Serving SevenNorthern New York Counties:
Franklin
St. Lawrence
Jefferson
Lewis
Oswego
Oneida
Herkimer
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ABOUT US
Our Mission:
The mission of the Black River-St. Lawrence RC&D Council is to work with partners to provide local leadership and coordination for projects devoted to environmental conservation, community improvement, economic development and wise use of natural resources.
Our Vision:
The Black River St. Lawrence RC&D Council will be recognized as an integral local leader in the wise utilization of natural and human resources to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life throughout the seven county RC&D area.
Our Principles:
Integrity: We will be honest and responsible in dealing with all partners.
Environment: We will protect, conserve and enhance the health and well being of our region, for current and future generations.
Quality and Excellence: We will provide services that meet or exceed the needs and expectations of our region. We will listen to our partners and pursue improvement and innovation in all of our projects and programs.
People: People are critical to the success of our volunteer organization. Our members and partners will have equal opportunity for participation in an environment that fosters communication and involvement. We will treat all members and partners fairly and equitably.
Leadership and Accountability: We will identify opportunities that will benefit our organization, our environment and our community and will focus our resources to take advantage of those opportunities. We will be accountable and responsible -- individually and as an organization -- for our actions and results.
Partnerships: We will work collectively and cooperatively with our members and partners to achieve together what we could not achieve alone. Our goal is to be an engaged and functional Council that actively meets the needs of our community.
Stewardship: Financial, Environmental, Social: We will maintain the highest level of fiscal responsibility and trust in our financial dealings. We will ensure that all of our programs and projects contain the highest degree of environmental responsibility and benefit to our community.
Board Members:
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Franklin County:
Chastity Miller
Patricia Decosse
Tim Burpoe
Daniel Crippen
Ken Carre
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Jefferson County:
Vern LaFave
Brian Wohnsiedler–Treasurer
Jason Bast
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Oneida County:
Ben Simmons
Kevin Lewis
Robert Keller - Chairman
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St. Lawrence County:
Doug Thompson–Secretary
Ed Blackmer
Dawn Howard
Bill LaPoint-Vice Chairman
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Herkimer County:
Theodore Teletnick
Bernard Peplinski
Carlton Spofford
Harry Robbins
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Lewis County:
Ashley Marolf
Robert Diehl
Nichelle Billhardt
Phil Hathway
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Oswego County:
Joe Chairvolotti
Neil Cheney
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NRCS Staff:
RC&D Coordinator-Chanda Lindsay
RC&D Secretary-Rebecca Hare |
What is RC&D?
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.
Staff
USDA-NRCS Coordinator, Chanda Lindsay
USDA-NRCS Secretary, Rebecca Hare
Council Members (pdf)
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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 
