OUR MISSION:

To provide local leadership for developing and carrying out a program of action for conservation, improvement, development, and wise use of natural resources. In so doing, we strive to improve the economic opportunities of the people within the Black River - St. Lawrence Resource Conservation and Development Project area of Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Herkimer, Oneida and Oswego Counties.

Black River - St. Lawrence RC&D Council, authorized by Congress in 1972, is an independent, non-profit, 501 (C)-3, tax exempt organization comprised of local citizens. The RC&D Council is made up of a pool of volunteers who have expertise in a wide range of fields. These volunteers promote agriculture, forestry, recreation and renewable energy in our communities.

Black River - St. Lawrence RC&D is sponsored  by the seven Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Boards of Legislature in the counties we represent, each of whom appoints a member and an alternate to the Council. The Council may also appoint a member at large from each county.

Black River - St. Lawrence Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.

21168 NYS Route 232

PO Box 838

Watertown, NY 13601

315-782-7289 (Option 5)

Fax: 315-782-4002

E-mail: Rebecca.Hare@ny.usda.gov

BLACK RIVER - ST. LAWRENCE RC&D WELCOMES A NEW COORDINATOR

After nearly a year and a half without a USDA/NRCS Coordinator, we are delighted to welcome Chanda Lindsay to our office. Chanda has plenty of practical RC&D experience as a volunteer member and vice chair of Central New York RC&D Council. Her message:

"It’s all about being a jack-of-all-trades. At least that’s the way it works for me! From a Bachelors in Animal Science to a Masters in Outdoor and Environmental Education and from a zookeeping job to RC&D Coordinator - diversity has been my career path. The two central themes in my life are diversity of opportunity and the out-of-doors. What better place to be than in Northern New York? This area suits my personal preferences as an outdoor enthusiast as well as my professional preferences for diverse opportunities.

I have worked extensively in the agricultural field. After working as a zookeeper for 5 years, I worked as a program technician for the USDA Farm Service Agency, content editor for a private dairy website, grazing specialist for a Soil and Water Conservation District and Ag Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension. This array of jobs gives me a wide breadth of knowledge and a broad network of contacts, which will be very useful in my work with the RC&D Council.

So, what does the Coordinator do? The Council members are the movers and shakers who develop and implement project ideas that are as diverse as our council membership. My job is to facilitate this process by making connections with local partners, assisting with grant writing and helping with follow up. I look forward to working with this team and our partners to offer some great opportunities to benefit the North Country."

Chanda Lindsay,
USDA-NRCS RC&D Coordinator
Black River- St. Lawrence RC&D Council, Inc.

MEET OUR SECRETARY

Anyone who has called the RC&D office has had the pleasure of talking to our USDA-NRCS secretary, Rebecca Hare. As secretaries go, we have to admit she's one of the best! She always has a smile, a warm welcome and some great problem solving skills.

Without Becca's capable management, we couldn't accomplish everything we do.

Serving Seven

Northern New York Counties:

Franklin

St. Lawrence

Jefferson

Lewis

Oswego

Oneida

Herkimer

Black River - St. Lawrence RC&D is one of eight Resource Conservation and Development Councils in New York State. We are a member of the NYS Federation of RC&D Councils. Visit their website for other great sites. http://www.nyrcd.org/