NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Salmon - Challis National Forest 1206 South Challis St. Salmon, Idaho 83467

Contact: Mardi Rhodes (PAO) July 17, 2012

208-993-0637

Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee now Accepting Project Proposals The Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee (CIRAC) is now accepting proposals for review and possible funding for Fiscal Year 2013, which begins October 1, 2012. The funding is available through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act, which was reauthorized by Congress for one year. The authority of the RAC to recommend projects for funding will expire on September 30, 2012, so they need to complete recommendations for 2013 in a very tight timeline, said Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisor Frank Guzman. At this time we are uncertain as to the amount of funding available, but anticipate it being a very similar amount to what was available in 2012. The CIRAC will meet on August 16, 2012 to elect a new chairperson from amongst its membership, seat two new members and begin reviewing project proposals for funding. Previous Chairperson Robert Cope stepped down in June to accept a position on the National Planning Rule RAC. The two new members who will be seated are Alan Howell of Leadore who takes the spot vacated by Cope; and Sarah Baker, from Clayton, taking the seat recently opened up by Bart Wojciechowski. RAC-funded projects must be located on National Forest System lands in Butte, Custer or Lemhi counties or on nearby lands if the project will benefit resources on the National Forests. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements or by open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations. The RAC works closely with the Forest Service to

recommend projects that will benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintains roads, trails and other infrastructure; or control noxious weeds. If you are interested in submitting a project, please request a Project Proposal form from CIRAC Coordinator, Karen Dunlap, at the Salmon-Challis Supervisors Office, 1206 S. Challis St., ID 83467. Dunlap can also be reached via email at kdunlap@fs.fed.us or phone at 208-756-5192. In order to be considered at the August 16 meeting, project proposals are due to Dunlap by August 10, 2012. Depending on the amount of funding available additional meetings of the CIRAC may be held prior to September 30, 2012 in order to ensure all funds are allocated. Potential project sponsors should contact local Forest Service offices to obtain information that may be needed for a proposal and to ensure proper agreements and paperwork are completed that will enable the project sponsor to obtain funding if approved by the RAC. The CIRAC meeting will be held at the Salmon-Challis National Forest Supervisors Office, 1206 S. Challis St., Salmon, Idaho on August 16, 2012 at 9:00 am. Project sponsors may attend the entire RAC meeting. Meetings are always open to the public. XXXX