What is the MRC&D?

The Marianas Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. (RC&D) is an incorporated 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which was authorized by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992. Nationally, there are a total of 375 RC&D councils. The goals of the National program are to provide technical assistance to local communities through designated USDA areas led by RC&D Councils. The purpose of the program is to accelerate the conservation, development and use of natural resources while improving the general level of economic activity and standard of living in communities across the nation. RC&D Councils coordinate conservation and rural development assistance available from USDA, other federal, state, and local government and nongovernmental sources.

Click HERE for more on the USDA RC&D program

The Marianas RC&D Area covers the entire Marianas archipelago, which includes the Territory of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Volunteers from Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota make up the Council membership. Our volunteers share a common desire to protect natural resources, preserve island culture, and improve the economic well-being for all residents of the Mariana Islands.

Click HERE to read the MRC&D brochure
Click HERE to read the MRC&D By-Laws
Click HERE to read the MRC&D Area Plan

The Marianas RC&D Council helps people and communities care for and preserve their natural resources. The Marianas RC&D Council effectively develops partnerships with government, non-government and private organizations. These alliances provide the necessary tools and resources that allow the Marianas RC&D Council to accomplish their goals and objectives. With the understanding that local people usually have the best ideas for solving local problems, we help facilitate people to work together and to carry out their projects, making the Mariana Islands a better place to live.

Click HERE to read the MRC&D 2005 Annual Report

The Coral Reef Public Outreach Program has been made possible by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) with funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We are going to work with key stakeholders in Saipan to raise awareness about coral reefs and threats to their health, monitor reef health and use, and reduce activities damaging to the reefs.

Click HERE to read about NFWF

Click HERE to read about NOAA

I was hired as the Public Involvement Coordinator to carry out the plans and goals outlined in the grant contract between MRC&D and NFWF. So what are those goals?

Not so fast!

The program doesn't start until Monday; I'll get to that in a few days.