ELKINS, West Virginia. — The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (WVRAC) is soliciting proposals for Title II projects to be implemented across the National Forest. Project proposals will be accepted from March 6th, 2025 through May 6th, 2025.
Funding will be provided through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides payments to counties as compensation for the loss of tax income associated with federal land within their boundaries.
By law, Title II projects must provide direct or indirect benefits to natural resources on National Forest lands. The proposed projects should aim to enhance forest ecosystems, improve water quality or improve existing infrastructure within the Monongahela National Forest.
Previous projects have accomplished watershed restoration, stream stabilization, invasive plant treatments, native plant reestablishment, wildlife and fish habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance. The projects must be in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, or Webster Counties and can be on federal or private land. By law, Title II projects must provide direct or indirect benefits to natural resources on National Forest lands. Selected projects are typically funded in the $10k – $45k range.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit project proposals as early as possible. It is the responsibility of the proponent to coordinate with Forest Service staff and partner agencies to ensure that the proposal is complete and meets the intent of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The proposals must also be pre-approved by the district ranger or forest supervisor where the project resides before being submitted. Project applications and instructions on how to submit a proposal are available online at the West Virginia RAC website.
The WVRAC, which represents a wide variety of citizen interests, will review all proposals, and recommend projects for funding. Proponents will be notified of the RAC meeting schedule and are encouraged to attend the meetings, which are open to the public, to answer questions about their projects.
Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools Act can be found at fs.usda.gov/main/pts/home. Questions can be directed to WVRAC Coordinator, Kristopher Hennig, at Kristopher.Hennig@usda.gov or (304) 635-4475.
