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

Key Points about the RC&D Program

• The purpose of the Resource Conservation and Development Prograram 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.
• The RC&D program is reauthorized in the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002, known as Farm Bill.
• Program objectives focus on quality-of-life improvements achieved through natural resources conservation and community development.
• The RC&D program pulls together people, communities, Indian tribes and grassroots groups that unite in shared purpose and pool resources to get work done.
• Once the Secretary of Agriculture officially authorizes a specific RC&D area, it is eligible for assistance through its organized RC&D council made up of local leaders.
• To date, 375 areas across the nation (plus the Caribbean and Pacific Basins) have been designated by the Secretary of Agriculture as RC&D areas. They serve more than 85 percent (2,614) of U.S. counties and more than 77 percent of the U.S. population.
• The NRCS goal is to have nationwide coverage by 2005.
• RC&D councils and their sponsors, in association with state, local and federal governments and nonprofit organizations, develop and implement local RC&D area plans.
• RC&D councils also obtain assistance from other local, state and federal agencies, private organizations and foundations.
• RC&D priorities are set by area residents to meet their needs.
• Technical assistance is available to RC&D areas for planning and installing approved projects specified in RC&D areas.