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RC&Ds in Texas

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What is RC&D?

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is a unique program, led by local, volunteer councils that help people care for and protect natural resources in a way that improves the local economy, environment, and living standards. RC&D is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their areas better places to live.

The Assumption

RC&D is based on the assumption that local citizens, with assistance, can develop and carry out action-oriented plans for the social, economic, and environmental enrichment of rural communities.

The Process

To carry out the RC&D concept, diverse groups of local volunteers are brought together in a unique partnership to find solutions to their problems. The structure for this process involves:

  • Identifying Problems                                           
  • Establishing Goals and Objectives
  • Developing Alternative Plans
  • Implementing Plans

    • Facts About RC&D Councils

  • Councils provide a focal point of local leadership and bring together private citizens; organizations; and local, state, and federal agencies to improve the economic, social, and environmental well being.
     
  • RC&D has the proven ability and strength of leadership to engage and accomplish projects from the local to the national level. Authorized RC&D areas serve about 70 percent of the U.S. counties. Thirty-two new applicants are awaiting authorization by the Secretary of Agriculture.

  • Since the program began in 1962, the Secretary of Agriculture has authorized 368 RC&D Areas. Legislation authorizes up to 450 RC&D areas.

  • Texas has 22 authorized RC&D Areas and one active application area remaining to be authorized.

  • RC&D encourages community support with more than 21,000 volunteers nationwide. More than 2,000 volunteers serve in Texas.

  • All RC&D Councils are not for profit organizations and have tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

  • RC&D councils develop area plans, defining their goals and objectives . Councils serve as a conduit for USDA programs that assist in Area Plan implementation.

  • For every dollar appropriated by Congress for RC&D, Councils leverage an average of $14 from other sources nationwide. The leveraging ratio in Texas is 28:1

  • The National Association of RC&D Councils is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides a collective national voice for local RC&D Councils. The National Association serves as an advocate for local councils on national and regional issues that deal with the quality of life in rural America.

  • The Texas Association of RC&D Areas, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves all 23 organized RC&D Councils in Texas. The Association is committed to providing statewide education, leadership, and coordination as required to expedite the individual RC&D Area’s mission. The Association’s purpose is to enhance and improve the standard of living and quality of life in the member RC&D Areas.

  • The RC&D Councils direct the program at the local level. They provide a focal point of local leadership, bring together private citizens, and local, state, and federal agencies to improve economic, social, and environmental well being. Each Council is governed by a board of directors. Nearly half of all Council members are locally elected officials including mayors, county commissioners, and county judges.

  • NRCS supports to the local RC&D Council by providing an employee to serve as a Coordinator. The Coordinator assists the Council in carrying out the Area Plan by providing guidance, advice, and helping direct program assistance from federal agencies, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations to RC&D Councils. The coordinator does not assume responsibilities reserved for local volunteer leaders serving on RC&D Councils.

    • Cover for RC&D General Information

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    RC&D General Information (PDF; 158 KB)
     

    "Helping Others Help Themselves"

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