First RC&D Project Anniversary Observed

The WesMin Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council recently celebrated its 40th Anniversary in Wadena, Minnesota, making the oldest RC&D in the U.S.  On hand for the occasion were John Rife, founding board member of the WesMin RC&D; William Hunt, State Conservationist for NRCS in Minnesota; and Taylor Oldroyd, Special Assistant to the NRCS Chief.  Forty years ago in 1964, then Governor Rolvaag dedicated the Crow Wing Canoe Trail in Wadena County -- the Nation’s first RC&D project -- calling it “one of the most exciting contributions to the art of resource management in our State’s history.”

Since that historic event, the WesMin RC&D has contributed to improving the quality of life for the diverse populations and resources of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Pope, Todd, Wadena, Wilken, Cass, Crow Wing, East and West Ottertail, Morrison, Stevens, and Traverse Counties with 640 projects

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completed totaling more than $85 million in Federal and foundation grants, donations, and more than $15 million of in-kind contributions. Today, WesMin RC&D is nationally respected for its work in natural resource conservation and education and for developing new industry and opportunities for the residents of rural Minnesota.
Your contact is Dean Schmidt, WesMin RC&D Coordinator at 320 763 3191 ext. 5, or dean.schmidt@mn.usda.gov