Sul Ross State University
A Member of the Texas State University System

Program Descripton: How it Works

How RC&D Works

An RC&D area covers several counties. It is locally defined and directed by a council that implements natural resource protection and wise use, accelerated economic development and improvement of social conditions.

The council consists of public and private sector sponsors and other local organizations that represent a diverse cross section of community interests. Sponsors include county and city governments, conservation districts, sub-state planning or economic districts, tribal governments and interested private organizations in the area.

This grassroots involvement is highly valuable in shaping decision making at the local level. RC&D councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities better places to live.

The council, with public involvement, identifies community concerns, needs and problems. The council develops an area plan, with assistance from federal agencies, that states goals, objectives and action items to address the local community's priorities and concerns.

Implementation of an action item may include one step or a full range of steps, such as problem analysis, development of alternatives, plan development, funding solicitation, and implementation.

NRCS provides program administration. Funds appropriated to NRCS by Congress provide for technical assistance in the form of a USDA RC&D coordinator to the council. Coordinators work closely with councils to develop and implement their area plans.

The coordinator acts as a team coach, facilitator, liaison and technical consultant to assist the council in its activities. The coordinator is a vital link between USDA and the RC&D council and its other partners. The goal is an empowered council that has the capacity to build effective public-private partnerships that result in strong rural community leadership and accomplishments.

Other USDA agencies also provide technical and fmancial assistance to RC&D councils. The RC&D councils rely on the USDA assistance to ensure that their efforts are technically sound and to leverage support from other sources. Councils also obtain the assistance of other local, state and federal agencies; private organizations; and foundations to carry out their projects. Thus, RC&D activities are broader than those created by assistance from USDA alone.

RC&D councils implement their area plans through projects that may include natural resource improvement, community improvement, forestry, education, economic development, water quantity and quality, recreation and tourism, marketing and merchandising. fish and wildlife habitat enhancement and waste management and utilization.

Natural Resource Improvement Projects

• Basic protection such as soil erosion control, noxious plant and pest control, streambank improvement, preservation of prime farmland, composting and mine reclamation
• Resource studies involving soil, water, plants and wildlife
• Energy conservation and alternative sources of energy, such as biomass other than wood
• Recycling of glass, metals, paper and wood

Community Improvement Projects

Community improvement projects address improving community infrastructure; performing studies on zoning and ordinances, facilities, or services needed; constructing and improving public trails; and installing public resources. These can include:

• Building community centers
• Improving old community buildings
• Constructing, improving or repairing subsidized housing (apartments, single family homes, halfway houses, retirement homes)
• Improving roads
• Improving and restoring parks and walking and bike trails
• Installing dry fire hydrants

Forestry Projects

• Performing environmental improvements on forested areas
• Improving management of forests through such measures as land treatment for production
• Providing education on safety or harvesting techniques
• Developing or expanding forest related industries
• Developing energy sources, such as wood waste for energy
• Developing or improving value added forestry related products
• Applying agroforestry practices
• Establishing cooperatives
• Performing studies, such as forest, species or forest products inventories
• Improving rural road infrastructure with timber bridges

Education Projects

Education projects cover environmental education, conservation studies and RC&D council awareness. They include:

• Outdoor classrooms
• Public school programs
• Job-training programs
• Community-awareness activities
• Agriculture and forestry demonstrations
• Equipment and technique demonstrations for such products as no-till drills or specialized tree planters
• Organizing community events such as fairs or rallies
• Preparing brochures, videos or displays
• Disseminating information abou the RC&D program

Economic Development Projects

• Studies such as producer surveys, marketing surveys or feasibility studies
• Assisting with grants, loans or other financiang
• Assisting in the formation or expansion of agriculture or natural resource related businesses, such as farm equipment or other agriculture-related suppliers, manufacturing, bed and breakfast/motel or other businesses involved with value-added products.

Projects can include improvment of agricultural production, such as diversifying farm incomes and devleoping alternative markets for products.

Water Projects

Water projects are aimed at the improvement of surface and groundwater quality and quantity. Many deal witih pollution control and dispersing water. They include:

• Watershed management
• Construction or rehabilitation of irrigation, flood control and water drainage systems
• Construction or rehabilitation of aquaculture, wastewater treatment and purification operations
• Installation of buffer strips
• Efficient use of aquifers

Recreation and Tourism

• Recreation and tourisim projects include
• Feasibility studies
• Establishment or improvement of water-based recreational areas, usch as golf courses, rodeo arenas, trails and ballparks
• Historic site preservation
• Establishment or upgrades of tourist attractions
• Development of promotional materials such as brochures, placemats or commercials for local tourist attractions

Marketing and Merchandising Projects

• Studies
• Formation of cooperatives or associations
• Development of business or marketing plans
• Development of advertising and promotional materials for businesses

Fish and Wildlife Projects

Fish and wildlife projects concentration of the protection, improvement or development of fish and wildlife habitat.

Waste and Waste Utilization Projects

• Efficient and environmenally sound disposal of animal waste
• Development or improvement of a landfill
• Waste collection
• Solid waste disposal
• Composting