The Sunflower RC&D Area is governed by a 40-member council comprised of representatives from the three sponsoring organizations (county commissions, conservation districts, and extension councils) as well as two members-at-large from each of the eight (8) counties.

The RC&D Council assists local people by helping provide the opportunity to work together for planning and implementation of projects which solve problems, and improve the areas of economy, environment and standard of living.

Sunflower RC&D Area, Inc., a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, often serves as a conduit for tax-deductible donations given to local and area approved projects.  

Our Mission
To serve as a grassroots team, coordinating efforts which conserve and develop our natural, economic and human resources, while improving quality of life for the eight county area.

What is RC&D?  

The Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program was authorized by Public Law 97-98 in 1962 and is administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The program was given permanent authorization with the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (The Farm Bill).

The purpose of the RC&D Program is to encourage and improve the capability of volunteer, locally elected and civic leaders in designated RC&D areas to plan and carry out projects for resource conservation and community development.  RC&D priorities are set by area residents to meet their needs.

Authorized by the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture in September, 1968, Sunflower RC&D was the first RC&D Council in the State of Kansas.   Others organized in the following order: SeeKan, Flint Hills, Lake Region, Glacial Hills, Western Prairie, Central Prairie, Santa Fe Trail and Solomon Valley. Over the past several years additional RC&Ds have been organized in the State, but not authorized, those being Coronado Crossing, Smoky Hills and Kansas Crossroads. This brings the total to 12 RC&D areas that serve 93 counties in the State of Kansas.  (See Map) 

The 2008 Project Summary lists 46 projects the Council is currently working with local and area organizations, governing bodies and individuals to implement and carry out their mission.  Through out the year, additional projects are added as needs and activities across the region change. 

On a National level, projects relate to the following four areas:  (1) Land Conservation; (2) Community Development; (3) Land Management and (4) Water Management.

The Sunflower RC&D projects and activities are associated with the following emphasis areas that align with the National areas: 

·  Community  Development
·   Economic Development,
·   Cultural Resources
·   Information and Education,
·   Solid Waste Management
·   Tourism and Recreation
·   Marketing & Merchandizing
·   Fish & Wildlife
·   Water Quality,
·   Forestry and
·   Natural Resource Improvement 

The Factsheet is a one page overview of contact information as well as past and current Council Activities.

This Annual Report provides a summary of RC&D council activities and program accomplishments during the past year.  This year’s annual report highlights approximately 25–30 of 41 projects on the books during the 2007 fiscal year.

 More information about RC&D can be found on the National Web site:      www.RCDnet.org