Links
|
GENERAL INFORMATION
What is Resource Conservation and Development?
Resource Conservation and Development (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 consist of 315 RC&D Councils nationwide. Each RC&D
Council is organized and directed by local people to meet local needs. The
RC&D Program identifies and solves problems in rural communities that include
human, economic and environmental issues. RC&D addresses local problems by
obtaining assistance from the private sector, corporations, foundations and all
levels of government.
Resource Conservation and Development is 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 Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS-formerly Soil Conservation Service) responsibility
for administering the program. 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.
The Secretary of Agriculture, through authorities delegated to the NRCS and
other USDA Agencies, makes available the technical and financial assistance to
operate and maintain an RC&D area to states, local units of governments, and
local nonprofit organizations. This assistance is available from NRCS to
implement projects adopted by the local RC&D Area Council. These funds are to
be used to assist councils in carrying out their area plans.
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 environment and standard of living in all communities. The aim is
to provide a system of rural development, encourage the wise use of natural
resources, and improve the quality of life in America.
The RC&D Program is based on a number of concepts that make it a truly
unique government program.
These concepts include: Copyright (c) 2000 Pee Dee Resource Conservation and
Development Council. |