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What is the RC&D program?
 

RC&D is a non-biased, rural development program focusing on the conservation, development and utilization of area resources to improve the standard of living. It joins forces with individuals, agencies and groups to improve the social, economic and environmental opportunities of the local area.

The RC&D program was established by federal legislation in 1962. This act directs the U.S. Department
of Agriculture (USDA) to help units of government conserve and properly utilize all resources in solving local issues. Citizens who are aware of the opportunities first hand provide leadership and work together to set program priorities. A variety of individuals, government agencies, organizations, environmental groups and business institutions provide assistance to these people in accomplishing their program goals.

In 1994, the Glacierland Resource Conservation and Development area was organized to cover the nine counties and Oneida Nation of Northeastern Wisconsin.
   
   

What is the RC&D's mission?
The mission of the RC&D is to conserve, develop and utilize local resources to raise the level of economic activity in the area, while enhancing the environment and the standard of living. RC&D provides an area-wide framework for locally directed action, cooperation, concerns and opportunities which are identified by the people experiencing problems and/or opportunities first hand. RC&D operates on the premise that local citizens, with coordinated assistance provided by cooperating sources, can develop and carry out action plans which address issues they themselves have identified. Citizens, groups, organizations or agencies in the RC&D area can contribute by bringing concerns before the council, proposing measures and keeping the council aware of the community needs.
 

What are the goals?
 

The Glacierland RC&D Council developed goals which all of the current projects and programs support. These goals include:

  • Assure the quality of the natural resource base for future generations.
  • Provide area citizens with an attractive, healthy, and satisfying place to live, work and play.
  • Improve the standard of living and provide adequate incomes for all area residents.

The Glacierland RC&D Council works to improve the local economy by the wise development and use of local resources. This may be done in ways including developing and addressing concerns of local agriculture and related businesses, industries, tourism, encouraging alternative energy source development and assisting in marketing local products within the Glacierland RC&D area.

Today, a good deal of attention is paid to projects that promote wise land use decisions, develop new industries, expand markets and create jobs. Just as important in Northeast Wisconsin are projects that maintain the quality of our environment and conserve our precious natural resources. In all cases, the RC&D Council, with direction from local people - and not the federal or state government - decides what needs to be done in local communities.
 

Who are the local sponsors?
 

Each RC&D area covers several counties and is operated by a council or committee representing the sponsoring organizations. The Glacierland RC&D area in Northeastern Wisconsin is located in the geographic location of the following nine counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Fond du Lac, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, Sheboygan, Winnebago, and the Oneida Nation. The Glacierland RC&D area is usually sponsored by the county and Oneida Nation supervisors and the Land Conservation Committees. The Glacierland RC&D area has a council made up of three representatives from each sponsor. Corporate sponsors are also welcomed to be part of the Council, as are concerned citizens. They may join to promote issues significant to their interest; however, these issues must also promote the human, economic, and natural resources of the area.

Who provides assistance?
 

RC&D Councils have broad authority to seek help from the sources they feel are best qualified to provide needed assistance. Help may be technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, state agencies, local government, organizations, associations or private industry. Help may be financial assistance in the form of donations, loans, grants or cost-sharing programs. The Glacierland RC&D Council is incorporated and classified as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, tax exempt organization.

The Glacierland RC&D Council is assisted by a coordinator and an administrative assistant. The coordinator is a Natural Resources Conservation Service employee. Together, the coordinator and administrative assistant are charged with working to help the council carry out their mission, goals and objectives. This work includes planning, proposal writing, facilitating, motivating and negotiating.

In accordance with the Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

 

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (202)720-5964 (voice and TDD).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.