Department of Agriculture September 6, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to the authorities in the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-463) and under the secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-393) the Sierra National Forest's Resource Advisory Committee for Madera County met on Monday, August 13, 2007. The Madera Resource Advisory Committee met at the Forest Service Office, North Fork, CA 93643. The purpose of the meeting was: Agree on parameters for accepting solicitations for Title II funding for FY 2007 and set a date for the final meeting when proposals will be approved for recommendation to the Forest Supervisor. The primary discussion revolved around what types of projects the RAC would be willing to entertain for this round of funding. Due to the extremely short turn-around time and the difficulty of a new extensive solicitation, what will be considered was brought into a very narrow focus. The following were generally agreed-to by unanimous consent as projects that would be considered for funding: Invasive Weed Managementsubmitted through the Coarsegold RCD, similar proposal and $$ as last year; High Sierra Volunteer Trail CrewSubmitted through the same group/ Shane Krogan, similar proposal and $$ as last year; Goat Mountain FuelbreakSubmitted through the Coarsegold RCD, would consider funding the balance of funding needed from last year but was cut. Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000; Forest Service Fuel Hazard reduction in Cedar ValleySubmitted through the Forest Service as an adjunct to the Cedar Valley Project. Primarily directed at road hazard reduction clearing on either side of the Cedar Valley Road; Planning for the San Joaquin Trail projectSubmitted through the San Joaquin River Trail Council, estimated at $10,000-$15,000. This planning will allow the expenditure of another $40,000 of existing funding to finish the last trail segment between Millerton Lake and the Mammoth trailhead; Kinsman Fuel HazardSubmitted through the USFS. Completion of fuel hazard reduction around Kinsman Flat private land. Dave agreed to contact prospective project proponents ASAP and get completed proposals out to RAC members 1-2 weeks prior to the meeting on September 10.

The Wild Rivers Ranger District of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is proposing to charge a $4/day use fee per vehicle at the Illinois River Scenic Recreation area. A seasonal pass of $25 per vehicle and a charge of $10 fee for the overnight use of Store Gulch Campground are also proposed. These fees are proposed to begin in fiscal year 2008. Use of the developed recreation facilities on the Illinois River of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has shown that the public appreciates and enjoys the availability of the recreation experience. Funds from the fee charges would be used for the continued operation and maintenance of the Illinois River Scenic Recreation area and improvements including law enforcement and sanitation.