Over 40 years ago, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural people to help themselves. The USDA focus was to assist local people by providing tools and technical support to stabilize and grow their own communities while protecting and developing natural resources. The program focused on geographic areas where major economic and social downturns had occurred. The program has grown significantly over the years as a result of its ability to provide local solutions to local challenges. The RC&D program, first authorized by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, P. L. 87-703, received permanent authorization as part of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Natural Resources Conservation Service administers the program.

RC&D councils are making a difference in America's communities and represent the entrepreneurial spirit of rural America. RC&D Councils have played a strong role in creating new businesses, education, conserving our natural resources, bioenergy development, and outreach.

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils are the leadership entity associated with RC&D areas. The Councils help plan and carry out activities that increase conservation of natural resources, support economic development and enhance the environment and standard of living in local communities.

RC&D Council members are volunteers and include local, civic, appointed, and elected officials. RC&D Councils are non-profit entities that work in partnership with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service through a federal coordinator. Because RC&D areas are locally organized, sponsored, and led, the program provides an ideal way for residents to join together to decide what is best for their community. RC&D Councils identify and address unmet needs in local communities. The average RC&D Area covers 7 counties and has 14 sponsors. Currently, there are 375 existing Councils and 37 pending applications. We serve 180 million people in 2,666 counties in all 50 states, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin.

Funds provided to RC&D through federal appropriations have provided technical assistance and support for one federal coordinator per council. In turn, council members seek outside funding to address local needs identified in council area plans for conservation and economic development.

National Association of

RC&D Councils

http://www.rcdnet.org/

A few of the many RC&D accomplishments in FY06:

• 968 new businesses were created with RC&D Council assistance.

• 2,654 businesses were expanded or retained by RC&D Councils.

• 397 businesses were financially assisted.

• 8,256 jobs were created.

• Councils helped improve 14,000,000 acres of wildlife habitat, 815,000 acres of lakes, and 6,225 miles of streams.

• Councils helped 1,000,000 people learn new skills.

• RC&D projects have helped nearly 5,200,000 economic or socially disadvantaged people nationwide.

RC&D Councils have successfully brought a return of $7.50 for every dollar the federal government provides.

RC&D COUNCILS

Volunteers Making a
Difference in Their
Communities

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