Heart of Ohio RC&D Council, Inc.

Serving Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison,
Marion, Morrow, and Pickaway Counties

Click the map for a list of Executive Council Members.

• The Council is working with the Olentangy Watershed Association and agricultural producers to promote conservation practices to reduce nitrogen in drinking water.
• Council sponsored events include the Olentangy Forum: 2006, and a CSP Workshop reaching over 120 potential individual partners.
• RC&D workshops on the voluntary donation of conservation easements have contributed to securing a 90 acre agricultural easement and riparian conservation easements in 3 counties totaling 168 acres.
• Two grant writing workshops facilitated by Ohio EPA were sponsored by the RC&D. Over 70 participants representing more than 55 communities or organizations attended.
• The Sandusky Plains Environmental Education Center is operational and the $200,000 classroom will soon be a reality, assisted by a $46,000 grant obtained by the RC&D. The building is funded by the Elgin Board ($100,000) and donations from local partnerships.

... to enhance quality of life in central Ohio by facilitating the sustainable use of natural and economic resources.

Our Vision...
"A sustainable regional community with open spaces, clean air and water, and natural habitats in balance with a viable mixed economy that includes agriculture, commerce, industry, and tourism."

Central Ohio - Living In The Heart Of It All

Located in the center of Ohio, the Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) area includes Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Knox, Licking, Madison, Marion, Morrow, and Pickaway Counties and is home to over 2 million people. This rapidly growing area is challenged to balance urban development with agricultural vitality and environmental quality.

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Creating Solutions for Communities in Central Ohio

Heart of Ohio RC&D is a unique non-profit organization that helps people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves central Ohio's economy, environment, and living standards. It provides a forum for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that make central Ohio a better place to live. Working with citizens, local organizations, and county agencies, the Heart of Ohio RC&D Council sets it s goals and priorities to meet local needs. Heart of Ohio RC&D Council is committed to empowering people and creating solutions for land conservation, community development, and environmental enhancement. Some of our past projects include:

• Farmland Preservation Strategies Seminar for Central Ohio
• Grant Writing Workshop sponsored with Ohio Valley RC&D and Ohio Horsemans Council
• Strategic Planning and Funding for Headwaters Outdoor Education Center
• Grant Preparation for Darby Watershed Coordinator
• Media Outreach for Pearl Alley Growers' Association
• Discounted Dry Hydrants
• Community Supported Agriculture
• Farmers' Markets

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Volunteers are Key to RC&D Success

The all-volunteer Heart of Ohio RC&D Council is responsible for directing the program at the local level. Our council members are county commissioners , Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors, and private citizens representing local organizations and efforts. The dedication of these volunteers is the key to RC&D success. The Council's responsibilities are:

• to provide opportunities for public input on RC&D goals and objectives
• to develop an Area Plan and work toward identified priorities
• to form resource teams and committees to accomplish needed work
• to direct the activities of local, state, and federal personnel on RC&D projects
• to oversee administration of RC&D operations
• to provide citizens with information about RC&D projects

USDA's Resource Conservation & Development Program

In 1962, Congress passed the Food and Agricultural Act authorizing the Resource Conservation and Development program. The purpose of the program is to expand opportunities for conservation districts, county governments and individuals to improve their communities in multi-county areas through the formation of regional non-profit organizations. For every dollar appropriated by U.S. Congress, RC&D councils across the Nation leverage $14 from other sources for local guided projects. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service facilitates activities and provides technical assistance to RC&D councils across the nation.

Partnering Makes Our Work Possible

Heart of Ohio RC&D Council is a true partnership between private sector and all levels of government. In addition to the technical and organizational support from USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Heart of Ohio RC&D works with USDA's Farm Service Agency, Ohio's Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Development. We also work with non-profit organizations at the local, regional, and state level \par Membership in the Heart of Ohio RC&D Council is open to individuals, corporations, and organizations. Contact the Heart of Ohio RC&D for more information about membership or assistance with your community projects.

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Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation & Development Council
557 Sunbury Road, Suite A
Delaware, OH 43015
Telephone: 740- 368-5979
FAX: 740- 369-8321

Staff: 

Deba Mohler - Coordinator
Traci Aquara - Program Administrator 

Officers:

Chair:  Judy Shupe of Fairfield County
1st Vice Chair:  Dave Beaver of Marion County
2nd Vice Chair:  David Dhume of Madison County
Secretary:  Rodney Clinger of Morrow County
Treasurer:  Tim Bubb of Licking County

2008 Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation and Development Council

Former Council Members:

Deborah Martin; John Schuette; Stephen Sheets; Judy Shupe; David Fey; Roger Wolfe; Dewey Stokes; Matt Sullivan; George Hale; Allen Stockberger; David Greer; Lela Hathaway; Albert Ashbrook; Dave Dicks; John Slater; David Dhume; Eric Van Otteren; Brent Zimmerman; Kathy Lyon; Glenn Lehner; Don Loudenslager; Don Staley; Rod Baker; Todd Swetland; John Stevenson; Don Minor; Perry Clutts

Heart of Ohio RC&D Council Meeting Dates - 2008

• February 6, 2008 - Knox County
• April 2, 2008 - Madison County
• August 6, 2008 - Marion County
• November 5, 2008 - Location TBD

< Back to the Ohio RC&D Location Map