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RC&D stands for Resource Conservation and Development. Specifically, an RC&D Area usually covers several counties, in which residents work to improve their economy and the environment through the conservation, development, and better utilization of their natural resources. RC&D places heavy emphasis on natural resources. Local individual projects can include training programs or historical preservation
 

The Vision of Resource Conservation & Development

People helping people helping themselves to develop an enhanced quality of life through the RC&D program by providing environmental,  social  and economic benefits to communities and surrounding areas.  Serving communities of the United States, its territories, and Tribal Nations by providing local benefits vital to the health and well being of the community. Communities rely on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as one of many valuable partners to build productive working relationships and to conserve and develop natural resources. 

Every RC&D Council develops productive working relationships to balance natural resource conservation and development. These councils analyze community needs, develop plans to meet those needs, and coordinate the resources required to accomplish those plans. They also share their knowledge and experience with others in the same geographic area, in the State, with Tribal Nations, and across the United States.

Why the emphasis on natural resources?

Utilization of the resources at hand, both natural and human, is central to the RC&D approach.  Many resources are renewable--that is, they continue to replenish themselves if managed properly.  Communities can acquire immediate benefits from developing such resources, and continue to have the same or greater benefits year after year by conserving the resources as they develop them.

How can resource development provide more jobs for area residents?

Either by expanding the existing economy or by stimulating new economic growth. Irrigation, for example, can add millions of dollars to farm income in some areas. Developing a dependable water supply, or protection from flooding, allows new industries to locate. The resultant factory payroll supports additional jobs in the service industries. By improving the economy, the environment, and the community facilities, an RC&D Area becomes a place where people are able to work and want to live.

Is RC&D a federal program or a local one?

Local.  Decisions are made by the local RC&D council which is made up of  conservation districts,  county governments, municipalities, state agencies, comprehensive planning agencies, and local non-profit organizations. But RC&D Councils also receive federal funds and technical assistance.  Leadership within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the RC&D program is provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

How does the RC&D Council develop a project plan?

The RC&D Council establishes resource committees to inventory and evaluate special areas of interest. One committee may deal solely with problems and opportunities in forestry; another may inventory community facilities and decide what additional facilities are needed; yet another may look at the area's wildlife, finding ways to improve the area for fish and game. There may also be committees for human resources, industry, transportation, and whatever else the council decides is needed.

The Council requests advisory assistance from local, state, and federal agencies; private organizations; and individuals. Upon request, USDA agencies provide technical advisors to assist the council and its resource committees. The council develops a plan that includes background information on the project area and an explanation of problems and opportunities in the natural resource base. Area plans include decisions reflected in a plan of action containing specific, priorities, and a time-table for accomplishment.

RC&D efforts are coordinated with those of other planning agencies. In some areas, regional planning commissions already exist. Basic planning data, available from commissions, often help to speed RC&D planning. In some areas, RC&D Councils have provided leadership for the organization of multi-county, comprehensive planning agencies. In others, RC&D Councils have been so organized that they've qualified to become regional planning agencies.

What agencies provide technical assistance?

Any agency that can help.  USDA agencies usually include the Economic Research Service, Extension Service, Forest Service, and NRCS. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, Geological Survey, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, and National Park Service may be able to assist the council. In addition, the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Small Business Administration may also be of assistance. At the state level, the Cooperative Extension Service and state departments, including those dealing with agriculture, natural resources, commerce, planning, and transportation, usually assist. And many RC&D Areas have received technical assistance from universities, colleges, and corporations. Often, agencies assist by providing technical advisors to the council's resource committees. The usual procedure is for the RC&D Council to ask all concerned agencies to attend a meeting. At the meeting, the council explains what it expects to accomplish through the RC&D project and asks agencies to designate representatives to serve as advisors to appropriate resource committees.

How do citizens contribute to Area planning?

The resource committees are composed of area citizens. Often, resource committees are set up on a county basis. Whether or not private citizens are members of one of these committees, they can contribute their knowledge and opinions. They can explain what they see as their problems and opportunities, and what they want to do about their community's future. For that matter, so can newspapers and radio stations, service clubs, farm organizations, forestry associations, youth groups, chambers of commerce, historical societies, garden clubs, schools--anyone with something to contribute, anyone with civic pride and an interest in his/her community. Local residents know best what they need, want, and can achieve. It's their community!

What projects can be included in an RC&D Annual plan?

Just about anything.  Some projects deal with problems most areas face. Other projects reflect the character and needs of a specific area. An RC&D Council can even support the project of some other agency or group. For example, if a county historical society wants to declare a location as a historical site, the RC&D Council can adopt a resolution supporting the historical society's proposal. Projects like these reflect the individual character of that area. They also reflect participation of local leaders and citizens in RC&D planning.

When is the RC&D Area plan submitted?

A draft plan is prepared first and circulated for review. The final plan is based on comments and suggestions received from the review. The RC&D Council then presents the final plan to the governor and requests his/her endorsement. Finally, the plan is submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture in order to authorize agencies of USDA to proceed in helping local sponsors in carrying out their plan of action.

Can changes be made in the Area plan after authorization for operations?

Yes. New opportunities will become apparent, and new problems will arise.  RC&D projects can be added or dropped after the Area is authorized for operations. Priorities can be adjusted, and objectives can be expanded or revised. The RC&D approach is flexible. Planning is continuous and plans are open-ended.

What is USDA's objective in assisting RC&D projects?

RC&D Areas fit into the Department of Agriculture's main objectives. By helping local residents conserve, develop, and better utilize their natural resources, USDA helps bring about:

• Quality in the natural resource base for sustained use.
• Quality in the environment.
• Quality in the standard of living, based on community improvement and adequate income.