USFS seeks funding requests

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is currently soliciting funding requests for local natural resources projects through the Medicine Bow-Routt Resource Advisory Council (RAC).

The USFS is seeking recommendations for projects to fund that will enhance or improve forest ecosystems, land health or water quality, according to an April 4 news release by the USFS. The proposals are due by May 6.

For Carbon County, the amount of money allocated for this round of funding is $43,578 according to the release, and there is another $12,524 in funds earmarked for Carbon County that are yet unallocated from the 2014-2015 funding round.

The RAC works to recommend projects that will benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, watersheds and other resources, as well as maintaining roads trails and other infrastructure. Projects can be completed by USFS personnel or through bids by contractors or individuals. Previously rejected proposals can be re-submitted according to the release.

On November 20, 2015, the RAC recommended funding for two projects in Carbon County: $14,500 for East Fork Encampment River Trail maintenance and; $18,500 for Forest Service Road 103 maintenance.

The RAC was established in 2009 to serve Jackson and Routt Counties in Colorado, as well as Albany and Carbon Counties in Wyoming. Since it was founded, the RAC as allocated $1.2 million in funding toward projects in the area.

To get information and forms to propose a project, call 307-745-2323, or email Aaron Voos, RAC Coordinator, at [email protected].