The USDA Forest Service is seeking nominations for an 11-member Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (Recreation RAC).  

The purpose of the Recreation RAC is to provide recommendations to the Forest Service on recreation fee matters on the national forests in Oregon, Washington, and a small portion of Idaho in Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The committee’s recommendations will help the Forest Service garner public opinion about recreation fees but will not supersede the Agency’s legally established decision authority. 

Potential nominees must represent certain forest-related interests as described in the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act:

  • Category One: Five people who represent recreation users, one in each position: summer motorized, summer non-motorized, winter motorized, winter non-motorized, and hunting and fishing.
  • Category Two: Three people who represent interest groups that include as appropriate: motorized outfitter and guides, non-motorized outfitter and guides, and local environmental groups.
  • Category Three: Three people, one in each position: State tourism official, a person who represents affected local government interests, and a person who represents affected Indian tribes’ issues.

Applicants will be recommended to the Secretary of Agriculture for appointment based on the following criteria:

  • How the person is qualified to represent one or more of the categories listed above
  • Experience working with underserved populations including people of color
  • Why the person wants to serve on the committee and what they can contribute
  • Past experience in successfully working collaboratively in a group setting

USDA policies regarding equal opportunity will be followed. To ensure recommendations of the committee have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups within the Pacific Northwest Region, RAC membership shall include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. 

Additional information about RACs and the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is available here. 

Completed criteria responses and applications are due by May 17, 2024. 

If you have any questions, please contact Nicole LaGioia, USDA Forest Service.