Welcome to the Ala-Tom RC&D Council
The purpose of the RC&D program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resources conservation, c
ommunity development which leads to sustainable communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation of natural resources. From Washington, DC down to a couple people brainstorming over collard greens and ice tea, the RC&D network is a powerful way to help people change their communities for the better. Get involved with the ALA-TOM RC&D and help make things happen! The first meeting to develop an application for the ALA-TOM RC&D Area was held in April 1975. John Richburg, Area Conservationist provided the leadership to initiate the process, under the guidance of Sherrell Parker, Assistant State Conservationist. Early Council leadership was provided by Trice Edgar-Choctaw County, George Findley-Wilcox County, Tom Turner-Washington County, Roland Cooper-Wilcox County, Dr. H.L. Allen-Marengo County, and Sonny Caley-Dallas County. The ALA-TOM RC&D Council was approved by the Secretary of Agriculture in January 1981, and formally organized in March 1981. Norman Burton was named RC&D Coordinator in May 1981. Trice Edgar of Gilbertown was elected the first Chairman, Dr. Leighton Allen, Vice-Chairman, and Fred Huggins, Secretary-Treasurer. The ALA-TOM RC&D Council, like all the others, has changed dramatically since its beginning. The Council relied heavily upon federal RC&D financial assistance in its early years. It also focused primarily on erosion control measures such as school grounds and road bank stabilization. However, there were attempts by several U.S. Presidents in the 1980’s to eliminate the RC&D program, but each year the Congress would restore funding. The budget was compromised to the point that financial assistance was finally eliminated. The ALA-TOM RC&D Council had to adapt to survive. The ALA-TOM RC&D Council got its 501-c-3 non-profit status in September 1986 and incorporated in September 1988. Writing grants for projects became the method of finding funds to install projects. The Council, like the rest in Alabama, began receiving an appropriation from the State of Alabama in 1998 to provide “seed money” grants for projects in the area. The Council now focuses on goals such as alternative agricultural enterprises and economic development and helping rural communities. The ALA-TOM Council is recognized as a leader because of its innovative projects and its efforts to help those that have been left behind. But one thing that has not changed is that the local leadership is effective in guiding the program to meet the needs of local people – it is a true “grass roots” program. The purpose of the RC&D program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resources conservation, community development which leads to sustainable communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation of natural and human resources. The ALA TOM RC&D Council, headquartered in Thomasville, Alabama, is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization sponsored by the County Commissions and Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Dallas, Marengo, Monroe, Perry, Washington, and Wilcox counties. The mission of the ALA TOM RC&D Council is to conserve and develop all resources to enhance the quality of life in the area.
