The Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests are seeking project proposals to be funded under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.

The act was reauthorized for two more years by Congress.

The federal legislation encourages individuals, nonprofit organizations, local governments, and others to propose projects that restore watersheds, decommission or maintain roads, control noxious weeds, or otherwise improve the condition of the forest.

Proposed projects do not need to be implemented on Forest Service lands, but must show a benefit to national forest resources.

Project proposals for fiscal year 2016 funding are due electronically by November 16. Application forms, instructions, and submission guidelines can be found online at www.fs.usda.gov/main/wallowa-whitman/workingtogether/advisorycommittees.

Another round of applications for project proposals will be reviewed in 2017.

Eligible project proposals submitted to the Malheur, Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests will be reviewed by the Northeast Oregon Forests Resource Advisory Committee.

The committee will provide forest supervisors with a list of projects recommended for funding.