Our Mission:  Encourage utilization of our natural and human resources in a responsible manner to improve the quality of life in the area.

Our Vision:  To be recognized as a leader in improving the quality of life in our communities and rural areas through grassroots initiatives.

Goals:

Land Conservation
The Flint Hills RC&D recognizes the leadership of local conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to address natural resource conservation.  The Flint Hills RC&D Council supports and partners with districts and NRCS to conserve natural resources and seeks opportunities to work with communities, local units of government, and individuals to address natural resource concerns.   

Water Management

• Water quality condition reports developed by Kansas Department of Health and Environment indicate that fecal coliform bacteria is the primary water quality impairment in rivers and streams, and eutrophication in lakes.  Having quality water is essential for providing water to our communities and livestock, recreation, and wildlife.  The Flint Hills RC&D council partners as well as leads efforts to address water quality concerns in the area.
• In addition, the council assists communities, rural water districts, watershed districts and individuals to address water issues such as rural water development, flooding, and well head protection.

Community Development

• Like many rural areas in America, the Flint Hills RC&D area has concerns with loss of businesses and jobs in rural communities, declining populations, adequate health care, technology and communication development, aging populations, housing, infrastructure and services, emergency services, and education.
• The Flint Hills RC&D recognizes that addressing many of these concerns will require working in partnership with others at the local, state, and federal levels.  The council works to develop these partnerships, as well as lead efforts when appropriate to improve and develop the communities in the Flint Hills RC&D area.

Land Management

• The Flint Hills RC&D area encompasses a majority of the remaining tall grass prairie on the continent.  Urban encroachment and development of the tall grass prairie is a concern to many.  The council seeks to develop projects and encourage compatible uses that will help maintain and preserve the tallgrass prairie.
• Declining populations of Bobwhite Quail and Greater Prairie Chicken points to the need to develop and improve the habitat for these game species, as well as for other non-game species.  The council will work with conservation and wildlife agencies and organizations to develop programs to work with private landowners on habitat development and improvement.

In 1971 the Flint Hills RC&D area became the third RC&D in Kansas to form and be authorized by the USDA.  Chase, Lyon, Marion, and Morris Counties were the original four-county area.  In 1995 the area was expanded to six counties with the addition of Butler and Greenwood Counties.  Dickinson, Geary and Wabaunsee Counties were added to the area in 2004.