What is Coteau des Prairies RC&D?

The Coteau des Prairies Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Association is a nonprofit organization located in Southwestern Minnesota, U.S.A.

RC&D is an acronym for Resource Conservation and Development. RC&D is a unique process that helps people protect and develop their economic, natural, and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. Local RC&D Councils provide a way for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, concerns, opportunities and solutions. There are currently 375 RC&D's across the United States. 

The Coteau des Prairies RC&D Council is currently in the applicant process to seek funding through USDA.   Each of the Counties of Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Rock, Nobles and Jackson have representatives on the Coteau des Prairies RC&D Council.

The Coteau des Prairies RC&D was created to:

Vision Statement

Council Vision Statement:  The vision of the Coteau des Prairies RC&D is a strong, prosperous economy that provides diverse opportunities for all citizens; while maintaining a sustained natural resource base and a quality environment with a well educated, healthy citizenry who contribute to viable and safe communities.

Mission Statement

Council Mission Statement:  Our mission is to provide leadership to help local people and communities achieve economic, natural and human resource development through cooperative efforts.  

A Little History

USDA's Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D), created by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 (PL 87-703), authorizes local citizens to organize RC&D Councils. These Councils provide leadership and help people care for and protect their natural resources to improve an area's economy, environment, and living standards. RC&D has four primary purposes -- land conservation, community development, water management and environmental enhancement. Any particular RC&D district may have goals to address any one or all of these purposes.

The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated administrative authority to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), although several USDA agencies contribute to the program. A national policy board composed of USDA agency administrators, as well as a national working group of agency staff help the Secretary oversee the program. Each Council is assisted by a full-time coordinator, who is a USDA employee (usually NRCS) funded by federal RC&D appropriations.

RC&D Councils direct the program at the local level. Councils are composed of local representatives of all the sponsors of the RC&D project. The program provides a way for local residents to work together and plan how they can actively solve environmental, economic, and social problems facing their communities.

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