Frequently Asked Questions
- What is RC&D?
- What is the purpose of RC&D?
- Why the emphasis on natural resources?
- Is RC&D a federal program or a local one?
- What agencies can provide technical assistance?
- How do citizens contribute to RC&D Area planning?
- What projects can be included in an RC&D Area plan?
Q. What is RC&D?
A. 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. The average RC&D area covers seven counties and the average RC&D council has 14 sponsors. RC&D places heavy emphasis on natural resources, but many local individual projects can include training programs or historical preservation.
RC&D is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils that help people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves the local economy, environment and living standards. RC&D is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their areas a better place to live.
The RC&D program consists of 368 RC&D councils nationwide. There are also a number of applications on file with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for new RC&D councils. Each RC&D council is organized and directed by local people to meet local needs by obtaining assistance from the private sector, corporations, foundations and all levels of government.
Nationally, RC&D activates community support for over 180 million people in 2,614 counties in all 50 states, the Caribbean and the Pacific Basin. RC&D councils successfully leveraged the RC&D appropriation 5 to 1 to directly support conservation and economic development in local communities across the nation.
Q. What is the purpose of RC&D?
A. The purpose of RC&D is to promote conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources; to improve the general level of economic activity; and to enhance the environmental and standard of living in all communities. The aim is to provide a system of development, encourage the wise use of natural resources, and improve the quality of life in America. RC&D enhances, and does not duplicate existing efforts.
The RC&D program is based on a number of concepts that make it a truly unique government program. These concepts include the following:
The value of public/private partnerships in making the best use of limited resources.
The value of grassroots involvement in making decisions about local areas.
Bringing USDA Agencies together to focus on the same problems and opportunities.
Leveraging limited federal dollars with private funds to accomplish goals.
Working toward the goal of community sustainability.
Achieving a balance between rural economic development and natural resources protection.
Q. Why the emphasis on natural resources?
A. 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.
Q. Is RC&D a federal program or a local one?
A. Both local and federal.
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, nonprofit organizations. However, RC&D councils also receive federal funds and technical assistance.
Federal
Resource Conservation and Development is also a program of the United States Department of Agriculture. It was created by a provision of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The Secretary of Agriculture gave the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) responsibility for administering the program. The NRCS provides a full time coordinator for each authorized RC&D council and other direct support.
RC&D is based on the assumption that local citizens, with help provided through the USDA, can develop and carry out an action-oriented plan for the social, economic and environmental enrichment of their communities.
Q. What agencies can provide technical assistance?
A. Any agency that can help. USDA agencies usually include the Economic Research Service, Extension Service, Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service. 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. In addition, 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.
Q. How do citizens contribute to RC&D area planning?
A. RC&D councils typically establish resource committees 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!
Q. What projects can be included in an RC&D Area plan?
A. 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.
