<PRE>
[Federal Register: April 14, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 73)]
[Notices]               
[Page 20133-20134]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap00-45]                         

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

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.

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

SUMMARY: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 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 other individuals; tribal, State, and 
local governments and organizations involved in either natural resource 
conservation or community development groups. These comments will 
assist USDA in policy development and implementation of the RC&D 
program. This manual is intended for use by Natural Resources 
Conservation Service (NRCS) and other USDA staff members, RC&D Council 
members, and others that either will develop RC&D applications or 
participate in the RC&D program.

EFFECTIVE DATES: Comments will be received beginning April 14, 2000. 
The comment period will end on June 22, 2000. All comments post-marked 
by June 22, 2000, will be accepted.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terry D'Addio, Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, (202) 720-0557; fax: (202) 690-0639; e-mail: 
<A HREF="mailto:terry.daddio@usda.gov">terry.daddio@usda.gov</A>

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The ``Conservation Programs Manual: Part 
513--RC&D Program'' is a document intended for use by NRCS and other 
USDA staff members, RC&D Council members, and others that either will 
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 elected 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 its programs and activities on the 
basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual 
orientation, or disability. Additionally, discrimination

[[Page 20134]]

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, 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 to 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). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and 
employer.

    Signed at Washington, DC, on March 29, 2000.
Pearlie S. Reed,
Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 00-9363 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P

</PRE>