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RCDs are grassroots government organizations that work to get individual and community goals accomplished. RCDs have no regulatory power and must meet their goals for the natural resources in their community through voluntary approaches -- neighbor asking neighbor to cooperate.
As a local government entity, RCDs can work with any local, state or federal agency through simple cooperative agreements. Many times the RCD can get conservation activities on the ground faster, cheaper and with greater local sensitivity than any other government entity.
Local resource conservation districts are an excellent vehicle for striking a balance between the economic self-interests of individuals and the community's need for a healthy environment. The two goals are not incompatible, although it sometimes requires education and assistance for land managers to reconcile them both.
Opportunities exist in your community to work with your local RCD on cooperative efforts to improve the natural environment. RCDs are moving from working with landowners one at a time to working with groups of landowners within a watershed, to accomplish a matrix of goals such as reducing fire risk, improving grazing and increasing wildlife habitat.
As with all grassroots organizations, the RCD is only as effective as the leadership its citizens provide. Locally led RCDs can speak with credibility on policy issues at all levels of government, which impact natural resources on private lands.
For over 50 years resource conservation districts throughout California have effectively represented the local community in addressing natural resource problems. They continue to create opportunities for landowners to identify and accomplish stewardship goals on an individual or watershed basis.