From the Chair

By Rick Woodley

For Joe Watkins

RC&D stands for the Resource Conservation and Development, and is a USDA program administered by the natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). These RC&D’s are locally sponsored and directed programs to help local communities solve common environmental and economical problems. The local ORE/CAL RC&D works with several counties in northern California and southern Oregon. The RC&D councils help local groups develop and carry out action-oriented plans for the social, economic and environmental betterment of their communities. Each RC&D council is sponsored by local units of government and appointed officials representing the sponsors, and from the members, an executive committee is elected to act as the policy-making body to guide the RC&D area. By becoming a member of the organization, you gain the ability to network with other leaders with like problems and opportunities that help you with your project ideas.

Decisions are based on local information and the belief that local residents know best what they need, want and can achieve in their own community. The local RC&D staff and council provide a sounding board for your ideas, to develop a step-by-step plan to reach your goals. They can identify agencies, organization and individuals who can assist you in completing each step of your plan, outline sources of technical assistance and list possible financial sources. The type of assistance depends on your ideas and needs.

It is important for communities to work together to balance resources with quality development for present and future generations. RC&D’s strive to participate in the development and conservation of natural and human resources that will improve the economy, enhance the environment and hopefully enrich the lives of the people who reside in our service area.

If you have a concern, or would like to learn more about how the ORE/CAL RC&D can help you, please contact our office at 530-397-7463. A representative of our staff will be glad to visit with you.