What is RC&D?

"RC&D" is short for Resource Conservation and Development, a unique process that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. Local RC&D Councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, concerns, opportunities, and solutions.

RC&Ds were established in the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowered rural people to help themselves. The focus on local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government.

Can anyone be involved in RC&D?

Yes! ANYONE...

·         Who believes that one person can make a difference.

·         Who wants to be involved in making things happen in their community, county, region or state.

·         Who wants to see natural resources utilized without adversely affecting the environment.

·         Who wants to improve the quality of life in their community.

  Your local RC&D offers many opportunities for you to

  get involved and make things happen. It doesn't matter if you live in the    

  city or the country; or if you are a business owner or a housewife; there's

  always a place for you in RC&D. They are constantly seeking private

  citizens, businesses, and organizations to become members of

  committees or to participate in planning projects, identifying priorities, or

  just helping with one activity.

If you are presently involved in a community project,  seek out the RC&D Council in your project area. They may be able to provide you with technical assistance or funding, or put you in touch with private and public organizations, which can help you, reach your goals. You may want to consider working through your local RC&D Council to start new projects in your community or region.

How Is An RC&D Organized?

An RC&D covers several counties. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. Sponsors make application to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture for authorization. Once authorized, the USDA is committed to providing both financial and technical assistance.

RC&Ds can increase or decrease in size. New counties may join or charter counties may decide to go with other RC&Ds. USDA must approve requests for expansion.

Who are the RC&D Sponsors?
The local County Commission and the Soil and Water Conservation District's Board sponsor each RC&D Council locally and voluntarily in each county. Sponsors can also include cities and towns, townships, civic organizations, regional planning bodies, local non-profit organizations, Indian tribal bodies, and others.

Sponsors are active in RC&D and appoint qualified representatives to serve on the Council to represent their interests. Sponsors provide input into the Council's plan of work through their representative.

What is an RC&D Council?

RC&D Councils in Alabama are non-profit, tax-exempt organizations within the state that are designated 501(c) (3) entities by the Internal Revenue Service. This standing makes them eligible to secure grant funds from private foundations and others, to receive private individual donations, to become holders of property, etc., as allowed by their by-laws.

RC&D Councils are made up of people just like you, who want a better life for themselves, their children, and future generations. RC&D Council representatives and alternates are volunteers who assist the RC&D.

Each RC&D Council operates independently, addressing the concerns and problems within their RC&D area. However, RC&Ds are more than willing to share ideas and information to keep others from reinventing the wheel.

Do RC&Ds Receive Any Funding?

An authorized RC&D receives funding from the USDA through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The NRCS provides for a full-time coordinator to work with the Council to identify problems, establish goals and objectives, build strategies and implement plans. They also provide for a part-time assistant, office space, some equipment and supplies, and a government vehicle for the staff.

Other sources of funding and operating expenses come from:

·         grants

·         workshop registration fees

·         selling publications/materials

·         fundraisers

·         private foundations

·         endowment funds

·         Sponsor or member dues

·         In-dollar, in-kind (technical and labor) assistance is also received from NRCS and other USDA agencies, SWCD’s, and IDNR.

What type of assistance does RC&D provide to a project?
RC&Ds identify agencies or organizations that can assist in completing each step of a project plan, serves as sources of technical assistance, and provides financial resources if needed, and as possible. RC&Ds provide the vehicle for achieving a goal and completing projects. However, a project is not an "RC&D project" in the sense that an RC&D does everything. Local leadership and support are key elements for any successful project.

Types of assistance available include:

·         identifying potential funding sources ·         writing grants ·         serving as a conduit for "pass-through" grants ·         helping with grant administration ·         organizing events ·         hiring multi-county employees

·         conducting tours and educational events ·         serving as an umbrella organization for new non-profits and foundations ·         coordinating technical assistance ·         conducting research ·         coordinating mailings ·         conducting information campaigns

The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the Council's wishes.

What can RC&Ds do that other organizations can't?

Within an RC&D, you can do anything the local people want to do as long as it fits within the Council's long range plans and goals for the area. For example, an RC&D can:

·         create a park ·         provide a community facility ·         open a tourist attraction ·         correct erosion problems ·         work on water quality issues ·         promote local industry ·         build a timber bridge ·         provide funding for rural emergency medical services and equipment ·         Preserve a historical site

·         promote use of modern telecom- munications technology in rural areas ·         provide animal waste technical assistance ·         develop a wildlife habitat restoration or wetland education area ·         build a nature trail ·         stabilize a storm water channel ·         provide funding for windbreak projects

RC&Ds are not entities of government; therefore, the usual policies and constraints of local, state, and federal government programs do not limit them in the kinds of issues they decide to address or how they decide to do it. Local people on the Council determine the types of concerns, projects and activities in which they will become involved. RC&Ds lean towards projects that have not (or cannot) be addressed by other entities such as their Conservation Partners (SWCD’s, NRCS, CCs, COGs, etc.).

How many RC&D areas are there in Alabama?

Nine authorized RC&D areas in Alabama cover the whole state. They are:

·         Ala-Tom: Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Washington, and Wilcox Counties

·         Cawaco: Blount, Walker, Jefferson, Shelby, and Chilton Counties

·         Coosa Valley: Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Randolph, Clay, Talladega, Cleburne, Calhoun, St. Clair, Etowah, and Cherokee Counties

·         Gulf Coast: Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile Counties.

·         Mid-South: Elmore, Autauga, Montgomery, Macon, Bullock, Lowndes, and Butler Counties

·         Northwest: Lauderdale, Franklin, Colbert, Marion, and Winston Counties

·         Tennessee Valley: Limestone, Madison, Jackson, Lawrence, Morgan, Marshall, DeKalb, and Cullman Counties

·         Tombigbee: Lamar, Fayette, Pickens, Tuscaloosa, Bibb, Greene, Hale, and Sumter

·         Wiregrass: Crenshaw, Pike, Barbour, Henry, Dale, Coffee, Covington, Geneva, Houston, and Russell Counties.

      For more information on RC&Ds, or if would you like to get involved, contact the RC&D Council in your area of concern or contact the USDA-NRCS State Office - Auburn, Alabama at 334-887-4500.

RC&D Success Stories

·         RC&D and SWCD Present Town of Autaugaville With Check

·         Northwest Alabama RC&D Council Holds "Progressive Farmer Safety Day Camp"

·         Northwest Alabama RC&D Helps Present First Vehicle In "Wheels To Work" Program (5/00)

·         RC&D Council Helps Rural Marengo County Secure Grocery Store

·         Robert Harbison: South's Outstanding RC&D Council Member for 1999

·         Tennessee Valley RC&D Council Helps Sponsor "Water Quality Conference"

·         Ten Workshops Sponsored by Wiregrass RC&D Council

·         Tombigbee RC&D Council Helps Rabbit Processor in Gordo

·         Cawaco RC&D Participates in Rivers 2000 "Pass The Paddle"

·         CAWACO RC&D Provides Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Training
Gulf Coast RC&D - Turtle Point Science Center

·         Tennessee Valley RC&D - These Gardens Have a Secret

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 "All programs and assistance of the RC&D Council are available without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."