USDA EXPANDS 14 RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN 8 STATES

Two Additional RC&Ds Change Name

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2004—The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that 14 counties in 8 states are eligible to receive technical assistance for conservation and environmental enhancements through the Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D).

USDA expanded 14 existing RC&D areas in the 8 states by adding one county to each area. Futhermore, two additional RC&D areas changed their names to better reflect their mission in serving local communities.

“RC&D areas are led by grassroots councils that include volunteers, civic leaders and local officials,” NRCS Chief Bruce Knight said. “These councils implement RC&D projects that provide practical solutions for land and resource conservation, environmental enhancement, water management and community development.”

The inclusion of additional counties in existing RC&D areas will offer many benefits, including technical assistance for local projects. NRCS provides technical assistance to communities through a coordinator. The coordinator helps the RC&D council access USDA programs and services to address locally identified issues and to achieve objectives. RC&D projects reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, create jobs and businesses, protect heritage sites and improve sewer treatment.

There are 375 RC&D areas covering nearly 3,000 counties nationwide, including the new counties listed below. Additional information on the RC&D program can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd.
 

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