About Us
Who We Are
Over 40 years ago, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural people to help themselves. The USDA focus was to assist local people by providing tools and technical support to stabilize and grow their own communities while protecting and developing natural resources. To carry out the RC&D concept, diverse groups of local volunteers (The RC&D Council) are brought together in a unique partnership to find solutions to their problems. Local people are best able to determine needs and create solutions for their Community. The focus on local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government. The focus of the program provides for the sustainability of local economies and resources.
What We Can Do
- Community Development
- RC&D helps communities to help themselves. With assistance ranging from leadership development to job creating, RC&D Councils work to empower local efforts. Through identifying resources and opportunities RC&D can provide guidance to assist most issues. With their broad network of partners, RC&D can identify additional support for you projects.
- Land Conservation
- Through area organizations and partnering agencies, RC&D can assist with the conservation and utilization of the area's natural resources. From wildlife to bio fuels, RC&D works to improve the area's natural resources.
- Water Management
- RC&D works to support the management and development of water resources for the improvement of the area by encouraging the wise use of water resources and long range water development planning.
- Environmental Enhancement
- Environmental projects improve natural resources for agricultural and other uses, such as tourism, fish and wildlife habitat, and environmental education. Projects also may promote and preserve historical and scenic sites.
What We Are Doing
For a list of our current projects see our project page.