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{{Organization  
{{Organization  
|OrganizationName=National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
|OrganizationName=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council  
|OrganizationType=Boards, Commissions, and Committees
|OrganizationType=Boards, Commissions, and Committees  
|Mission=The mission of the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) is to advise the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on the establishment of a national urban and community forestry action plan. It promotes the development of urban forests to enhance community livability, environmental quality, and economic vitality.
|Mission=The Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council advises the Secretary of Agriculture on managing the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area. It ensures the area’s preservation through stakeholder collaboration and public input.
|OrganizationExecutive=Chair
|OrganizationExecutive=Chair
|Employees=15 (members)
|Employees=0
|Budget=
|Budget=
|Website=https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf
|Website=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212
|Services=Policy recommendations; Urban forestry action plan; Grant recommendations
|Services=Advisory recommendations; management plan consultation; public engagement
|ParentOrganization=Forest Service
|ParentOrganization=Forest Service
|TopOrganization=Department of Agriculture
|TopOrganization=Department of Agriculture
|CreationLegislation=Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978
|CreationLegislation=Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996
|Regulations=
|Regulations=None
|HeadquartersLocation=38.895111, -77.036366
|HeadquartersLocation=44.0422288,-123.0134963
|HeadquartersAddress=1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States
|HeadquartersAddress=3106 Pierce Pkwy Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477
}}
}}


'''National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC)''' is an advisory body that provides recommendations to the USDA on urban forestry issues, aiming to improve urban and community forest health, equity in tree canopy distribution, and public engagement in forestry management.
'''Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council''' is a federally mandated body established to guide the management of the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, a 13,538-acre protected area within Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, known for its old-growth forests and Elkhorn Creek, a Wild and Scenic River. Comprising 13 members representing diverse interests such as state and local governments, environmental groups, mining, and recreation, the council provides recommendations to the Forest Service on resource protection, trail access, and sustainable use, ensuring the area’s ecological and cultural integrity for future generations.


{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf}}
{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212}}


==Mission==
==Mission==


NUCFAC's mission is to develop, evaluate, and promote a national urban and community forestry action plan that supports healthy urban forest ecosystems. It works to ensure that urban forestry strategies address climate change, enhance community resilience, support public health, and promote economic benefits through trees in urban environments.<ref>USDA Forest Service. "National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
The Advisory Council’s mission is to provide strategic advice to the Secretary of Agriculture on the management of the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area, promoting its preservation through a comprehensive management plan. It facilitates collaboration among stakeholders, including government, industry, tribes, and the public, to balance recreation, conservation, and economic interests while protecting the area’s unique ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/07/11/00-17524/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council |publisher=Federal Register |date=July 11, 2000 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Parent organization==
==Parent organization==


NUCFAC operates under the U.S. Forest Service, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Forest Service oversees the Urban and Community Forestry Program.<ref>USDA Forest Service. "About the Forest Service". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
The Advisory Council operates under the [[Forest Service]], within the [[Department of Agriculture]]. It works closely with the Willamette National Forest staff to align recommendations with broader forest management goals, ensuring the Scenic Recreation Area’s integration into national conservation strategies.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Legislation==
==Legislation==


NUCFAC was established by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, which mandates the council's role in urban forestry policy development.<ref>U.S. Government Publishing Office. "Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-92/pdf/STATUTE-92-Pg365.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
The Advisory Council was established by the [[https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/3840 |Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996]], which directed the creation of the council to guide management of the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/05/16/05-9635/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council |publisher=Federal Register |date=May 16, 2005 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Partners==
==Partners==


* State forestry agencies
The Advisory Council collaborates with:
* Non-profit organizations involved in urban forestry
 
* Municipal governments
* [[Willamette National Forest]] for area management
* Academic institutions and research organizations<ref>USDA Forest Service. "National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
* [[Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center]] for education and outreach
* [[Marion County, Oregon]] for local government input
* Environmental and recreation organizations for stakeholder perspectives<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212 |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Number of employees==
==Number of employees==


The council consists of 15 members appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, representing a range of urban forestry interests.<ref>Federal Register. "National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council". Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/28/2024-01548/national-urban-and-community-forestry-advisory-council-meeting (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
The Advisory Council has no paid employees, as its 13 members serve voluntarily for staggered three-year terms without compensation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Organization structure==
==Organization structure==


The council includes members from various sectors, including government, academia, and community organizations.
The Advisory Council consists of 13 members appointed to represent diverse interests, with no formal sub-organizations but structured to include:
 
* Stakeholder Representation Unit includes members from state, county, and city governments, plus industry and environmental groups.
* Public Engagement Unit gathers input through meetings and comment periods.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/12/22/06-9820/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council-notice-of-meeting |title=Opal Creek SRA Advisory Council Notice |publisher=Federal Register |date=December 22, 2006 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


