Loup Basin Resource Conservation and Development Council

Resource Conservation & Development Program

The purpose of the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. It improves the capability of State, tribal and local units of government and local nonprofit organizations in rural areas to plan, develop and carry out programs for resource conservation and development. The program also establishes or improves coordination systems in rural areas. Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resources conservation and community development which leads to sustainable communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation of natural resources. RC&D areas are locally sponsored areas designated by the Secretary of Agriculture for RC&D technical and financial assistance program funds. The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
 

How Does an RC&D Work?

The RC&D program works with a council of local citizens and governments to find resources to benefit local communities. Each RC&D operates under their own “Area Plan”. NRCS supports this effort by providing each RC&D with office space, a coordinator and program assistant. NRCS provides about $127,000 annually for staffing and operating an RC&D office. All RC&Ds are non-profit organizations, which operate under 501(c)3 status. Typically, for most RC&D projects in Nebraska, less than five percent of project funds come through the RC&D program. Most funds come from outside resources identified by the RC&D council. “During 2005, every RC&D dollar spent on a project, an additional $22.37? was gathered from other sources by the RC&D Council to support that project,” said NRCS State Conservationist Steve Chick. “This is a great federal government-local sponsorship success.”
 

What Does an RC&D Do?

RC&D projects generally fall into five major areas: economic development, natural resources improvement, community improvement, education, and recreation and tourism. The “2005 Highlights” booklet lists the individual accomplishments and gives examples of projects completed by every RC&D in Nebraska. This publication is called “2005 Highlights” because it would take a volume of publications to tell the complete story of all the accomplishments of Nebraska’s RC&Ds. These projects have benefited Nebraska in many ways. RC&D projects have reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, enhanced wildlife, created jobs and business and protected heritage sites -just to name a few. Nebraska’s RC&Ds are continuing to make great things happen across the state.