Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) is a program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), with funding from the US Department of Agriculture (now through the 2002 Farm Bill). The RC&D program is administered within 80% of the United States (including its territories), and there are over 375 RC&D Councils nationwide.
Started in 1962, RC&D was designed to partner and link federal, county and local agencies with local community members to set regional goals for conservation initiatives as well as economic development (traditionally to support rural areas, but the program has gone beyond that to include many different types of activities and projects).
- Our Mission
- What is Capital Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)?
- How does RC&D work?
- What type of projects does Capital RC&D work on?
- Who is involved in an RC&D?
- Goals and Objectives
- 2011 Plan of Work
- 2011-2015 Area Plan
Greetings to our stakeholders (defined as those affected by an organization's actions), a term the Capital RC&D will be using more frequently as we engage in a strategy for developing a new 5-Year Area Plan. I began my new role as the Board Chair in March of 2009 and I'm delighted to be presiding over this very important undertaking - charting the course for the direction of our organization during the next several years. Our stakeholders will be the key to developing a shared vision for the future of the Capital RC&D. We have engaged Jan Herrold from the York Nonprofit Management Development Center to lead us in this process during 2010.
Another key to our future success is our talented and industrious staff - the efforts of Susan Parry, Susan Richards, Kathryn Greiner and Cheryl Burns (who was hired this year as an agricultural outreach specialist) are much valued. They are the "face" of the Capital RC&D and their commitment makes our organization a very high performing council.
We also owe a debt of gratitude to the continuing support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service; their funding and technical support is crucial to our organization. As is the support of our local County governments - we are encouraged by their generosity and support in these tight economic times.
2009 was a busy year for Capital RC&D and the issue of nutrient management topped the list - council assisted in the sponsorship of several workshops on this topic, in addition to work on no-till program activities, as well as the ongoing Park the Plow and Grazing projects.
Our agricultural producers received continuing support from Capital RC&D with an emphasis on marketing tools under the banner of Buy Fresh Buy Local. You can read all about this and the rest of the good work of the Capital RC&D in this report.
Thank you dear stakeholders for your support of Capital RC&D; we are indebted.
Committed in your service,
Bicky Redman, Capital RC&D Chairman
Susan Richards, Capital RC&D Executive Director
Susan is responsible for implementation of all funded Capital RC&D projects. She works directly with subcontractors and funders to ensure that the goals of each project have been addressed within the allocated budgets, and supervises RC&D office staff.
Susan is an enthusiastic vegetable/ fruit gardener and cook as well as enjoying many outdoor sports. She is a member of her borough EAC (Environmental Advisory Council) and the mother of three.
Kathy Greiner, Capital RC&D Program Administrator
Kathy does the accounting for Capital RC&D. She maintains the budgets for each project to assure funds are not overspent, and prepares financial statements for the board of directors. She also assists with accounts payable/receivables.
Kathy enjoys gardening (predominantly flowers, but she does grow a few vegetables to share with the rabbits in her yard :)). She also enjoys hiking with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Cheryl Burns, Capital RC&D Outreach Specialist
Cheryl assists producers and landowners in identifying and utilizing conservation and agricultural programs. She also works closely with project partners and agency staff to ensure successful implementation and outcomes within organizational goals.
Cheryl is committed to supporting locally-owned businesses and does so especially in her love of cooking and papercrafting. She enjoys spending free time with her husband, young son, and Jack Russell Terrier.
Capital RC&D Bylaws
Fiscal Year 2011 Independent Auditors Report