Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development

President Kennedy originated the Resource Conservation and Development program in the 1960's. The idea evolved from the need to have an assistance program to empower local people to improve the quality of life in their area and to utilize the natural resources in a sustainable manner. In that end, ten pilot Resource Conservation & Development areas were created. The program was reauthorized under the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002. This Act empowers the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide technical and financial assistance to state and local units of governments and nonprofit organizations in rural areas, which need help in conserving natural resources and solving local problems.Today, over 375 RC&D's have been designated, covering 85% of the country including Guam, American Samoa, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. There are an additional 25 Councils waiting for USDA designation.

Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development received its designation in 1991. Leadership is comprised of 15 sponsors and has 22 directors. Each of the seven counties within the region nominates three representatives. The county board appoints one county board member and one at-large member while one member represents the county soil & water conservation district. In addition, the Southwestern Illinois Area Planning Commission designates one member to serve on the board. In 2004 Southwestern Illinois Resource Conservation & Development was recognized as the Outstanding Council of the Year by the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils.