Overview

The Flint Hills RC&D Area, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization comprised of a network of community volunteers.  It is governed by a 36-member council made up of men and women, representing the county commissions, conservation districts, and the county at-large who want to solve local problems.

Program Emphasis

Natural Resources

Natural resource management has long been a high priority for the Flint Hills RC&D Council.  The long-term economic and social condition of the area is based upon protecting and enhancing our natural resources.  Soil, water, animals, plants, and air are the foundation for all we do in the area.  The Council feels that we need to be able to utilize each of these natural resources to their fullest potential, while conserving and protecting them for future generations.

Our goal is to sustain or improve the condition, production, quality and value of our natural resources through good management, sustainable  development and wise use.  This will be accomplished through the following objectives.

• Improve water quality through development and implementation of watershed based water quality plans.
• Implement initiatives to educate and assist landowners, counties, and communities to conserve and manage their natural resources.
• Plan and implement strategies to improve and/or develop wildlife habitat.
• Seek opportunities to develop and increase renewable energy and biofuel sources.

Community & Economic 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.

Our Community Development goal is to initiate strategies and educational  programs that assist communities and organizations to increase their capacities through improvement and expansion of services, preservation and development of historical sites, enhancement of human resources, and development and improvement of recreational opportunities.  This will be accomplished through the following objectives.

• Build the capacity of community leaders, citizens, students, entrepreneurs, and the general public through educational workshops, conferences, technical and financial assistance programs.
• Work with local units of government to implement fire protection strategies, address solid waste concerns, and other public services.
• Seek opportunities to expand and strengthen Flint Hills RC&D Council operations.

Our Economic Development goal is to facilitate partnerships to improve local economies through business development, expansion, training, communications and technology, tourism development, infrastructure, and financing.  This will be accomplished through the following objectives.

• Implement a regional economic development strategy that provides assistance, resources and support to entrepreneurs and businesses.
• Assist in developing opportunities for agritourism, value-added agriculture, alternative land use and production, and development and marketing of agricultural products.
• Utilize, enhance, restore, and preserve natural and historic attractions and resources.
• Encourage and assist landowners to participate in greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and environmental credit trading programs.