[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 125 (Wednesday, June 28, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39858-39859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-16382]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Natural Resources Conservation Service


Extension of Comment Period for the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service Conservation Programs Manual--Part 513: Resource 
Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program

AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U. S. Department 
of Agriculture.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This Public Notice announces an extension of the comment 
period deadline for comments on the draft the Natural Resources 
Conservation Service Conservation Programs Manual--Part 513: Resource 
Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program.

DATES: Comments will be received until July 28, 2000. All comments 
post-marked by July 28, 2000, will be accepted.

ADDRESSES: Address all requests and comments to: Terry D'Addio, 
National RC&D Program Manager, Natural Resource Conservation Service, 
14th & Independence Ave, SW, Room 6013 South Building, Washington, DC, 
20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry D'Addio, Natural Resources 
Conservation Service; telephone: (202) 720-0557; fax: (202) 690-0639, 
e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The first Public Notice was released on 
April 14, 2000. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is 
asking for comments from individuals, private consultants, Tribal, 
State, and local governments or subgroups thereof, universities, 
colleges, environmental groups, community development groups, and other 
organizations. These comments will assist USDA in the policy 
development and implementation of the Resource Conservation and 
Development (RC&D) program. This manual is intended for use by the 
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other USDA staff, 
conservation partners, State and local field staffs, RC&D Council 
members, and others that will be developing RC&D applications or 
participating in the RC&D program. The Conservation Programs Manual: 
Part 513--RC&D Program is a document intended for use by NRCS and other 
USDA staff, conservation partners, State and local field staffs, RC&D 
Council members, and others that either will be developing RC&D 
applications or participating 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

[[Page 39859]]

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 rural communities and builds rural community 
leadership skills to effectively utilize Federal, State, and local 
programs for the communities' benefit.
    Current program objectives focus on the ``quality of life'' 
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 leaders. RC&D Councils and their sponsors, 
in association with State, local, and Federal governments, and 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 its programs and activities on the 
basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual 
orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination on the basis 
of political beliefs and marital or family status is also prohibited by 
statutes enforced by USDA. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all 
programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for 
communication of program information (braille, large print, and audio 
tape, etc.) should contact the USDA's Target Center at (202) 720-2600 
(voice and TDD).
    To file a complaint of discrimination to USDA, write Director, 
Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and 
Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (202) 720-
5964 (voice and TDD). The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 
employer.

    Signed at Washington, DC on June 21, 2000.
Pearlie S. Reed,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 00-16382 Filed 6-27-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P