[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 24, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 62246-62247]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-17806]


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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'[email protected].

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]
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