In 1962, Congress established a unique program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture that empowered rural communities to improve themselves while protecting and developing their natural resources. Local councils would provide direction, planning, coordination, and implementation of specific projects within their boundaries.
The focus on local direction and control has made Resource Conservation and Development one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government. To date, three hundred eighty five RC&D areas have been authorized throughout the Country. Over 70,000 projects have been adopted nationwide since 1964, and more than 50,000 have been completed.
Hawaii’s four RC&Ds, cover all the major Islands. Through the leadership of Maui County’s five Soil and Water Conservation Districts and with assistance from the Soil Conservation Service, Tri-Isle RC&D Council, Inc., the oldest of the Hawaii RC&D areas, was established in 1970.
The Tri-Isle Council meets on a quarterly basis and is made up of a 15 member Board of Directors who bring a variety of backgrounds and professional expertise to the organization. The office staff includes the Executive Director, NRCS Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and Financial Assistant. The Council membership includes:
5 members from Maui County’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts 2 members from County Departments 8 at-large members from the community RC&D provides a mechanism for local residents to work together and actively solve economic, environmental, and agricultural problems. We help utilize the abilities, knowledge and energy of local volunteers to get projects done. Interested groups may approach Tri-Isle for project sponsorship by submitting an application.
Having advantages of an on-going partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, as well as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, Tri-Isle RC&D Council, Inc. is uniquely positioned to leverage many resources. We obtain project funding from federal, state and private grants as well as from individual contributions.
The Council has taken a strong leadership role in community economic development, water quality issues, and environmental projects. Tri-Isle RC&D has assisted 118 active projects during the past year (FY 2008). The main project purposes include protecting and promoting wise use of the islands’ natural resources, providing opportunities for locally-led community improvement measures, and assisting sustainable agricultural and alternative energy initiatives.
A community of partnerships that values and conserves our natural resources as it acts to build an economy to enrich the lives of our residents.
Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Program supports projects that enhance the quality of life in Maui County through economic development and protection of our natural resources.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
