Forest Service seeks nominees for Pacific Northwest Recreation Advisory Committee

PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Forest Service is seeking nominations for its newly formed Pacific Northwest Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). The nomination period opened on March 18 and will remain open until May 17, 2024.

The 11-member advisory committee will provide recommendations to the Forest Service on recreation fee programs for federal lands in the Pacific Northwest region. This includes guidance on implementing or eliminating fees for amenities, special recreation permits, and other aspects of the fee program.

"The Pacific Northwest Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee will play a vital role in shaping the future of recreation fee programs for federal lands,” said Sally Butts, Director of Recreation, Lands, and Minerals, for the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. “This committee will contribute to the development of inclusive and impactful recommendations that reflect the interests of our diverse communities.”

The Secretary of Agriculture will approve committee members to represent various recreation and environmental interests, including motorized and non-motorized users, hunters and anglers, outfitters and guides, tribes, tourism officials, and local governments. Members will serve two—or three-year terms.

The Forest Service is encouraging self-nominations and recommendations for qualified candidates representing underserved communities. Nominees should have experience with collaborative groups, working with diverse populations, and unique expertise related to their interest area.

Nomination packages can be submitted electronically to sm.fs.r6_rrac@usda.gov or by mail. Complete details and the nomination form can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r6/recrac.

The RRAC is being established under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Forest Service says it is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all committee appointments.