Cawaco Resource, Conservation and Development Council
The Cawaco RC&D Council’s name originates from the principal natural assets of the area, the Cahaba, Warrior and Coosa Rivers. This Council serves five counties: Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker. Historically much of the area has been agriculture and heavy industry. Today rural land is being converted to residential and commercial uses as the metropolitan areas expand.
Our Mission: Leading Central Alabama in the wise use of natural and human resources.
Our Area Plan: Area Plan
CAWACO Works For Communities!
Cawaco works to support projects (educational or community development) that will make a significant difference.
Types of projects previously supported include:
| ♦ Educational Programs for Children and Adults ♦ Community Planning • Comprehensive Planning • Small Town Design Initiative • Ordinance Development ♦ Projects to Implement a Completed Community Plan • Gateways • Downtown Revitalization • Community Gardens and Local Farmers’ Markets ♦ Support of First Responders (small VFDs and police forces) |
What is a Resource Conservation and Development Council?
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Councils play an important role in the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. RC&D Councils work to improve the general level of economic activity and to enhance the environment and standard of living in all communities. Councils provide a system of rural development to encourage the wise use of natural resources, and improve the quality of life in America.
What is RC&D?
RC&D stands for Resource Conservation and Development. The purpose of the RC&D Program is to encourage and improve the capability of volunteer, local. elected and civic leaders in designated RC&D Areas to plan and carry out projects for resource conservation and community development.
RC&D is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils. RC&D is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their area a better place to live. Such activities lead to sustainable communities, prudent land use and the sound management and conservation of natural resources.
Program objectives focus on “the quality of life” improvements achieved through natural resources conservation and community development. An RC&D Area usually covers several counties.
RC&D is a local program. The local RC&D council makes decisions. An RC&D Council may have representatives from County Governments, Municipalities, State Agencies, Comprehensive Planning Agencies, local groups, non-profit organizations, Conservation Districts and local interested citizens.
Utilization of the resources at hand, both natural and human, is central to the RC&D approach. Many resources are renewable – that is, they continue to replenish themselves if managed properly. Communities can acquire immediate benefits from developing such resources, and continue to have the same or greater benefits year after year by conserving the resources as they develop them.
