In 1962, Congress established the Resource Conservation & Development program within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage volunteer, locally elected and civic leaders to plan and carry out resource conservation and development projects. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the program and provides a project coordinator for each Council. Today, th
ere are 375 RC&D Councils across the nation, including Guam, American Samoa, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. They serve more than 85% of US counties and over 77% of the US population. These Councils provide leadership and help people care for and protect their natural resources to improve an area's economy, environment, and living standards. Go to http://www.rcdnet.org/ for more information about the National Association of RC&D Councils. The RC&D program helps people in rural areas plan and carry out activities that increase conservation of natural resources, support economic development, and enhance the environment and standard of living in local communities. The Northeast Nebraska RC&D Council, which is 1 out of the 12 RC&D Councils that cover the entire state of Nebraska, develops programs and projects in the following areas:
Land Conservation
By encouraging land conservation, the Council will improve soil tilth, reduce soil erosion and help keep sediment out of the water
Land Management
Environmental projects improve natural resources for agricultural and other uses, such as tourism, fish and wildlife habitat, and environmental education. Projects may also promote and preserve historical, scenic sites, energy conservation, and producing energy crops. Water Management
Provide for the conservation, use and quality of water, flood mitigation, agricultural water management, and improved water quality. Community Development
The Council will help create jobs and sponsor job training along with skills development. The Council will help improve or acquire needed community facilities, such as recreation structures, sewage treatment plants, solid waste disposal systems, water systems and roads.
