Welcome to the Natural Resource Conservation Service
Resource Conservation and Development Areas 

RC&D PROGRAM:
AUTHORIZATION & CONCEPTS

The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program was authorized by Congress with the passage of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The act expanded opportunities for state and local units of government, local nonprofit organizations, tribes, conservation districts and individuals to improve their communities through this program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The RC&D program is based on a number of concepts that make it exceptionally well suited to local initiatives. These concepts include:

• Recognizing the value of public/private partnerships to make the best uses of limited resources.
• Using grass-roots involvement to make decisions about local issues.
• Bringing USDA agencies together to focus on problems and opportunities.
• Leveraging limited federal dollars with private funds and other resources to accomplish goals.
• Working toward the goal of community sustainability.
• Promoting rural economic development and stability while protecting natural resources.

America's national and community leaders are aware that the best solutions to economic, environmental and social conditions come from within a community. The RC&D program is an ideal vehicle to promote this concept. To implement RC&D, diverse groups of local volunteers form a unique partnership - an RC&D Council. Members of the Council pool resources to find effective and efficient solutions to local problems and issues. This process is based on the commitment of local people to determine needs and create solutions for their own communities.

RC&D councils, depending on their bylaws, may include representatives or sponsors from, but not limited to:

• Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)
• City and county governments
•  Indian Tribes
•  Special purpose districts
•  Local and state agencies
•  Community organizations
•  Individuals

RC&D is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils who help people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves the local economy, environment and living standards.

The program provides a way for people to work together in partnership to plan and carry out activities that will make their communities a better place in which to live. It also encourages public and private organizations to work together and provides opportunities for USDA and other Federal agencies to work together. Successful involvement in the RC&D Program provides an opportunity for individuals and organizations to think and work together openly and creatively.

RC&D GOALS & PROPOSALS

GOALS

Goals are essential to the success of each RC&D Council. They vary among councils, but basically, they all may  include: 

1. Community Improvement 

2. Fish and Wildlife 

3. Marketing and Merchandising 

4. Cultural Resources

5. Forestry

6. Natural Resource Improvement 

7. Water and Water Quality

8. Economic Development

9. Information and Education

10. Recreation and Tourism. 

Cultural awareness and sensitivity to the challenges in their communities are important to all RC&D Councils. Councils have a clearly defined understanding of community values to guide their direction, a mission outlining their basic purpose and a vision for their ideal destination.

Council goals are broad statements that describe a future ideal condition, developed through a collaborative planning process with input from multiple RC&D sponsors and community leaders. Once they are identified, and  prioritized, they are  reflected in the council  framework plan. The plan then serves as a blueprint for Council officers and sponsors to move forward for implementation.

SUBMITTING PROPOSALS

 Each council is open to projects not already identified in their plan and has an established means of accepting project proposals. To propose a potential project, an individual, agency representative or sponsor can visit directly with RC&D Council officers. Or, they can present the idea directly to the  Council.