About the NCRC&DC
The North Coast Resource Conservation & Development Council was formed and officially incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization in 2003 to advance the conservation of natural and agricultural resources within our jurisdictional area. An RC&D area may include several counties that have substantial natural resources to use for economic improvement and community betterment. The USDA authorizes the area, and commits funding through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), including a full time coordinator to work with the Council to identify problems, establish goals and objectives, build strategies, and implement plans. Our non-profit and non-governmental organization works cooperatively with land owners, private groups, and governmental agencies in an area that includes Marin, Sonoma, Mendocino, and Lake Counties (TAKE A TOUR NOW OF OUR REGION). The Council consists of representatives of local government, Resource Conservation Districts (Gold Ridge, Marin, Mendocino County, Southern Sonoma and West Lake RCDs), Boards of County Supervisors, city and town councils, Indian tribal councils, non-profit organizations, and members-at-large.
The mission statement for our organization is: To promote partnerships that will initiate, support and implement projects responsive to the needs of the people in the North Coast RC&D Area, focusing on opportunities in agriculture, economic and community development, and education. Each year the Council develops a work plan of activities intended to further the following goals and objectives:
- Agricultural Diversity - Encourage agricultural diversity so family farms and ranches can maintain economic stability
- Natural Landscape Conservation - Investigate opportunities for sustainable use of forest products, including biomass energy, and to provide education and support for "Sudden Oak Death" prevention and control.
- Community and Economic Development - Assist rural and agricultural landowners identify and develop community and economic opportunities compatible with environmental stewardship practices.
- Native Plant Habitat - Assist and support removal or management of non-native, invasive plant species.
The Council provides technical and financial assistance for local projects in line with our mission statement, goals and objectives. Specific types of assistance could include:
- writing grant proposals
- identifying potential funding sources for projects
- serving as a conduit for "pass-through" grants
- assisting with grant administration
- organizing events supporting projects
- conducting tours and educational/outreach events
- serving as an umbrella organization core new non-profits and foundations
- coordinating technical assistance
- coordinating mailings
- developing education, outreach and educational campaigns
The Council believes that one person can make a difference, and encourages people to be involved in making things happen in their county, region, or state. We encourage the care and use of natural resources in ways that protect the environment and improve the quality of life in our community.