IRONWOOD — The Ottawa National Forest Resource Advisory Committee is welcoming proposals for projects that benefit national forest land.

The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, signed in December, provides $121,000 in Title II funding for eligible projects on the Ottawa National Forest. The committee will review proposals and recommend how the funding should be used.

Forest Supervisor Lenore Lamb said the committee recommended funding 13 projects in 2025, totaling $775,000, including campground improvements, trail maintenance and construction, native plant restoration, invasive species prevention, and control and removing abandoned vehicles from the Black River valley.



“Many of these projects began work this spring and we are grateful to Gogebic and Ontonagon counties for supporting the Secure Rural Schools program and making this funding possible for projects like these,” said Lamb.

 Eligibility and Funding Criteria

Project proposals must meet criteria for activities that improve natural resources. At least 50% of all project funds must support projects primarily focused on road maintenance, decommissioning or obliteration; or on stream and watershed restoration.

Projects may also maintain infrastructure, improve watershed and ecosystem health, protect communities and strengthen local economies.



Proposals must be received by Friday, Sept. 4 and funding decisions are expected by November. 

The advisory committee highly encourages consulting with an Ottawa National Forest office or staff to ensure you have accurate information for consideration.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• watershed restoration

• maintenance of roads or trails

• hazardous fuels reduction

• improvements in forest ecosystem health

• improvement of wildlife and fish habitat

• control of invasive plants and/or re-establishment of native species

• enhancement of national forest recreation sites

Proposals are welcome from any source. Individuals, tribes, businesses, non-profit organizations and government agencies are eligible for funding consideration through grants, cooperative agreements and traditional contracting procedures with the Ottawa National Forest. A 20% in-kind and/or cash match is encouraged to meet the Forest Service cooperator agreement policy.

The Forest Service and the RAC encourage scalable projects; projects that could deliver more or less work depending on the funding available.

To submit project proposals online, visit the Ottawa National Forest website and use the Secure Rural Schools project submission form. All applicable federal laws apply, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and contracting/cooperator policies.

Consulting a Forest Service office as proposals develop will help applicants meet federal laws. 

Project proposals or questions can be directed to Ian Shackleford, E6248 US 2, Ironwood, MI 49938, via phone at 906-285-6911 or via email at ian.shackleford@usda.gov.