[Federal Register: October 24, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 205)]
[Notices]
[Page 62246-62247]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24oc06-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Notice of Availability of the ``Natural Resources Conservation
Service Conservation Programs Manual--Part 513: Resource Conservation
and Development (RC&D) Program''
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Department of
Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks comments on the proposed revision of
the ``Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Programs
Manual--Part 513: Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D)
Program.'' USDA asks for comments from RC&D Council members and
individuals from tribal, State, and local governments and organizations
involved in either natural resource conservation or community
development groups. These comments will assist USDA in
[[Page 62247]]
policy development and implementation of the RC&D Program. This manual
is used by NRCS and other USDA staff members, RC&D Council members, and
others that either develop RC&D applications or participate in the RC&D
Program.
This revision of the manual reflects changes in the NRCS
organizational structure, incorporates new area planning requirements,
provides guidelines for the RC&D Program Operations Information
Tracking System, and incorporates additional exhibits to increase
clarity. It is available for download at http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/NB/NB_390_6_2.htm
.
EFFECTIVE DATES: Comments will be received for a 60-day period
commencing with the date of this publication.
ADDRESSES: Address all requests and comments to: Terry D'Addio,
National RC&D Program Manager, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Room 5245-S, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20250-9410.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry D'Addio, Natural Resources
Conservation Service, (202) 720-0557; fax: (202) 690-0639; e-mail:
terry.d'addio@wdc.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ``Conservation Programs Manual: Part
513-RC&D Program'' is a document used by NRCS and other USDA staff
members, RC&D Council members, and others that either develop RC&D
applications or participate in the RC&D Program. The purpose of this
document is to provide policy guidance for the RC&D Program, not to
establish regulatory requirements. The RC&D Program was authorized to
encourage and improve the capability of State and local units of
government and local nonprofit organizations in rural areas to plan,
develop, and implement programs for resource conservation and
development. Through the establishment of RC&D areas, the program
establishes or improves coordination systems in communities and builds
community leadership skills to effectively use Federal, State, and
local programs for the communities' benefit. Current program objectives
focus on improvements achieved through natural resources conservation
and community development. Such activities lead to sustainable
communities, prudent land use, and the sound management and
conservation of natural resources.
Assistance is provided, as authorized by the Secretary of
Agriculture, to designated RC&D areas through their organized RC&D
Councils (comprised of local affected officials and civic leaders).
RC&D Councils, in association with local, State, and Federal
governments and other non-profit organizations, initiate and lead the
planning and implementation of their locally developed RC&D area plans.
Councils also obtain assistance from other local, State, and Federal
agencies, private organizations, and foundations.
USDA prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on
the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where
applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status,
religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs,
reprisal, or because all or part of an individual's income is derived
from any public assistance. (Not all prohibited 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 discrimination complaint with USDA, write to Director,
Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC
20250-9410; telephone: 1-(800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382
(TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Signed in Washington, DC, on October 13, 2006.
Arlen L. Lancaster,
Chief.
[FR Doc. E6-17806 Filed 10-23-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P