January 19, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Staff with the Bureau of Land Management is seeking proposals for natural resource projects across western Oregon that provide community-based solutions to public lands challenges.

A BLM release said this includes wildland fire prevention, trash clean-up, watershed restoration, road maintenance and control of noxious weeds.

More than $3.1 million will be provided through the BLM Secure Rural Schools Title II Program. The release said the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act funds a variety of activities, including support for county projects, funds for roads and schools, and protection of natural resources. The current funding is available to build relationships between the BLM and state and local governments, private and nonprofit entities, and landowners for protection, restoration and enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat and other resource projects on federal land. The release said this can also apply to non-federal land where projects would benefit the resources on federal land.

Title II funds support restoration projects that may not otherwise have been completed, such as the improved maintenance of existing infrastructure, enhancement of forest ecosystems, and restoration of land health and water quality. Applications are being accepted for projects that benefit O&C lands in 18 western counties, including Douglas.

Go to: https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/resource-advisory-council/near-you/oregon-washington/western-oregon-rac for more information.