Resource Conservation & Development Program

Pacific Rim Regional Association

The RC&D Program was initiated in 1962 to help people care for and protect their natural resources and to improve local economies and living standards. The voluntary, grass-roots driven program provides a way for local residents to work together and plan how they can solve environmental, economic, and social problems facing their communities. Today, the program continues to deliver coordinated natural resource conservation and community development assistance. There are 315 authorized RC&D areas across the nation including areas in the Pacific Basin and Caribbean.

Roles

RC&D Program is a US Department of Agriculture effort led by the Office of the Secretary. The Secretary has delegated administrative authority to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

RC&D Council directs the program at the local level. Southeast Conference became a RC&D Council in 1994. The RC&D Council provides a focal point of local leadership and brings together private citizens and local, state, and federal agencies to improve economic, social and environmental well-being. The council is the governing body consisting of representatives of all RC&D sponsors or members. 

RC&D Activities are based on an assessment of the area’s problems and needs. Southeast Conference completed an area plan and regional development strategy in 1996 to define their goals, objectives and priorities. 

RC&D Coordinator assists the council in carrying out its objectives by providing guidance, advice, and staff direction. The coordinator is a USDA employee supported by RC&D appropriations.

RC&D Project Summaries

Some of the projects listed are completed projects, some are still active and are somewhere between concept and construction/implementations, but all of the projects are indicative of the type of community benefit that is realized by the RC&D Program. Many of the completed projects require periodic support to ensure that the project continues to succeed. This is not a complete listing of the projects, but rather a list that highlights the projects that have had significant economic or social impact in Southeast Alaska and are suitable to be replicated in other areas of the region or state.