Resource Conservation and Development, better known as RC&D, is a Unites States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program, administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and supported by other USDA agencies. It is initiated and directed at the local level by representatives from communities, towns, units of government at all levels, and grassroots organizations.

The program provides a process for individuals, communities, and the many levels of government to cooperate in their efforts to seek out and solve problems for the benefit of everyone in the area. The key to success of RC&D is the combination of local leadership and a close working relationship with communities and government to cooperatively support and achieve local goals. The objective is to improve the natural resources and quality of life throughout rural America.

Traditionally, RC&D Councils target natural resources issues to work on. In recent years, however, the need for communities to balance use of natural resources with jobs and quality of life has resulted in new area strategies that focus on overall community sustainability. The RC&D Councils have broad authority to seek help from the best qualified sources to implement action measures. They obtain both financial and technical assistance from the private sector, corporations, foundations, and all levels of government.

Background:

The Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) was initiated in 1962 to help people care for and protect their natural resources to improve an area's economy, environment, and living standards. The program provides a way for local residents to work together and plan how they can actively solve environmental, economic, and social problems facing their communities. Today, the program continues to successfully deliver coordinated resource conservation and rural development assistance.

Actions:

RC&D Program activities fit into four areas:

• Land Conservation. Protects the resource base and finds the best ways to use it.
  

• Community Development. Improves economic and community development in rural areas.
  

• Water Management. Helps local people conserve, use and improve the quality and quantity of available water.
  

• Environmental Enhancement. Improves the environment.
  

Roles:

The RC&D Program is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) effort led by the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture. Many agencies contribute to the success of the program. The Secretary has delegated administrative authority to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Council:

The RC&D Council is the governing body consisting of representatives of all RC&D sponsors which directs the program at the local level. These Councils are nonprofit corporations, not a federal or state agency. They listen to and represent the views of citizens, set priorities, provide input for development of an area plan, and evaluate the effectiveness of results. The Council bases its activities on an assessment of the area's problems and needs. The Council may be concerned with multiple resources issues such as land conservation, water conservation and management, community development, and fish and wildlife habitat protection.

Coordinator:

The coordinator is a USDA employee provided through RC&D funds administered by the NRCS. The coordinator assists the RC&D Councils find resources needed to plan, coordinate, and implement specific actions aimed at solving natural resources and community development problems. The coordinator also provides guidance, advice, and staff direction to the Council in carrying out its objectives and goals.