He Federal Forest Service began searching for 15 local representatives from different sectors to form a Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for the Safe Rural Schools (SRS) program, which will provide consulting and recommendations to the El Yunque National Forest on the allocation of funds, proposals and potential projects aligned with the Forest Management Plan.
The RAC will also advise on the development of a strategy that ensures that El Yunque can sustainably finance its operations and maintain recreational infrastructure, explained the forestry supervisor, Keenan Adams.
“This advisory committee represents the next step in our journey, ensuring that local voices play a significant role in our management strategies”Adams said in a press release, adding that, in the coming years, “we anticipate having revitalized nearly all of our key recreational infrastructure impacted by the hurricanes.” Maria and Fiona”, a task in which the RAC will be key.
He added that, in order to provide balance and diversity to the group, members must represent a variety of origins and interests, among which he mentioned the industrial, ecological and recreational sectors, the community and elected officials.
Adams indicated that RAC members must reside in Puerto Rico, preferably in one of the municipalities that make up the El Yunque region, and that applicants will be evaluated based on their training and professional experience, demonstrated commitment to collaborative decision-making, and their contribution to the group in terms of balance and diversity.
RAC members are expected to meet virtually or in person, at a frequency determined by the committee itself. In-person meetings will be open to the public. Meanwhile, the appointment of members will be for four years and they could be re-elected for additional periods. The members of the RAC will be volunteers, so the services provided will not entail any remuneration.
The deadline to submit applications is May 1. Individuals interested in joining the RAC must complete form AD-755 (on the Forest Service website) and send it by email to sm.fs.ElYunqueRAC@usda.gov.
1 / 14 | Photos | This is what is observed during a night in El Yunque. A small coquí churí “greeted” the group that was part of the “Nightlife in El Yunque” tour, where various species of flora and fauna were appreciated. About this coquí, it was possible to learn about its distinctive characteristics and songs. – Ramon “Tonito” Zayas