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What is Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D)?
The RC&D program was initiated by federal legislation in 1962. Since then, 375
RC&Ds have been established in the U.S., encompassing over 95% of the nation’s
land mass. Seven RC&D areas have formed to serve all of Wisconsin’s counties
and the Indian Nations.
Wisconsin’s RC&Ds offer a unique way for private individuals and groups to work
with each other and learn to utilize local, state, and federal agencies to benefit
communities. The RC&D program helps bring together a wide variety of volunteers
such as land managers, community leaders, economists, and environmentalists.
These groups work to identify problems and opportunities, gather necessary
background information, plan for desired future conditions, develop strategies,
secure necessary funding and implement projects for the good of the area. The
projects implemented help enhance our natural resources while improving the
standard of living in the state of Wisconsin.
How Do RC&Ds Operate?
RC&D is a “grass roots” program locally directed by a RC&D council. Each council
establishes its own governing policies and develops its own programs to fill local
needs.
Council membership varies by council and can consist of Land Conservation
Committee members assigned by the county board, members-at-large, corporate
members, tribal members and members assigned by other agencies or local
communities, and interested groups or individuals. Expansion allows broader
citizen representation to help identify problems, develop strategies and
implement solutions.
All seven of Wisconsin’s RC&D councils have received federal nonprofit 501(c)(3)
status and State of Wisconsin tax exempt status.
How Are RC&Ds Funded?
Each council receives annual membership dues to help defray operating expenses.
Project monies come from federal, state, local, private and foundation grants or
donations and can consist of hard money or in-kind services. The ability to secure
funding for projects is growing in areas served.
Who Assists the RC&D Councils?
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides each council with
a full-time coordinator to help deliver products from their annual plan.
Councils also secure grant money to fund other staff and consultant positions as
needed to implement their projects.
How Do RC&D Committees Function?
RC&D councils create committees to address local concerns. Committees are the
“action level” of an RC&D council. They identify projects and carry them to
completion. Committee membership is open to anyone interested.
How Do RC&D Projects Originate?
Project ideas come from a wide variety of sources including private citizens,
organizations, elected officials, corporations, agencies and RC&D representatives.
RC&D councils review and prioritize these concerns and ideas for inclusion in annual
and long-range work plans. RC&D councils complete over 60 projects annually in
Wisconsin.
What is the Wisconsin Association of RC&Ds?
The seven individual RC&Ds come together to form the Wisconsin Association of
RC&D Councils, Inc. Some fundraising projects are run through the Association,
and each council pays annual Association dues. The Association helps pay for
council members to attend out-of-state regional and national RC&D functions. The
Association also hosts an annual conference and business meeting bringing together
all seven RC&Ds. Project and information exchange is a benefit of the annual
conference.
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09/05/06