Erie Basin RC&D

Coordinator: Mike Patterson
Address: 8 Fair Road
Norwalk, OH 44857
Tel.: (419) 668-4113
FAX: (419) 663-0611
 

Counties:
Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, Wyandot

Our Vision... To ignite goal directed actions, to be an ultimate source of guidance and leadership, to assist local communities in their preparation for the future, to give meaning and direction to the lives of citizens in the Erie Basin area in order to create a desirable and diverse environment for improved quality of life.

Our Mission... "To protect natural resources in a manner that provides economic and social development by serving as a catalyst for conservation programs in the Erie Basin area."

North Central Ohio

Located in north center of Ohio, the Erie Basin Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) area includes Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Ottawa, Richland, Sandusky, Seneca, Wood, and Wyandot Counties.

Creating Solutions for Communities in North Central Ohio

Erie Basin RC&D is a unique non-profit organization that helps people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves north 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 north central Ohio a better place to live. Working with citizens, local organizations, and county agencies, the Erie Basin RC&D Council sets it s goals and priorities to meet local needs. Erie Basin 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:

• Revolving Loan Fund for Natural Resource based business  
• Downtown Revitalization Loan Program
• Renewable Energy Loan Program
• Migrant Camp Field Day
• Dry Hydrants
• Library Grant Books
• Wind Turbine workshop

Volunteers are Key to RC&D Success

The all-volunteer Erie Basin 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 locally 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

Erie Basin 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 Erie Basin RC&D works with USDA's Farm Service Agency and Rural Development, Ohio's Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Development. We also work with non-profit organizations at the local, regional, and state level. Membership in the Erie Basin RC&D Council is open to individuals, corporations, and organizations. Contact the Erie Basin RC&D for more information about membership or assistance with your community projects.

Erie Basin Resource Conservation & Development Council
8 Fair Road
Norwalk, OH 44857
Telephone: 419- 668-4113
FAX: 416- 663-8405

Staff:
Mike Patterson - Coordinator
Greg Small - Program Administrator

Officers:
President: Gary Bauer of Huron County
Vice President: Carl Watt of Crawford County
Sec./Treas: Kurt Heyman of Erie County

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