United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 New Hampshire Go to Accessibility Information
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Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), initiated in 1962, helps people care for and protect their natural resources to improve their area’s economy, environment and living standards. RC&D provides a way for local residents to work together and plan how they can actively solve environmental, economic and social problems facing their communities. Today, RC&D continues to successfully deliver coordinated resource conservation and rural development assistance.

RC&D provides the "no turf" network that pulls together communities, various units of government and grassroots organizations and helps them establish direction for local problem solutions. Currently, 331 RC&D areas serve an area larger than half of the United States, the Caribbean and the Pacific Basin. More than 20,000 volunteers annually contribute their time and resources to revitalize and sustain their communities.

RC&D Activities

RC&D activities fall into four main areas:

  • Land Conservation - protects the resource base and finds the best ways to use it
  • Community Development - improves economic and community development in rural areas.
  • Water Management - helps local people conserve, utilize and improve the quality and quantity of available water
  • Environmental Enhancement - improves the natural resources of communities and ecosystems

RC&D Council

Directs their program at the local/regional level. The RC&D Council is the governing body consisting of representatives of all RC&D sponsors. The Council bases its activities on an assessment of the area’s problems and needs. The Council organizes actions that address local multiple resource issues, such as land conservation, water conservation and management, community development, and fish and wildlife habitat protection.

RC&D Coordinator

Assists the Council in carrying out its objectives and goals by providing guidance, advice and staff direction. The coordinator is a USDA employee provided through RC&D funds.

NH RC&D Website

National Association of RC&D Councils Website

 

Articles:

Piece by Piece on the Swain Farm
Chasing Sweet Garlic Success
North Country Local Food Initiative