What is Resource Conservation and Development?
Resource Conservation and Development, typically shortened to “RC&D” is a national nonprofit effort. The purpose of the RC&D Program is to encourage and improve the capability of volunteer local elected and civic leaders in designated RC&D Areas to plan and carry out projects for resource conservation and community development.
RC&D is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils in partnership with the US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. RC&D is a national program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), established by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 and reauthorized in subsequent Farm Bills. It is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their area a better place to live. Such activities lead to sustainable communities, prudent land use and the sound management and conservation of natural resources.
Program objectives focus on “the quality of life” improvements achieved through natural resources conservation and community development. An RC&D Area usually covers several counties.
There are 375 independent non-profit RC&D Councils across the United States. The RC&D Areas serve more than 85 % of US Counties and over 77% of the US population. In Georgia, there are eleven authorized RC&D Councils and one pending Council. See map to the right.
RC&D is a local program. The local RC&D council makes decisions. A RC&D Council may have representatives from County Governments, Municipalities, State Agencies, Comprehensive Planning Agencies, local, non-profit organizations Conservation Districts and local interested citizens. RC&D Councils do receive federal funds and technical assistance. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the RC&D program.
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?
RC&D can provide more jobs for area residents 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.
National RC&D Programs
National RC&D Council
USDA,NRCS- Resource Conservation & Development Program
Other Georgia RC&D Councils
Central Savannah River RC&D
Chestatee- Chattahoochee RC&D
Coastal Georgia RC&D
Golden Triangle RC&D
Limestone Valley RC&D
Pine Country RC&D
Rolling Hills RC&D
Seven Rivers RC&D
Two Rivers RC&D
Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D
Mid-South RC&D