===Leader===
===Leader===


The council is led by a Chair, who directs its activities and meetings.
The Advisory Council is led by a [[Chair]], designated by the Secretary of Agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


===Divisions===
===Divisions===


There are no formal divisions, but the council can form working groups:
The council operates as a single advisory body with no formal divisions but includes:


* Working groups might address specific issues like equity in urban forestry or climate resilience.
* Government Representatives for state, county, and city input.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/07/11/00-17524/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council |publisher=Federal Register |date=July 11, 2000 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>
* Industry and Community Representatives for mining, environmental, and recreation interests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==List of programs==
==List of programs==


* Development of the National Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan
The Advisory Council does not administer programs but supports:
* Recommendations for urban forestry grants
 
* Annual reports on urban forestry progress and challenges
* Opal Creek Management Plan Development for guiding area use and preservation.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/xmlui/handle/1794/7165 |title=Opal Creek SRA Management Plan |publisher=University of Oregon |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>
* Public Comment Initiatives for gathering stakeholder input.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2001/05/17/01-12436/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council |title=Opal Creek SRA Advisory Council |publisher=Federal Register |date=May 17, 2001 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Last total enacted budget==
==Last total enacted budget==


The budget for NUCFAC is not publicly detailed; its activities are funded through the USDA Forest Service's Urban and Community Forestry Program budget.
No specific budget is allocated to the Advisory Council, as members serve without compensation, and operational costs are covered by the Willamette National Forest’s general budget.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Staff==
==Staff==


The council does not have dedicated staff; support is provided by Forest Service employees.
The Advisory Council has no staff; its 13 volunteer members, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture or designated by local governments, include representatives from Marion County, the State of Oregon, and various industries, serving without pay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2000/07/11/00-17524/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council |publisher=Federal Register |date=July 11, 2000 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Funding==
==Funding==


Funding for NUCFAC's operations is part of the USDA's Forest Service budget for urban forestry initiatives.
The Advisory Council operates without a dedicated budget, relying on Forest Service resources for meetings and administrative support, with no direct funding history available due to its advisory nature.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Services provided==
==Services provided==


NUCFAC provides advisory services, focusing on policy development, grant recommendations, and the creation of action plans to promote sustainable urban forestry practices, enhance community engagement, and address environmental and social equity in urban areas.
The Advisory Council provides recommendations on the Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area’s management, including trail access, resource protection, and recreation policies. It engages stakeholders through public meetings and consults on the Opal Creek Management Plan to balance conservation and use.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/12/22/06-9820/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council-notice-of-meeting |title=Opal Creek SRA Advisory Council Notice |publisher=Federal Register |date=December 22, 2006 |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Regulations overseen==
==Regulations overseen==


While the council itself does not oversee regulations, its recommendations can influence urban forestry policies and practices across federal, state, and local levels.
The Advisory Council does not oversee regulations but advises on policies under the Forest Service’s jurisdiction, such as those protecting the Scenic Recreation Area’s ecosystem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212 |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==Headquarters address==
==Headquarters address==


1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250, United States
The administrative address, as listed on Google Maps for the Willamette National Forest Supervisor’s Office, is 3106 Pierce Pkwy Suite D, Springfield, OR 97477.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/maps/place/3106+Pierce+Pkwy+Suite+D,+Springfield,+OR+97477 |title=3106 Pierce Pkwy Suite D |publisher=Google Maps |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


Since its establishment under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, NUCFAC has played a significant role in shaping national urban forestry strategies, advocating for increased tree canopy in cities, and promoting the benefits of urban forests for health, environment, and economy.<ref>U.S. Government Publishing Office. "Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978". U.S. Government Publishing Office, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/STATUTE-92/pdf/STATUTE-92-Pg365.pdf (accessed February 8, 2025).</ref>
The Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Advisory Council was created under the [[https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/3840 |Opal Creek Wilderness and Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area Act of 1996]], following advocacy to protect the area’s old-growth forests from logging. Established within 90 days of the Act’s passage, the council has guided management plans, including trail access and conservation strategies, with meetings held regularly in Oregon to incorporate public and stakeholder input.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b |title=Opal Creek Wilderness and Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=Legal Information Institute |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212 |title=Opal Creek Scenic Recreation Area |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>
 
==Related==
 
* [[Willamette National Forest]]
* [[Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center]]
* [[Forest Service]]


==External links==
==External links==


* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/urban-forests/ucf Official NUCFAC Website]
* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/willamette/recarea/?recid=4212 Official Website]
* [[wikipedia:National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council]]
* [[wikipedia:Opal_Creek_Wilderness]]
* [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/16/545b Opal Creek Act Text]
* [https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2006/12/22/06-9820/opal-creek-scenic-recreation-area-sra-advisory-council-notice-of-meeting Federal Register Notices]


==References==
==References==


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<references />
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