The Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) is an 11-member committee that evaluates applications for and allocates grants from the Clean Ohio Fund in Lucas County. The council is seeking nominations to fill one vacancy and serve a three-year term.

Qualified candidates can submit applications to the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG) through the end of August, 2008. TMACOG administers NRAC District 12 in Lucas County.

To be a candidate for a position on the NRAC committee, an applicant must be a representative of one of the following types of organizations: local government, conservation organization, park district, statewide agricultural, forestry, or horticultural organization; and an organization representing business, planning, or development

The Clean Ohio Fund was first approved by voters in 2000. Renewal of the program is expected to be on the November 2008 ballot. The fund calls for $400 million to preserve natural areas and farm land, protect streams, create outdoor recreation opportunities, and rehabilitate brownfields in urban areas.

Between 2000 and 2006, the Clean Ohio fund returned more than $5 million to Lucas County for the protection of open spaces and wetlands. As part of the administration of the Clean Ohio Fund, each Ohio district has a committee (NRAC) to make local decisions about funds returned to that district.

Applicants should submit the completed nomination form, a résumé, and letter from their organization in support of their nomination. The nomination form is posted at: www.pwc.state.oh.us/NRAC.nomination.form.pdf

More about the Clean Ohio Fund is at:  www.pwc.state.oh.us/clean_ohio.htm. For more information, contact Kurt Erichsen, vice president of Environmental Planning at TMACOG at 419.241.9155 ext. 126, or [email protected]

Submit applications to: TMACOG, Kurt Erichsen, Vice President of Environmental Planning, PO Box 9508, Toledo OH 43697-9508.