Application for Collaborative Forest Restoration Program Technical Advisory Panel

USDA Forest Service is seeking nominations and applications for 12-15 vacancies on the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program (CFRP) Technical Advisory Panel (Panel).  The Panel is composed of 12-15 members, each representing a specific area of expertise or affiliation required under the Community Forest Restoration Act of 2000 (Title VI, Pub. L. No. 106-393, SEC. 606).

The vacant positions include:

• A State Natural Resources official from the State of New Mexico;
• At least two representatives from Federal land management agencies;
• At least one tribal or pueblo representative;
• At least two independent scientists with experience in forest ecosystem restoration, and
• Equal representation from:

• Conservation interests;
• Local communities; and
• Commodity interests.

The CFRP Panel evaluates grant proposals that may receive funding though the CFRP and uses a consensus based process to provide recommendations to the Forest Service on which ones best meet the program objectives.  The Secretary of Agriculture makes the final decisions on project funding.

The CFRP provides cost share grants of up to $360,000 to stakeholders for forest restoration projects in New Mexico that are designed through a collaborative process.  Projects can be up to four years in length and can be located on or on any combination of Federal, Tribal, State, County or Municipal Forest Land.  The Forest Service anticipates awarding approximately $3.5 million in CFRP grants in 2013.  Projects must address the following objectives:

·         Wildfire threat reduction;

·         Ecosystem restoration, including non-native species reduction;

·         Reestablishment of historic fires regimes;

·         Reforestation;

·         Preservation of old and large trees;

·         Small diameter tree utilization;

·         Creation of forest-related local employment; and

·         Stakeholder diversity. 

Panel members serve two or three year terms without compensation, but may be reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses.  Meetings are held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, once or twice a year for three to five days.  The Panel usually meets in March or April for five days and a sub-committee meets every other year for three days.  Membership on the Panel requires a substantial commitment of time and energy.  Each year the Panel reviews 25 to 40 detailed applications and recommends 12 to 15 for funding.  Panel members receive grant proposals to review approximately six weeks prior the Panel meeting. 

Applicants must be United States citizens and at least 18 years of age.  Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the Panel should submit an AD-755 application form and resume to the USDA Forest Service Southwestern Regional Forester.  The ADD-755, including the enclosed continuation sheets, and resume should address the following evaluation criteria:

• Knowledge of forest management issues in New Mexico;
• Experience working with government planning process;
• Knowledge and understanding of the various cultures and communities in New Mexico;
• Ability to actively participate in diverse team settings; and
• Demonstrated skill in working toward mutually beneficial solutions to complex issues.  

Cover letters should be addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture.  The application form and more information about advisory committees can be found at www.usda.gov/advisory_committees.xml. 

All nomination materials should be mailed in a single, complete package and postmarked by November 7, 2012.  All nominations for membership should be sent to: Walter Dunn, Attn: CFRP Panel Applications, USDA Forest Service, 333 Broadway Blvd., SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. 

The Forest Service has special interest in assuring that women, minority groups, and the physically disabled are adequately represented on these advisory committees.  We encourage and welcome nominations for qualified female, minority, or disabled candidates.