Old Dominion RC&D Homepage

Mission: Old Dominion RC&D is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving 10 Southside Virginia counties. Our mission is to initiate and coordinate resource development and conservation programs that enhance the social, economic and environmental quality of the region.

RC&D is an acronym for Resource Conservation and Development. RC&Ds were established by Congress in 1962 to provide a means for rural communities to help themselves. RC&D sponsors form a council, develop bylaws and an Action Plan, then apply to the Secretary of Agriculture for authorization.

Vision: A locally driven organization with a diverse and talented council empowered to work cooperatively within the region to improve the environment and quality of life of its citizenry.

History: Upon authorization by the Secretary of Agriculture, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides a coordinator to work with the RC&D council to identify problems, establish goals and objectives, to develop strategies and implement plans. NRCS provides clerical assistance, technical assistance, office space and equipment.

As a non-profit, we are eligible for grant funds from private foundations and other sources. It is a process that can help people protect and develop their economic, natural and social resources while improving the area’s economy, environment and quality of life.

Old Dominion RC&D covers a group of counties that have similar natural resources, economic, and community needs. Sponsor dues are collected annually and used for general operations and to pay for council member travel, postage, dues, etc. To learn about our sponsors, visit our membership page.

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Purpose and Role: Our role is rural development. Our primary interests include, but are not limited to, the environment, recreation, education, tourism, and energy conservation. Local and state economic, industrial, and development commissions as well as planning district commissions are the primary leaders of economic development within our area. We strive to enhance rather than compete with their activities.

Where possible, we try to stimulate the level of activity by assisting with the small business growth and development of niche industries. We do not limit ourselves as a funding or grant-seeking service. We help to develop local leadership and coordinate community and regional activities. Local people participating in the planning, decision-making, and implementation process accomplish this.

Viability of rural communities is important, and we assist our area in trying to overcome its vulnerability to financial constraints, declining political strength and leadership fragmentation. The result is a favorable climate for expanding industry, economic growth and community services.

Old Dominion RC&D strives to enhance the area as an attractive place to live, work and play. The RC&D Council prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status.

Area Description: The 2000 census indicated a population of 185,257 in our ten county area. Of this population, 59% is white, 39% is African American, and 2% other races. According to the 2001 census, unemployment within the Old Dominion RC&D area is above the state average with some counties 2 to 4% higher. Income within the area is at least 30 percent below the state average. Twenty percent of the population lives within the poverty level. At least 60 percent of the adults over the age of 25 have less than a high school education. The area consists of 3,132,753 acres of which 76 percent is woodland. A larger percentage of the population's income is, in part, if not totally, dependent upon natural resources related to forestry and agriculture. We are an important contributor to our state's need for food, fiber, timber, recreation, and historical past.

Non-Discrimination Statement: The Old Dominion Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation and marital or family status. (not all 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 USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.