ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities.
Funding is provided through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, a program designed to compensate counties that contain large amounts of federally owned land exempt from local property taxes. Applications for project funding will be accepted from May 22 through June 22, 2026.
Under the program, a portion of those federal payments is directed toward “Title II” projects that improve natural resources, forest infrastructure, recreation access, and watershed conditions connected to National Forest lands.
Eligible projects must be located in Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, or Webster counties and must provide either direct or indirect benefits to National Forest resources. Projects may occur on either federal or private land if they support forest conservation goals.
According to the Forest Service, past projects have included stream restoration, erosion control, invasive plant removal, native tree planting, wildlife habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance. Most projects selected for funding receive between $10,000 and $50,000.
Examples of projects that may qualify include:
- stabilizing streambanks along trout waters
- replacing culverts that block fish passage
- restoring native forest vegetation
- removing invasive species
- repairing hiking trails and footbridges
- improving drainage on forest roads
- restoring wildlife habitat and pollinator areas
The program has funded a wide variety of local conservation work across the country, often supporting partnerships between federal agencies, local governments, volunteer groups, and nonprofit organizations. In the Monongahela National Forest region, projects frequently focus on improving water quality, restoring forest ecosystems, and maintaining public access to recreation areas that receive heavy visitor use.
Because many streams in the forest support native brook trout and downstream drinking water supplies, watershed restoration projects are often considered especially valuable. Erosion from aging roads, storm damage, or poorly functioning drainage systems can send sediment into streams, damaging aquatic habitat and affecting water quality. Title II funding is commonly used to address those issues before they become larger environmental problems.
Forest health projects may also receive consideration as land managers continue addressing invasive plant species and storm-related damage in parts of the forest. Projects that restore native hardwoods, improve wildlife corridors, or reduce long-term maintenance needs can align with the program’s goals.
Although the funding is tied to federal forest land, many projects are carried out through partnerships with local organizations and on nearby private property, where improvements benefit larger watersheds or ecosystems connected to the National Forest. Conservation districts, watershed associations, trail groups, educational institutions, and county governments have all participated in similar projects in past years.
Organizations, local governments, nonprofits, conservation groups, and individuals may submit proposals. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with Forest Service personnel prior to submission to ensure that projects meet federal requirements.
Project proposals must also receive preliminary approval from the appropriate district ranger or forest supervisor before being formally submitted.
The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee, based in Elkins, is composed of representatives from a variety of public interests and will review proposals and recommend projects for funding. Applicants are encouraged to attend committee meetings to answer questions about their proposals.
Applications and additional information are available through the U.S. Forest Service’s West Virginia RAC program. Additional details about the Secure Rural Schools program are available from the U.S. Forest Service Secure Rural Schools page. Questions may be directed to WVRAC coordinator Kristopher Hennig at Kristopher.Hennig@usda.gov or (304) 635-4475.
About the Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest covers nearly one million acres of mountainous public land across eastern West Virginia and is known for its high-elevation forests, scenic rivers, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Established in 1920, the forest stretches across portions of 10 counties and includes some of the state’s best-known natural landmarks, including Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and the Cranberry Wilderness.
The forest supports a diverse mix of ecosystems, cold-water trout streams, hardwood forests, and wildlife habitat while also providing opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and scenic driving. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the Monongahela also plays an important role in watershed protection, tourism, timber management, and conservation throughout the Appalachian Highlands.