South Central Idaho RAC approves 17 projects

Improvement of Trail Creek Road included

By :EXPRESS STAFF

The South Central Idaho Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) approved 17 natural resource projects totaling $224,600 during a meeting on May 17 in Jerome. The projects ranged from noxious weed treatments in Twin Falls and Blaine Counties, trail improvements and trail crossings in Cassia, Blaine and Twin Falls, a youth conservation corp crew on the Fairfield District and improvements on Trail Creek Road.

The meeting was one of several meetings held by the RAC to select projects for funding made available to Blaine, Camas, Cassia and Twin Falls Counties through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2008. The RAC works closely with the Forest Service and County Commissioners to recommend projects that will benefit forest health, fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources; maintain roads, trails and other infrastructure; or the control of noxious weeds.

RAC projects must be located on National Forest System Lands in Blaine, Camas, Cassia or Twin Falls counties or nearby lands if the project will benefit the resources on the National Forest. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel or through partnership agreements.

The next RAC meeting will be June 7 at the Idaho Fish and Game office in Jerome. The RAC expects to receive additional project proposals. The public is welcome to attend RAC meetings. For more information on the RAC contact Julie Thomas at 208-737-3262.