# Presentation: 314936

## RC&D 101ByColleen OestreichCoordinator

**Giziibii Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D)**

**Notes:**
Intro:
  My Background,
	Began work w/ GRC&D 12 years ago

## WHY IS RC&D UNIQUE?	

- The value of **public/private partnerships** in making the best use of limited resources.
- The value of **grass-roots involvement** in making decisions about local areas.
- Bringing **USDA agencies together** to focus on the same problems and opportunities.
**Leveraging limited federal dollars** with private funds to accomplish goals.
- Working toward the goal of **community sustainability**.
- Achieving a **balance between rural economic development and natural resource protection.**

## WHAT IS THE RC&D PROGRAM?The RC&D Program is a unique blend of private enterprise and creative federalism: 

- Program activities are **started and directed at the local level** by volunteers
- It is a **USDA interagency program** that encourages the blending of natural resource use with local economic and social values
- Its **customers have a major voice** in how the program activities are carried out in their respective communities and
- Economic and sociological factors have been considered in selection of RC&D Areas, and their continued funding and support.

## The strength of RC&D is in the commitment of people to solve their own problems. 

- The RC&D commitment emphasizes one or more of the following areas:
- Natural Resource Conservation
- Resource Development
- Community/Economic/Business Development
- Environmental Education

## WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF RC&D?

**The purpose** of the RC&D Program “...is to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources to improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standers of living in authorized RC&D areas.”
**Mission of Giziibii RC&D is to facilitate the development and implementation of natural resource and community development projects that empower people and communities in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen Counties.  Included in the area are the Red Lake Reservation and parts of White Earth and Leech Lake Reservations.  A unique attribute of the Council is its philosophical commitment to the careful balancing of issues relevant to both growth of the economy and wise stewardship of natural resources.**

## Current Program objectives focus on:	

- Improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resource conservation and community development to lead to sustainable communities.
- Prudent use (development), management and conservation of natural resources.
- Social, economic and environmental improvement.
- Local leadership providing program decision making.
- Strengthening of local citizens’ abilities to utilize available sources of assistance through USDA agency partnerships.

## WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF RC&D?RC&D began in the 1960’s as a pilot USDA umbrella effort under which a number of conservation and development activities might be performed in geographic areas where major economic and social downturns had occurred. 	

- The RC&D Program has outgrown its humble beginnings from a mere 10 pilot effort in 1962 to **375 authorized areas nationwide** at the present time. There continues to be great potential for communities to become part of an RC&D Area and **25 applications currently** await authorization from the Secretary of Agriculture when funding becomes available. Many of these Areas are actively pursuing the goals of the program.The RC&D Program was re-authorized with the passage of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1995.

## HOW IS THE RC&D PROGRAM CARRIED OUT?

- Local
- State
- Regional
- National

## RC&D At The Local Level:			

- The RC&D Council
- Staff -  Coordinator and Assistant
- An RC&D Area is a **multi-county** area locally defined, sponsored and directed to carry out a program that encourages land conservation and utilization, accelerated economic development and/or improvement of social conditions where needed to foster a sound local economy.
- Non-USDA Partnerships
- Other Federal Agencies
- State Agencies
- Local Government Agencies

## RC&D Organizational Chart

## 	The State Level:		

- NRCS
- State Conservationist - Bill Hunt
- Acting RC&D Program Manager – Roger Lenzmeier
- State Associations
- MARC&D President - Russ Ruud
- MARC&D Vice President – Jim Hall
- MARC&D Secretary/Treasurer – Delmar Holst

- Map of
- Minnesota
- RC&Ds

## 	The Regional Level:		

- NRCS
- Midwest Region - Charles Whitmore
- RC&D Program Manager – Percy Magee
- North Central Region of RC&D’s
- President – Nedda Simon (Illinois)

## Map of RC&D Regions

## 	The National Level:		

- NRCS provides technical assistance
- NRCS Chief – Bruce Knight
- Resource Conservation & Community Development Division - Vacant
- Liaison - Smith Covey
- National Program Manager – Terry D’Addio
- National Association of RC&D Councils
- President – Sharon Ruggi (New York)
- Executive Director - Bobbie Jeanquart

## Map of RC&Ds

## DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY	

- The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated the responsibility to administer the RC&D Program to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
- The Secretary of Agriculture has reserved the authority to approve expansions of authorized RC&D Areas, designate new RC&D Areas and to withdraw authorization for assistance.

## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN RC&D			

- The RC&D Program continues to be conducted in compliance with the nondiscrimination provisions in the Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and other nondiscrimination statutes.

## Making Things Happen!!

*Minnesota RC&DS*