The second report of the National Center for Public Lands Counties (NCPLC) provides foundational PILT and SRS program information to public lands counties including brief histories of both programs, detailed “mechanics” of payment administration and county-level issues, and policy considerations for both programs.

As frontline service providers, public lands counties face growing responsibilities with limited revenue. Understanding the complexities of payment allocation requirements is essential to informed decision making. The report also provides examples from five counties across the western United States to illustrate the challenges public lands counties face.

Download Primer

Tagged In:

Related News

School bus on wooded road
Advocacy

U.S. Senators introduce bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program through 2029

U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the bipartisan Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2026 (S. XXXX). The bill would reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program through fiscal year (FY) 2029 and provide critical fiscal certainty for timber-dependent communities in more than 700 counties nationwide that are home to National Forests. The U.S. Forest Service-administered program supports essential government services such as roads, public education and law enforcement.

2165857864
Advocacy

U.S. Senators introduce bipartisan comprehensive permitting reform package with major county wins

On Sep. 30, the leaders of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee introduced the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (S. 5653), a comprehensive, bipartisan permitting reform package that would make major changes to several federal environmental protection statutes.

bike
Press Release

Counties Applaud Introduction of Secure Rural Schools (SRS) Reauthorization Act

Over 700 counties receive essential resources supporting education, transportation and public safety through SRS