The Superior Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) has met and recommended a total of $400,000 for proposals that would enhance forest ecosystems on the Superior National Forest and near-by lands in Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties. The funds are available under Title II of the reauthorized Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. According to RAC Chairman Howard Hedstrom, “The RAC committee was extremely pleased with the quality of projects submitted. The variety of projects selected runs the gamut from improved hiking and biking trails, to seed collection designed to improve forest health, to road maintenance.” Selected projects and funding include Kawishiwi Road Maintenance & Land Stewardship, $167,000; Superior Hiking Trail Improvements, $37,500; Shoreline Restoration in National Forest Campgrounds, $37,320; Gunflint Green Up, $20,008; Sugarbush Trail System, $34,000; Seed Collection, $30,780; Site Prep for Conifer in Lake and Cook counties, $56,290; Site Prep for Riparian Planting on East Twin and Musquash Lakes, $3,000; Buckthorn Control Project, $24,475.
Jim Sanders, supervisor for the Superior National Forest said, “I appreciate the work of the RAC and look forward to implementing these projects with our partners. The projects will provide long-term benefits to the local communities as well as to national forest resources.”
RAC will receive additional funding in 2011 through Title II of the Act. Projects that benefit fish, wildlife, soils, watersheds and other resources or that maintain roads, trails, and other existing infrastructure, obliterate unneeded roads, or control noxious weeds will be considered. To qualify for Title II funding, RAC projects must be located on National Forest System lands in Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties or on other nearby lands if the project will benefit the resources on the national forest. Projects can be completed by Forest Service personnel, through partnership agreements, or by open-bid contracting with individuals and corporations.
“The public is encouraged to propose projects designed to improve Superior National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties,” stated Hedstrom.
To be considered for the next round of funding, completed project applications must be submitted electronically or postmarked by 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11. RAC is commissioned by the U.S. Forest Service.
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