Forest Service officials explain Secure Rural Schools Act

Representatives from the Mark Twain National Forest recently met with Howell and Oregon county officials to explain how federal forest revenues are distributed back to local communities through the 1908 Act and the Secure Rural Schools Act. The programs help return a portion of federal timber and forest-related revenues to counties to support essential local services, including roads, bridges and schools. The discussion provided insight into how these funds are calculated, distributed and used to benefit residents and schools across the region. In fiscal year 2025, Howell County received $104,910 from the federal government through the SRS Act. Clockwise from front left: Howell County Clerk Kelly Waggoner; Howell County Northern Commissioner Calvin Wood; Oregon County Associate Commissioner Jake Parker; Megan Nickey, field representative for U.S. Rep. Jason Smith; Howell County Collector Janet Crow; Mark Twain National Forest Eleven Point District Ranger Matt Dillon; Deputy Forest Supervisor Michael Crump; Howell County Treasurer Nancy Franz; U.S. Forest Service Collaboration Program Manager Kimberly Houf; and MTNF Planning and Collaboration Staff Officer Chris Stockdale.