Title II Projects and Mon Forest Prescribed Spring Burns
The West Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (WVRAC) is soliciting proposals for Title II projects to be implemented across the National Forest. Project proposals will be accepted from March 6th, 2025 through May 6th, 2025.
Funding will be provided through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, which provides payments to counties as compensation for the loss of tax income associated with federal land within their boundaries.
By law, Title II projects must provide direct or indirect benefits to natural resources on National Forest lands. The proposed projects should aim to enhance forest ecosystems, improve water quality or improve existing infrastructure within the Monongahela National Forest.
Previous projects have accomplished watershed restoration, stream stabilization, invasive plant treatments, native plant reestablishment, wildlife and fish habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance. The projects must be in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, or Webster Counties and can be on federal or private land. Selected projects are typically funded in the $10k – $45k range.
Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit project proposals as early as possible. It is the responsibility of the proponent to coordinate with Forest Service staff and partner agencies to ensure that the proposal is complete and meets the intent of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act. The proposals must also be pre-approved by the district ranger or forest supervisor where the project resides before being submitted. Project applications and instructions on how to submit a proposal are available online at the West Virginia RAC website.
The WVRAC, which represents a wide variety of citizen interests, will review all proposals, and recommend projects for funding. Proponents will be notified of the RAC meeting schedule and are encouraged to attend the meetings, which are open to the public, to answer questions about their projects.
Additional information about the Secure Rural Schools Act can be found at fs.usda.gov/main/pts/home. Questions can be directed to WVRAC Coordinator, Kristopher Hennig, at Kristopher.Hennig@usda.gov or (304) 635-4475.
In other US Forest news, the Monongahela National Forest staff have announced they plan to conduct prescribed fires in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, and Tucker counties this spring, weather permitting.
These treatments will help re-establish fire’s natural role in the forest ecosystem, improve forest health and wildlife habitat, and reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the north zone of the national forest include:
- Upper Greenbrier North, 514 acres, Pocahontas County
- Nursery Bottom, 54 acres, Tucker County
Prescribed fires planned for the south zone of the national forest include:
- Middle Mountain, 416 acres, Pocahontas County
- Brushy Mountain Units 1, 3 & 5, 384 acres, Greenbriar County
Each prescribed fire area will be closed to the public on the day of ignitions and may be closed for several days after to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted on roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burning. Residents and visitors may see and smell smoke for several days. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights and drive appropriately for the conditions.
Prescribed fires are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre-determined forest management goals. Monongahela National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed fires, and takes into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, smoke dispersion and wind. If any environmental conditions are not within limits, the burn will be postponed.
County emergency operations centers and local radio stations will be notified when burning begins. Information will also be posted at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ and https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.
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