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.
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For more information on National RC&D Programs
National RC&D Council
USDA,NRCS-
Resource Conservation & Development Program |
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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
Oconee River RC&D
Pine Country RC&D
Seven Rivers RC&D
Two Rivers RC&D
Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D
Mid-South RC&D (pending authorization) |
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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. |
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