DEPARTMENTAL REGULATION

Number:

1042-066

Subject:

Forestry Research Advisory Council

Date: April 26, 2006

OPI:    Forest Service

1

PURPOSE

The Forestry Research Advisory Council (Council) is hereby renewed.  The Council is required by the Agriculture and Food Act of 1981, Section 1441(c) (Pub. L. No. 97-98) to provide advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on accomplishing efficiently the purposes of the Act of October 10, 1962 (16 U.S.C. 582a, et seq.), commonly known as the McIntire-Stennis Act of 1962.  The Council also provides advice related to the Forest Service research program, authorized by the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Research Act of 1978 (Pub. L. No. 95-307,92 Stat. 353, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 1600 (note)).  The Council will report to the Secretary of Agriculture on regional and national planning and coordination of forestry research within the Federal and State agencies concerned with developing and utilizing the Nation’s forest resources, forestry schools, and the forest industries.  The Council shall also advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the apportionment of funds for the McIntire-Stennis Program.

2

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS/CANCELLATION

a

This regulation will expire 2 years from the date of filing.  The purpose of the Council could not be accomplished in less than 2 years.

b

Departmental Regulation 1042-66, dated June 3, 2004, is hereby superseded.

3

OFFICERS AND MEMBERSHIP

a

The Council shall consist of 20 voting members from the following membership categories.  Members shall represent:

(1)

Federal and State agencies concerned with developing and utilizing the Nation’s forest resources, in particular committee membership, will include representation from National Forest System and Forest and Range Experiment Stations leaders, Forest Service.

(2)

The forest industries.

(3)

The forestry schools of the State-certified eligible institutions, and State agricultural experiment stations.

(4)

Volunteer public groups concerned with forests and related natural resources.

b

Representation will be geographically balanced insofar as possible.  Some members will reflect regional perspectives: others will be more oriented toward national perspectives.

c

Nomination of members representing the forestry schools (section 3a(3) (above) will be sent to the Secretary by State-certified eligible forestry schools with two nominations for each eligible vacancy.

d

All voting members will be appointed by the Secretary.  Additional resource persons may be invited to attend the meetings of the Council.

e

The Council Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the Council from among its members.

f

The Executive Secretary for the Council, or designee, shall serve as designated Federal officer (DFO) and shall alternate biennially between the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Deputy Administrator for Natural Resources and Environment, or designee, and the Forest Service Deputy Chief for Research & Development, or designee.

g

Equal opportunity practices, in line with Department of Agriculture (USDA) policies, will be followed in all appointments to the Council.  To ensure that the recommendations of the Council have taken into account the needs of the diverse groups served by USDA, membership should include, to the extent practicable, individuals with demonstrated ability to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

4

DUTIES

a

The Council shall meet at least annually and shall submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture, on regional and national planning and coordination of forestry research within the Federal and State agencies, forestry schools, and the forest industries.

b

The Council shall also advise the Secretary on the apportionment of funds.

c

Actions of the Council will be reported to the Secretary in the form of resolutions, to be accompanied by minutes of the annual meeting to provide background information on the resolutions.

d

The Council may create and operate subcommittees or working groups recommended by its members and approved by the Secretary or designated Federal officer.

e

The Council shall adopt such by-laws as are necessary to conduct its business and accomplish its legislative purpose.

f

The Council may make special reports to the Secretary jointly through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.

5

ESTIMATED ANNUAL OPERATING COST

a

Members shall serve without pay, but with reimbursement of travel expenses and per diem for attendance at Council functions approved by the Chairperson.

b

Annual operating costs are estimated at $26,100 with 0.3 staff years.

6

NUMBER AND FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS

The Council shall meet at the call of the Secretary of Agriculture or at least once annually.  All meetings shall be open to the public.

7

REPORTS/SUPPORT

a

Support to the Council is to be provided by the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service and the Forest Service, USDA.

b

The Council reports to the Secretary of Agriculture, through the Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and the Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment.