RC&D is a unique program that is led by local volunteer councils
who help people care for and protect their natural resources in a
way that improves the local economy, environment and living
standards. The program provides a way for people to work together in
partnership to plan and carry out activities that will make their
communities a better place in which to live. Guiding principles of
the South Central Mountain RC&D are to create a general awareness of
and appreciation for the issues facing rural and urban New Mexico;
achieve harmony with diverse cultures, opinions and competing views
to display the value of working together to solve problems; secure a
stable financial source of funding to support statewide projects and
local councils; and to develop state and local leadership to set and
carry out RC&D goals and objectives for our Council.
The South Central Mountain RC&D Council operates a grassroots,
non-profit charitable organization with IRS 501(c)(3) designation in
order to receive grant income through private, corporate and/or
local foundations and organizations. It is led by a local eight
member, all volunteer Board of Directors who represent sponsors
consisting of soil and water conservation districts, towns,
counties, businesses, individuals and community development and
civic entities. They team up with other agencies and groups to adopt
a project proposal, procure funding, and carry through to completion
to solve local problems and satisfy local needs through
collaborative efforts.
The area covered by the South Central Mountain RC&D is Lincoln and
Otero Counties. Sponsoring organizations pay nominal annual dues for
membership and voting privileges. Project proposal initiation must
be presented by a sponsoring organization, who then presents it at a
regularly scheduled Council meeting. In this way, the South Central
Mountain RC&D addresses local needs by uniting local community
developers, various units of government and grassroots organizations
to collaborate on projects to attain sustainability and wise use of
our local water, land, community and environmental resources.
Multiple sponsoring organizations make up the South Central Mountain
RC&D Council. Current areas of concern include natural resource
management, land conversion and rural economic development. What can
the South Central Mountain RC&D Council do, you ask? The Council can
direct individuals to conservation agencies to solve water quality
and quantity concerns, erosion problems and forest and watershed
health concerns. The Council can seek funding to provide for
community facilities and tourist attractions and promote various
industries. The key to the success of the South Central Mountain
RC&D Council is the teamwork and creative ideas of people from a
variety of backgrounds and professions. How can you participate in
the South Central Mountain RC&D? Participation is voluntary. Anyone
who has a concern for the natural resources found in Lincoln and
Otero Counties, community development, economic improvement, or
other local issues of concern can contact our office for assistance.
Chairman
Jerry Burchett
Vice-Chairman
Everett Putney
Secretary/Treasurer
Mike Byrnes
Jackie Fioretti
James Taylor
Brian Greene
Robert Bookey
Coordinator
Laura Doth
Constitution/Bylaws
Area Plan
Organizational
Structure
Sponsors/Partners
09-10 Annual Plan
Meeting Agendas & Minutes