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.

In 2008 the Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) continued their work helping people care for and protect their economy, environment and quality of life. The following are a few hi-lights from 2008.

• Served as a sponsor for the 9th Annual Ohio Farmland Preservation Summit, held at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, OSU. The summit – ‘Bonding Ohio Together’ focused on growing local economies through food and agriculture as well as agriculture planning. The summit was designed to encourage networking and interaction with other participants and speakers

• The RC&D council assisted with the dedication ceremony of the Sandusky Plains Environmental Education Center (SPEEC), at Elgin High School in Marion County. This state-of- the-art environmental education center is the only one of its kind in Ohio. It has also earned a designation as one of 92 “Wild Schools” in the state. The event was held on September 7, 2008 with over 250 in attendance. The SPEEC was awarded the Ohio 2008 Outstanding RC&D ‘Project of the Year,’ by the Ohio Association of RC&D’s.

• Assisted with planning and outreach for the Fall 2008 Olentangy Forum held at Delco Water Company. The forum provided the opportunity to hear and speak with others committed to the protection, restoration and future of the Olentangy River system.

• The Heart of Ohio Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council, in partnership with The Ohio Public Works Commission, completed a conservation easement project. The majority of the funds to purchase the conservation easement came from The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund program. The conservation easement is located along Big Darby Creek, a State and National Scenic River, in the village of Darbyville. This fourteen acre conservation easement continues to be privately held and is not considered public property. The Pickaway SWCD will hold the easement and assume the responsibility to monitor and enforce the restrictions placed on the land and to assist the landowner in the enhancement and protection of this important floodplain area.

• The council partnered with Franklin and Delaware Counties on an Equine Environmental Assurance Program held at the OSU Equine Facility. This species specific workshop created an awareness of environmental, conservation and natural resources issues for the equine industry. The program's curriculum focused on key issues that are critically important to the success of an equine operation, developing and implementing practices that are economically viable, environmentally friendly, and socially acceptable. The workshop had 24 participants that utilize 200 acres in their equine facilities.

• RC&D facilitated planning for the Sensory Trail Project in Fairfield County, partnering with the Fairfield County Board of MRDD and local officials. This project added to the existing bike path and provides sensory stations for developmentally disabled children at the Forest Rose School. The Council assisted with project planning meetings and formation of the Friends of the Sensory Trail workgroup and an Executive Trail Committee.
 

... 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.

Top of Page

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

Top of Page

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.

Top of Page

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 - Tim Bubb, Licking County
First Vice Chair - Rodney Clinger, Morrow County
Second Vice Chair - Judy Shupe, Fairfield County
Secretary - OPEN
Treasurer - Charles Warthen, Licking County

2009 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 - 2010

Full Council:

• Wednesday, February 3, 2010
• Wednesday, April 7, 2010
• Wednesday, August 18, 2010
• *Wednesday, November 10, 2010

*Teleconference

Executive Committee:

• Wednesday, January 20, 2010
• Wednesday, March 24, 2010
• Wednesday, August 4, 2010
• Wednesday, October 27, 2010
   

< Back to the Ohio RC&D Location Map