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Resource Conservation and Development Fact Sheet

What is Resource Conservation and Development?

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) involves people working together on a multi-county basis to solve problems and find opportunities for rural development. RC&D encourages local units of government and nonprofit organizations to develop programs to improve their resources. RC&D can help secure technical and financial assistance with grants, loans, and other funding.

What does an RC&D do?

The RC&D Council provides assistance by establishing an area plan. Problems in the area are assessed and prioritized. Broad goals and specific objectives are set, and proper courses of action are determined. Although each RC&D project area has its own locally-developed goals, the general aim of RC&D projects includes:

  • Rural and economic development
  • Community improvement
  • Natural resources improvement
  • Forestry
  • Recreation and tourism
  • Water quantity and quality
  • Information and education

Impacts of RC&D projects include:

  • Saving and creating jobs
  • Adding value to local resource commodities
  • Building and maintaining infrastructure
  • Demonstrating new technologies

Who is involved in an RC&D?

A strong partnership exists between the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and local RC&D council. Each contributes resources to further the RC&D process in Montana. The council includes representatives from conservation districts, county commissions, city and town councils, planning boards, local economic development authorities, Indian tribes, and other interested groups. The council is responsible for directing the program at the local level by combining a planning and implementation process which addresses local objectives. As funding becomes available, NRCS and DNRC provide a coordinator for each RC&D council. The coordinator acts as staff for the RC&D council and assists the council in implementing its area plan.

How can local people be involved?

Local people initiate RC&Ds and keep them running. It’s a program that allows local people to make decisions about the future of their communities. Much of the work and coordination is done by volunteers.

For more information

Contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the local conservation district in your county for more information. The NRCS office is listed in the telephone book under U.S. Government, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Offices in Montana

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Resource Conservation and Development (PDF; 107 KB)

Last Modified: 11/16/2005