What is RC&D?

The Jackson Purchase RC&D Foundation, Inc. would like to thank Pat Larr, from Indiana, for answering this important question.  Please remember that Pat is responding from the Hoosier viewpoint, but it is so well done we used it as is.


Pat" is our District Conservationist, Pat Larr. Pat answers many questions each day on a variety of conservation and natural resources topics. We decided to devote this page to the answers to some of those questions. You'll find some answers address very basic conservation concepts, while others are more detailed and require some understanding of conservation practices. Whichever the case, we hope we provide you with a informative (enlightening?) article. A new question will be addressed each month.

What is RC&D?

The acronym "RC&D" is short for Resource Conservation and Development. RC&D is a unique process that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. Local RC&D Councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, concerns, opportunities, and solutions.

RC&Ds were established in the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowered rural people to help themselves. The focus on local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government.

Can anyone be involved in RC&D?



Yes. ANYONE...

  • who believes that one person can make a difference.

  • who wants to be involved in making things happen in their community, county, region or state.

  • who wants to see natural resources utilized without adversely affecting the environment.

  • who wants to improve the quality of life in their community


Your local RC&D offers many opportunities for you to get involved and make things happen. It doesn't matter if you live in the city or the country; or if you are a business owner or a housewife; there's always a place for you in RC&D. They are constantly seeking private citizens, businesses, and organizations to become members of committees or to participate in planning projects, identifying priorities, or just helping with one activity.

If you are presently involved in a community project, seek out the RC&D. They may be able to provide you with technical assistance or funding, or put you in touch with private and public organizations, which can help you reach its goals. You may want to consider working with the RC&D to start new projects in your community or region.

How Is An RC&D Organized?

An RC&D covers several counties. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. Sponsors make application to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture for authorization. Once authorized, the USDA is committed to providing both financial and technical assistance.

RC&Ds can increase or decrease in size. New counties may join or charter counties may decide to go with other RC&Ds. USDA must approve requests for expansion.

Who are the RC&D Sponsors?

The local Board of Commissioners and the Soil and Water Conservation District's Board sponsor each RC&D Council locally and voluntarily in each county. In Indiana, the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Board (county level) is a major sponsor of most RC&Ds. Sponsors can also include cities and towns, townships, civic organizations, regional planning bodies, local non-profit organizations, Indian tribal bodies, and others.

Sponsors are active in the RC&D and appoint qualified representatives to serve on the Council to represent their interests. Sponsors provide input into the Council's plan of work through their representative.

 

 

 

What is an RC&D Council?

RC&D Councils in Indiana are non-profit, tax-exempt organizations within the state and are 501(c)(3) entities by Internal Revenue Service determinations. This standing makes them eligible to secure grant funds from private foundations and others, to receive private individual donations, to become holders of property, etc., as allowed by their by-laws.

RC&D Councils are made up of people just like you, who want a better life for themselves, their children, and future generations. RC&D Council representatives and alternates are volunteers who assist the RC&D.

Each RC&D Council operates independently, addressing the concerns and problems within their RC&D area. However, RC&Ds are more than willing to share ideas and information to keep others from reinventing the wheel.

 

Do RC&Ds Receive Any Funding?

An authorized RC&D receives funding from the USDA through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS provides for a full-time coordinator to work with the Council to identify problems, establish goals and objectives, build strategies and implement plans. They also provide for a part-time assistant, office space, some equipment and supplies, and a government vehicle for the staff.

Other sources of funding and operating expenses come from:

  • applying for grants
  • workshop registration fees
  • selling publications/materials
  • fundraisers
  • private foundations
  • endowment funds
  • Sponsor or member dues

Non-dollar, in-kind (technical and labor) assistance is also received from NRCS and other USDA agencies, SWCDs, and IDNR.

What type of assistance does an RC&D provide for a project?

RC&Ds identify agencies or organizations that can assist in completing each step of the project plan, to serve as sources of technical assistance and to provide financial resources if needed. RC&Ds provide the vehicle for achieving a goal and completing projects. However, a project is not an "RC&D project" in the sense that an RC&D does everything. Local leadership and support are key elements for any successful project.

Types of assistance available include:

  • identifying potential funding sources

  • working with grants

  • serving as a conduit for "pass-through" grants

  • helping with grant administration

  • organizing events

  • hiring multi-county employees

  • conducting tours and educational events

  • serving as an umbrella organization for new non-profits and foundations

  • coordinating technical assistance

  • conducting research

  • coordinating mailings

  • conducting information campaigns

The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the Council's wishes.

What can RC&Ds do that other organizations can't?

Within an RC&D, you can do anything the local people want to do as long as it fits within the Council's long range plans and goals for the area. For example, an RC&D can:

 

  • create a park

  • provide a community facility

  • open a tourist attraction

  • correct erosion problems

  • work on water quality issues

  • promote local industry

  • build a timber bridge

  • provide funding for rural emergency medical services and equipment

  • preserve a historical site

  • promote use of modern telecommunications technology in rural areas

  • provide animal waste technical assistance

  • develop a wildlife habitat restoration or wetland education area

  • build a greenway trail

  • stabilize a storm water channel

  • provide funding for windbreak projects

RC&Ds are not entities of government; therefore the usual policies and constraints of local, state, and federal government programs do not limit them in the kinds of issues they decide to address or how they decide to do it. Local people on the Council determine the types of concerns, projects and activities in which they will become involved. RC&Ds lean towards projects that have not (or cannot) be addressed by other entities such as their Conservation Partners (SWCDs, NRCS, CES, etc.).


USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

"In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy  this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
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