Employing youth for restoration, improving roads and fish habitat and eradicating noxious weeds were among 21 projects approved for funding in late 2017 by the Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee.

The committee is responsible for distributing funds authorized by the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

Thirty-one proposals requesting a total of $986,420 vied for $360,933 allocated to the Olympic National Forest under Title II of the act.

In Clallam County approved projects (and funding) were as follows: Clallam Deferred Road Maintenance, $55,500; Washington Conservation Corps, $28,577; Olympic Peninsula Cooperative Noxious Weed Control, $28,000; Washington Trails Association Multi-Forest Agreement Support, $3,000; Trail Footlogs in Hood Canal Ranger District, $2,516, and Upper Dungeness Large Wood Enhancement Phase 2 Planning, $2,000.

While Title II proposed projects don’t need to occur on National Forest System lands to be eligible for funding, they must demonstrate a direct benefit to national forest resources.

“Funding through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act benefits national forests and communities,” Dean Millett, Olympic National Forest District Ranger, said.

“Projects promote collaboration between public and private parties, provide jobs to local economies, and improve natural resources beyond what the agency could do on its own.”

The Olympic Peninsula Resource Advisory Committee comprises a cross-section of national forest stakeholders from tribal and government agencies, non-profit organizations, industry, education and environmental groups.

Information about these projects is posted on the Olympic National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/main/olympic/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.