Welcome to the Eastern Connecticut RC&D Website
2008 Eastern CT RC&D Annual Meeting at the Connecticut River Museum Essex, CT
A Message from the President
For several decades, the Eastern Connecticut RC&D has been an active contributor to the efforts at protecting and enhancing those things that make our part of the state (and the world) special. Through unique and highly productive partnerships, the RC&D continues to bring together people and organizations ranging from private landowners, conservation groups, all levels of government, nonprofits, and the private sector to work on projects that benefit us all. From the Environmental Review Team to the Land Use Leadership Alliance, from the Hartford Park River Greenway to the Woodstock Agricultural Waste Management studies, we have always looked for ways to assist our citizens and communities. Together with our partners in the state, and our regional and national associations, we look forward to many more years harnessing the passion and the power of partnership.
John P. Guszkowski
*Legislative Alert Update*
CRRA Ash Land Fill Site ERT Field Review Meeting Franklin,CT
June 2009
First of all, a huge “thank you” to everyone who took the time to call, write and e-mail your legislator concerning funding for the ERT program.
We have cleared our first major hurdle – the Appropriations Committee has included and approved a separate line for the ERT, Districts and Council on Soil and Water within DEP’s portion of the budget - But it is still extremely important to continue to contact legislators as the state budget moves forward. We ask that you continue to call, mail and e-mail asking them to continue to support a secure line item for the ERT.
The following people are key to be contacted in the next few weeks:
Governor Jodi Rell
Senate President Donald Williams
House Speaker Christopher Donovan
Senate State Majority Leader Martin Looney
Senate State Minority Leader John McKinney
House Majority Leader Denise Merrill
House Minority Leader Larry Cafero
Appropriations Senate Chair Toni Harp
Appropriations House Chair John Geragosian
And your local legislators
Position Paper (pdf)
Please contact Appropriations Committee Members and your local Legislators to ask them to support secure funding for the ERT program via phone call, email or mail.
Background
The ERT Program is in danger of losing its funding due to Section 5 of the Governor’s Bill 6371, An Act Concerning Funding for the Department of Environmental Protection.
The Land Use Application Fees that currently fund the ERT Program are slated to be diverted to the General Fund and there is no resolution on whether a portion of the funds will be returned to the ERT Program.
If you have any questions please contact Elaine Sych at 860-345-3977.
We thank you for your support. Or go to the ERT Website www.ctert.org
About RC&D
What is the RC&D Program?
Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It was created by a provision of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The Secretary of Agriculture gave the Natural ResourcesConservation Service (NRCS) [formerly the Soil Conservation Service responsibility for administering the program. RC&D is unique because it is led by local volunteer councils that help people care for and protect their natural resources in a way that improves the local economy, environment, and living standards. RC&D is a way for people to work together to plan and carry out activities that will make their area a better place in which to live.RC&D is based on a number of concepts that make it a truly unique government program. These concepts include:
- The value of public/private partnerships in making the best use of limited resources.
- The value of grassroots involvement in making decisions about local areas.
- Bringing USDA agencies together to focus on the same problems and opportunities.
- Leveraging limited federal dollars with private funds to accomplish goals.
- Working toward the goal of community sustainability.
- Achieving a balance between rural economic development and natural resource protection.
The Secretary of Agriculture authorized the first ten RC&D areas in 1964. Presently, there are 375 authorized areas in the country. Interest in creating the Eastern Connecticut RC&D Area first started after an organizational meeting called by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources on August 22, 1965. Broad support for the RC&D area was evident by the letters of endorsement received from many organizations – both public and private – throughout the proposed RC&D area. An application for assistance was prepared and submitted in June 1967 to the Secretary of Agriculture for planning authorization. This authorization was received in August 1968. In August 1982, the Eastern Connecticut RC&D’s Executive Council completed an application to enlarge the area. In April of 1983, the application was approved by USDA and NRCS.The focus of the Eastern Connecticut RC&D Program is to help people care for and protect their natural resources, improve local economies, and sustain a high quality of life. The program derives its success from its ability to connect individuals, communities, government entities, and grassroots organizations. These connections and partnerships enable the development of shared visions and resource networks that work toward a healthy future for Connecticut. | 
Visit the 2008 New England RC&D Association Regional Fall Conference Webpage
CT Farm Energy Workshop July 23rd, 2009
2009 Eastern CT RC&D Annual Meeting and 40th Anniversary of Eastern CT RC&D and CT ERT Program. Join us Monday June 22, 2009 at Heritage Trail in Lisbon, CT starting at 11:00am. Go to the Events page for more information.
Spring has sprung. Daffodiils are coming up in the Ecological Landscaping Network Daffodil Labyrinth Project, go to the Events page for more information.
2008 Eastern CT RC&D Tour des Farms ride for more information go to the Events page.
South Branch Park River Groundbreaking Ceremony, go to the Events page for more information.
* Next Eastern CT RC&D Council Meeting* will be the Annual Meeting held at Heritage Trail in Lisbon, CT @ 11:00am please go the Events Page for more information.
*Now Available*
Click here for our current plan of work
The Eastern CT RC&D Area Highlights & Accomplishments for 2008 (pdf)
Eastern CT RC&D Meetings & Minutes |
