March 4, 2022 3:00 a.m.

Staff with the Bureau of Land Management are seeking proposals for natural resource projects that restore and improve public lands across western Oregon.

A release said between $4 million and $5 million is available for community-based natural resource projects. Funding for selected projects will be provided through the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

Individuals, non-profit organizations, organized groups and local governments are encouraged to submit funding applications. Applications are welcome for Oregon and California Grant (O&C) lands and resources in the 18 western Oregon counties including Douglas.

The release said under the Act, Title II funds are designed to make investments in public lands and create additional employment opportunities through projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure, implement stewardship objectives that enhance forest ecosystems, and restore and improve land health and water quality. These projects are also designed to improve cooperative relationships among the people that use and care for public lands and the agencies that manage those lands.

Individuals and groups interested in submitting projects to the BLM are encouraged to discuss the project proposals with the appropriate coordinator for the BLM District where the project would be implemented.

The Western Oregon Resource Advisory Committee will review the applications at their summer 2022 meeting. Additional information about the group is available at: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/western-oregon-rac