Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board
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Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board (BHNFAB) is a committee that offers guidance to the U.S. Forest Service in managing the Black Hills National Forest. It focuses on integrating diverse interests in forest management, including conservation, recreation, and economic activities, to ensure sustainable practices.
Mission
The BHNFAB's mission is to advise the Forest Supervisor on matters concerning forest health, including fire management, insect and disease control, travel management, and the development or amendment of forest plans. It aims to balance ecological, economic, and recreational interests to manage the forest in a way that benefits all stakeholders while preserving the natural environment.[1]
Parent organization
The BHNFAB operates under the United States Forest Service, which is part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Forest Service manages national forests and grasslands for multiple uses and benefits.[2]
Legislation
The board is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972, which governs the operations of federal advisory committees.[3]
Partners
- Local governments and communities
- Conservation groups
- Recreation and tourism organizations
- Timber and mining industries[4]
Number of employees
The board consists of 16 members, representing a cross-section of interests concerning the Black Hills National Forest.[5]
Organization structure
The board includes members from various sectors like economic development, recreation, energy, and environmental conservation.
Leader
The BHNFAB is led by a Chairperson, elected by the members, who oversees the board's activities and meetings.
Divisions
There are no formal divisions, but the board may form subcommittees for specific issues:
- Subcommittees to address topics like forest health or recreation management.
List of programs
- Providing advice on forest plan revisions or amendments
- Recommendations on forest health and fire management
- Input on travel and recreation management strategies
Last total enacted budget
The budget for BHNFAB is not publicly specified; it operates within the broader budget of the U.S. Forest Service.
Staff
The board does not have dedicated staff; support is provided by Forest Service personnel.
Funding
Funding for the BHNFAB's activities is included in the USDA's Forest Service budget for the Black Hills National Forest.
Services provided
BHNFAB provides advisory services to ensure that forest management practices are inclusive, sustainable, and meet the diverse needs of the public, stakeholders, and the environment.
Regulations overseen
While the board does not oversee regulations, its recommendations can influence forest management policies and practices.
Headquarters address
1019 N 5th Street, Custer, SD 57730, United States
History
Formed in 2003 following a Forest Summit in Rapid City, the BHNFAB has been instrumental in fostering cooperation and understanding among stakeholders on how the Black Hills National Forest should be managed, significantly influencing forest management strategies.[6]
External links
References
- ↑ USDA Forest Service. "Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Forest Service. "About the Forest Service". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ Federal Register. "Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board". Federal Register, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/11/14/2023-24769/black-hills-national-forest-advisory-board (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Forest Service. "Black Hills National Forest Advisory Board". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Forest Service. "Black Hills National Forest - Advisory Committees". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5319404 (accessed February 8, 2025).
- ↑ USDA Forest Service. "Black Hills National Forest - Advisory Committees". USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/workingtogether/advisorycommittees/?cid=stelprdb5319404 (accessed February 8, 2025).