Marin County and Sonoma County

Where did they come from? What are they for? Who operates them? What do they do?

RCDs are Resource Conservation Districts. We are non-regulatory, grass roots special districts established by Division 9 of the California Public Resources Code.

RCDs provide local leadership and deliver conservation measures to local residents and landowners. Board members are unpaid volunteers who are dedicated to local delivery of conservation services. RCDs serve both rural and agricultural areas, as well as urbanized areas.

In the 1930's "Dust Bowl Era" the federal government recognized erosion as a number one priority if this country were to continue with agricultural production that would feed our nation. Non-regulatory Conservation Districts were authorized to increase leadership and provide assistance at the local level to landowners, farmers, and ranchers. California recognized the importance of Conservation Districts, and in 1938 authorized their formation. Eighty percent of California land is served by an RCD. Many changes have taken place since then but Resource Conservation Districts are empowered with the obligation and responsibility to provide local leadership and assistance to their constituency.

Today, RCDs assist landowners and residents by providing technical assistance and funding for on-the-ground projects. RCDs also offer education and outreach through landowner workshops, watershed newsletters and school education and service learning programs. Watershed-wide planning and local stewardship of the land is a central theme of RCDs in addressing current conservation issues.

RCDs focus on:

• being leaders in providing technical advice and conservation education,
• supporting locally led watershed planning efforts,
• streambed and habitat restoration projects,
• pollution prevention of waterways and groundwater from sediment, nutrient loads, and pesticide runoff, and
• keeping abreast on current issues and concerns.