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RC&D in NevadaRC&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 ways 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. The RC&D Program, created by the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowers 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. An RC&D area covers several counties. RC&D areas include adjacent counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. Sponsors apply to the USDA Secretary of Agriculture for authorization. Once authorized, the USDA is committed to providing both financial and technical assistance. Anyone can be involved in RC&DIf you...
Your local RC&D offers many opportunities for involvement and making 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 can put you in touch with private and public organizations that can help you reach your goals. Consider working through your local RC&D Council when starting new projects in your community or region. Nevada RC&D Offices(To find more information regarding each RC&D Office, click on their hyperlink) WESTERN NEVADA RC&D OFFICE DA KA DOIYABE RC&D OFFICE HIGH DESERT RC&D OFFICE RC&D SponsorsThe local County Commission and the Soil and Water Conservation District's (SWCD'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. RC&D CouncilRC&D Councils 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 individual RC&D area. However, RC&Ds are more than willing to share ideas and information to keep others from reinventing the wheel. RC&Ds FundingAn authorized RC&D receives funding from the USDA through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 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 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:
Type of assistance RC&D provide to projectsRC&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&D areas s 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 Council does everything. Local leadership and support are key elements for any successful project. Types of assistance available include:
The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the local Council's wishes. What RC&Ds do that other organizations can'tWithin an RC&D area, 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 Council can:
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, NRCS, etc.). RC&Ds depend on the leadership abilities and unique skills within the communities it serves. That is why so many worthwhile projects have been undertaken and accomplished throughout the state. The RC&D Councils in Nevada are proud of their accomplishments; but there is much yet that can be done to make our communities a better place to live. RC&D LinksThese links will open in a new window.
Last Modified: 11/12/2008 |
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