The acronym "RC&D" is short for Resource Conservation and Development. RC&D is a unique process that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. Arizona has six RC&D areas. Local RC&D Councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, concerns, opportunities, and solutions.

RC&Ds were established in the Agriculture Act of 1962 to provide a program that empowered rural people to help themselves. The focus on local direction and control has made RC&D one of the most successful rural development programs of the federal government.

A few of the many RC&D accomplishments in FY05:
•  Over 551 new businesses were created with RC&D Council assistance.
•  3,704 businesses were expanded by RC&D Councils.
•  4,104 businesses were financially assisted.
•  Approximately 5,939 jobs were created.
•  Councils helped improve 1,861.191 acres of wildlife habitat, 550,750 acres of lakes, and 9,835 miles of streams.
•  More than 8,963 workshops and training sessions were held.
•  RC&D projects have helped nearly 5,341,375 economic or socially disadvantaged people nationwide.

RC&D Councils successfully leveraged the RC&D appropriation 8 to 1 to directly support conservation and economic development in local communities across the nation.
The national average cost to support an RC&D office is $190,005 per designated area. Currently USDA/NRCS provides direct support of approximately $127,000 per council.

Can anyone be involved in RC&D?                                                                                               

Yes. ANYONE...

• who believes that one person can make a difference.
• who wants to be involved in making things happen in their community, county, region or state.
• who wants to see natural resources utilized without adversely affecting the environment.
• who wants to improve the quality of life in their community.                                                                                                                                                 

Arizona's RC&Ds offer myriad opportunities for community involvement to make things happen. Private citizens, cities, counties, business owners, will always find a place in RC&D. There are opportunities for members of committees, participation in planning projects, identifying priorities, or helping with just one activity.

Community members involved in projects are urged to inquire about RC&D technical assistance, funding, or knowledge to connect needs with private and public organizations. Residents and organizations are encouraged to work with the RC&D to start new projects in the community or region.

RC&Ds identify agencies or organizations that can assist in completing each step of the project plan, to serve as sources of technical assistance and to provide financial resources if needed. RC&Ds provide the vehicle for achieving a goal and completing projects. However, a project is not an "RC&D project" in the sense that an RC&D does everything. Local leadership and support are key elements for any successful project.

Types of assistance available include:

The amount and kind of assistance depends on the type of project and the Council's wishes.

Within an RC&D, you can do anything the local people want to do as long as it fits within the Council's long range plans and goals fro the area. For example, an RC&D can:

RC&Ds are not entities of government; therefore the usual policies and constraints of local, state, and federal government programs do not limit them in the kinds of issues they decide to address or how they decide to do it. Local people on the Council determine the types of concerns, projects and activities in which they will become involved. RC&Ds lean towards projects that have not (or cannot) be addressed by other entities such as their Conservation Partners.

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