What are Resource Conservation Districts?
Public Resources Code Division 9 established Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) to conserve soil and water, control runoff, prevent and control soil erosion, manage watersheds, protect water quality, and develop water storage and distribution.
RCDs are special districts of the State of California, set up to be locally governed agencies with their own locally appointed or elected, independent boards of directors. California RCDs implement projects on public and private lands, and educate landowners and the public about resource conservation.
RCDs are a vital link between federal, state, and local programs, helping these agencies meet their conservation goals. RCDs conduct:
Watershed planning and management
Water quality protection and enhancement
Agricultural land conservation
Soil and water management on non-agricultural lands
Wildlife habitat enhancement
Recreational land restoration
Urban resource conservation
The Department of Conservation (DOC) provides assistance to
California’s Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) in their mission to develop a land stewardship ethic that promotes long-term sustainability of the state’s rich and diverse natural resource heritage. This support can take the form of financial assistance through grant programs, as well as information and technical support through publications.