OLYMPIA — Proposals for projects for the Olympic National Forest are due by Oct. 16.
The Title II projects, which would begin in 2021, are for enhancing forest ecosystems, restoring and improving water quality and land health, or improving the maintenance of existing infrastructure.
Past projects have included road and trail maintenance, watershed restoration, culvert replacement or removal, stream stabilization, vegetation management, control of invasive plants, and opportunities for youth training and employment.
By law, projects must be located on National Forest system land, or provide benefit to resources on National Forest lands.
Funding will be provided through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides counties with compensation for the loss of tax income associated with federal land within their boundaries.
Olympic National Forest received a total of $318,855, less 10 percent for administrative purposes, in Title II fiscal year 2019 funds available for project proposals.
The breakdown by county is as follows:
• Clallam: $102,174.60
• Jefferson: $99,941
• Grays Harbor: $46,653
• Mason: $31,864
• Quinault Special Management Area: $1,770
The Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will review the proposals and recommend projects for funding. Members are residents of each of the Olympic Peninsula counties.
The forest supervisor will review RAC recommendations prior to final approval for project implementation.
Project submission and supplemental proposal forms are available at fs.usda.gov/main/olympic/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.
Hard copy submission forms are available at the supervisor’s office in Olympia, form 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Completed forms are to be submitted electronically to Susan Garner, susan.garner@usda.gov, or hard copies can be mailed to Olympic National Forest, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia, WA 98512, Attention Susan Garner.
For additional information, contact Garner at 360-956-2390.
