RC&D - Local Effort, Regional Impact
 
Upcoming Events

Monday, August 31 - Wednesday, September 2 - 2009
North Carolina RC&D Association Annual Meeting
Grove Park Inn, Asheville, NC

Wednesday, September 22 - Saturday, September 25, 2010
Southeast RC&D Regional Meeting
Biloxi, MS

North Carolina Resource Conservation & Development Association

The North Carolina RC&D Association consists of 13 Councils - ten that are federally recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture and three applicant areas.

These 13 Councils serve 88 of North Carolina's 100 counties. The Councils provide a focal point of local leadership and bring together private citizens and local, state and federal agencies to improve economic, social, and environmental conditions within each RC&D Area.

Council members are local volunteers from all occupations and vocations.  Councils have Area plans that define their local goals and objectives and priorities. Councils have proven ability and strength of leadership to accomplish projects. RC&D depends on grass-roots involvement in making decisions about local areas and on the value of public-private partnerships in making the best use of limited resources. RC&D works to achieve a balance between rural economic development and natural resources protection while working toward a goal of community sustainability.


RC&D is a program of local people determining their own needs, then creating their own solutions.


Nationwide, the more than 300 RC&D Councils network as a National Association of RC&D Councils, sharing information and ideas.  RC&Ds identify and coordinate Technical and Financial Assistance needed to help local sponsors complete projects that have been presented to and adopted by the RC&D Area Council.

Goals & Objectives

Activities and projects fall primarily into five categories:

  • Natural Resources Improvement
  • Recreation and Tourism
  • Economic Development
  • Community Improvement
  • Education

Each Council's sponsoring organizations make a small annual contribution to help defray expenses, but the bulk of projects funding comes from a variety of public and private organizations as well as individual donations. RC&D Councils work extensively with other area organizations and agencies to accomplish common goals.

RC&D Councils' main goal is to empower rural communities to develop. These organizations have helped communities build public facilities, coordinate educational seminars, encourage alternative livestock production, re-establish vineyards, add value to forestry products, promote outdoor tourism, develop unique attractions, and help keep water safe for future generations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 202509410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.