding for projects that benefit national forest resources
- Title II: Funding for wildlife fire protection and search and rescue operations
WVRAC Current Activities
We are seeking new WVRAC members! To apply, please return the candidate interest sheet and Advisory Committee Background Info sheet to Kris Hennig, WVRAC Committee Coordinator.
We anticipate a call for Title II project proposals this fall. It’s not too early to begin to develop your proposal and talk with appropriate Forest Service staff. See the Projects section of this page for more info and/or contact Kris at 304-635-4475 or kristopher.hennig@usda.gov
WVRAC Members
Fifteen West Virginia citizens serve on the WVRAC. They were selected to represent specific interest areas, as required in the Act.
| Interest Category A | WVRAC Member |
| Organized Labor or Non-Timber Forest Product Harvester Groups | |
| Developed Outdoor Recreation, Off-Highway Vehicle Users, or Commercial Recreation Activities | |
| Energy and Mineral Development or Commercial or Recreational Fishing Groups | |
| Commercial Timber Industry | |
| Federal Grazing Permit or Other Land Use Permit Holders, or Representative of Non-Industrial Private Forest Land Owners | |
| Interest Category B | WVRAC Member |
| Nationally Recognized Environmental Organizations | |
| Regionally or Locally Recognized Environmental Organizations | |
| Dispersed Recreational Activities | |
| Archaeology or History | |
| Nationally or Regionally Recognized Wild Horse and Burro Interest, Wildlife or Hunting Organizations, or Watershed Associations | |
| Interest Category C | WVRAC Member |
| State-Elected Office (or designee) | |
| County or Local-elected Office | |
| American Indian Tribes | |
| Area School Officials or Teachers | |
| Affected Public-At-Large |
WVRAC members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. Members serve without compensation but may be allowed travel expenses and per diem to attend committee meetings.
WVRAC Meetings
The WVRAC typically meets six times a year, every other year, to consider and recommend projects for possible approval by WVRAC Designated Federal Officer, Robert West. Meetings are announced in the Federal Register and local newspapers.
WVRAC Secure Rural Schools Title II Projects
Title II project proposals should make additional investments in and create employment opportunities through projects that
- improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure
- implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems
- restore and improve land health and water quality
Projects may take place on national forest system land or on non-federal land, so long as the projects benefit Monongahela National Forest resources. Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker and Webster counties receive Title II funding. Projects may be proposed by Federal agencies, State and local governments, private entities, nonprofit entities, and landowners.
For More Information
More information about Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committees can be found at our national Advisory Committee webpage. Or contact:
WVRAC Designated Federal Official:
Robert West, Deputy Forest Supervisor at robert.west2@usda.gov
WVRAC Committee Coordinator:
Kris Hennig, Partnership Coordinator at kristopher.hennig@usda.gov
Page last updated 3/4/2024