USDA ANNOUNCES SEVEN NEW RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS
Projects to Spur Conservation on Private Lands, Economic Growth and Community Development

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2003—Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today designated seven areas in seven states to receive technical assistance for conservation and environmental enhancement as part of USDA’s Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program.

“RC&D areas are locally led by grassroots councils comprised of volunteers, civic leaders and locally elected officials,” said Veneman. “RC&D projects implemented by the councils provide practical solutions for land and resource conservation, environmental enhancement, water management and community development.”

USDA, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides technical assistance in the form of a coordinator for this program. The coordinator serves as a point of access to USDA programs and services that help the RC&D council address locally identified issues and achieve its objectives.

Other USDA agencies also work with designated areas on a wide variety of activities, including the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service; Farm Service Agency; Food and Nutrition Service; Forest Service and Rural Development.

Twenty-eight high caliber applications were received. The areas were selected through a highly competitive process based on local needs, technical merits of the application and readiness for designation.

Projects currently underway in the 368 existing RC&D areas include ones that reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, create jobs and businesses, protect heritage sites and improve sewage treatment.

With the addition of the following areas, there will be 375 RC&D areas throughout the nation. Additional information on the RC&D program can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/ .

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