(Cedar City, UT)– The public is encouraged to propose projects designed to improve Dixie National Forest lands and the rural economies of local counties. Project funding is being made available through Title II funds under the one-year reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Public Law 112-141). Preliminary project applications should be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. on August 29, 2012. Projects considered by the re-chartered Dixie National Forest Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will need to be received by that date and should have environmental clearance documentation completed.

Preliminary project application forms are available at the Dixie National Forest Headquarters, 1789 North Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, Utah 84721.

Applicants for Title II funds are encouraged to submit their forms electronically. E-mail Title II applications to Janice Minarik at jminarik@fs.fed.us. Proposals may also be mailed to Forest Headquarters in care of Janice Minarik, Dixie National Forest, 1789 North Wedgewood Lane, Cedar City, Utah 84721. Please allow for mail delivery time as the submissions must be received in the office by August 29, 2012.

Title II projects fund work such as: restoring watersheds, removing noxious and invasive weeds, conservation education, thinning trees, enhancing recreation sites and repairing and maintaining infrastructure. The funds are made available by Garfield, Iron, Kane and Washington counties which receive Federal funds based on the percentage of land in Federal ownership, timber receipt payments, and per capita income. The Dixie National Forest RAC will have approximately $250,000 for projects.

“The Forest is ready to work with the RAC and appreciates the time this group of people will invest,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Kevin Schulkoski. “With this round of funding we encourage submitting projects that will provide long term remedies to obvious problems as well as those that have been successful in securing financial partners,” added Schulkoski.

Individuals, non-profit organizations, and local governments can submit Title II project applications. The funds for approved projects will be available for 2013 implementation.

The RAC committee meeting will be held at Panguitch City offices, 25 South 200 East, Panguitch, Utah on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. The meeting is open to the public.

Applicants may also contact Janice Minarik for more information about the RAC and projects at (435) 865-3700.