What is Resource Conservation and Development?
The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program is a nation-wide United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The purpose of the RC&D program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas.
Established in 1991, Alamo RC&D Area, Inc. is a 501 ( C ) (3) not for profit organization that addresses natural resource conservation and community development in ten counties in Texas including Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Frio, Guadalupe, Kendall, Kerr, Medina and Wilson. The MISSION is to provide a focal point for local leadership to develop and implement strategies for the wise use, development and conservation of the natural resources within the area. The VISION is to provide a long range program to increase job opportunities, stimulate the local economy, provide and improve existing community facilities and services and improve the quality of life for the people within the Area.
The original sponsors of the Alamo RC&D were the Alamo Area Council of Governments and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the ten county area. In June 1973 they asked for help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to improve the economy through orderly development and conservation of resources through the Resource Conservation and Development program (RC&D). After USDA approved this request in February 1991, the Alamo Resource Conservation and Development Area was established. The RC&D Council was established to represent the sponsors and carry out an Area Plan of action.
Early sponsors of the Alamo RC&D recognized the opportunities available to not-for-profit- organizations and filed for an official determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In January of 1993, Alamo was incorporated in the State of Texas as a charitable Trust. In June of 1998, IRS issued a letter of determination recognizing Alamo RC&D Area, Inc. as a 501 (c) (3) organization.
The affairs of the Alamo RC&D are managed by a fifteen member board of directors. The fifteen members are selected as follows: one by each county committee, one as the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) representative and four at large. Alamo RC&D supports an open membership for individuals and organizations.