Bootheel Resource
Conservation and
Development (RC&D)
Council, Inc.
Area Plan
VISION:
To provide resource planning and development that ensures the best possible quality of life for residents in the RC&D Area.
To develop and carry out overall resource conservation and development programs for Southeast Missouri that will result in the control of erosion, pollution, reduced flooding and improved water quality; improved land use, urban and rural beautification, promote agri-business, encourage proper land use; assist in rural development for economic and social betterment; aid in the development and improvement of natural, scenic and historical attractions; promote conservation leadership and aid governmental bodies in Southeast Missouri by acting as an advisor and helping carry out rural development programs.
PURPOSE OF THE COUNCIL:
Established in 1986, Bootheel RC&D Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not for profit organization that addresses natural resource conservation and development issues in the six Bootheel counties of Scott, Stoddard, Dunklin, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Mississippi. The Council works with Local, State and Federal partners to provide opportunities and solutions for the Area’s needs and concerns. These partnerships are developed and maintained as a way to plan and implement projects for economic, environmental and social improvements in the six Bootheel counties.
PURPOSE OF THE AREA PLAN:
Understanding the strengths identified for the region will enable growth through development of those strengths. Identifying weaker areas will provide direction for training, development and funding needed to address these shortfalls.
Identified resource concerns and problems have been outlined in this plan with goals, objectives and strategies developed to target these concerns. These opportunities and concerns will be used to develop a concise, accurate and timely annual plan of work; thereby providing the Council with productive leadership, coordination and participation in community and county projects designed to meet these goals over the next five years.
This document represents the five-year Area Plan for
Bootheel RC&D, Inc. Implementation
of this plan will provide increased rural economic development, improved
understanding and use of natural resources, innovative agricultural techniques
and improved quality of life for residents in the six
All programs and assistance of the Bootheel RC&D Council, Inc. are available without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, marital or family status, political beliefs, sexual orientation or disability.
The Bootheel RC&D Council, Inc. shall
develop annually a Plan of Work based upon the needs, opportunities, objectives
and strategies identified in the Area Plan.
Both the Area Plan and the Annual Plan of Work shall be reviewed
throughout the year to monitor progress in achieving goals and objectives
developed by the Council. These Plans
are intended as a roadmap to meeting the Council’s long-term goal, but shall be
flexible in order to accommodate changes in priorities, funding and
partnerships. The Council shall revise
each of the Plans as necessary based upon their determination of priority measures
and upon the input from each of its six county members.
The Bootheel RC&D Council will prepare and make
available an Annual Report at the end of each fiscal year. This report shall highlight accomplishments
and projects of the RC&D during the past twelve months. This report shall serve as a measurement of
progress as it relates to those items included in the Annual Plan of Work for
that year.
Water Management
NEED:
Increase
in irrigated crops is a concern to producers who want to insure the quantity
and quality of water in the Bootheel.
With agriculture as the largest industry in the six county area, water
consumption by producers continues to increase each year. Improved irrigation efficiency, nutrient
management and pest management practices are needed to guarantee the integrity
of the water supply. High water tables
provide ample supplies, but also increase the threat to water quality. Irrigation induced sediment movement from the
field needs to be controlled to reduce placement of nutrient and chemical laden
soil particles in surface waters.
GOAL: Develop and utilize Federal, State and Local partnerships and programs to encourage conservation and protection of water resources.
OBJECTIVE: Facilitate
producer workshops and field days.
STRATEGY: 1. Producers will be invited to
When: Annually,
2004 through 2008.
OBJECTIVE: Provide funding, administrative and technical assistance to establish water quality data library.
STRATEGY: 1. Develop partnership with
Provide
technical and administrative
assistance on grants. (RC&D, NRCS)
When: Annually, 2004 through 2008
2. Assist in water quality data collection in
the six counties through partnership with SEMO Regional Water District. Attend Board meetings to provide
information on water sampling
and hear requests for assistance. (RC&D/NRCS)
When: Annually 2004 through 2008
3. Partner with
When: March 2004
4. Provide technical, administrative and
clerical assistance to local university, U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers Missouri Department of Conservation in research and documentation of wetland effects on water quality
when used as a recycling, or filtering, station.
When: Fall 2004 through 2007
OBJECTIVE: Produce
written and visual guides for water quality practices.
STRATEGY: 1. Produce and distribute 300 brochures for backyard water quality practices for urban
residents with Dexter Chamber of Commerce, Stoddard County IDA, University of
Missouri, Rolla.
When: 2005
2. Conduct workshop for 100 residents with emphasis on everyone’s part in protecting water
resources. (NRCS, UM, DNR)
When: 2006
3. Produce video on wetland management with USDA/NRCS, Gaylord Labs,
When: 2006
Land Conservation
NEED:
Crop residues are burned following harvest. The removal of residue allows for movement of soil during fall,
winter and early spring. Air quality and human safety are also affected by this practice.
Seek funding and support for incentive practices to promote residue retention on harvested fields and reduce burning of
crop stubble.
GOAL : Improved soil tilth and air quality, increased habitat, reduced soil movement.
OBJECTIVE: Determine
funding availability for incentive based programs.
STRATEGY: 1. Solicit Federal and State agencies for information on existing programs or the potential for
new programs.
When: 2005 through 2008
2.
Promote landowner participation in the Conservation Security Program signup.
When: 2004-2008 (As funding permits)
Land Management
NEED:
Disposal of agricultural byproducts and materials used in production of commodity crops is often handled
poorly. Used polypipe (lay-flat tubing) is piled in fencerows, storage buildings, or ends up in ditches, streams
and rivers. Disposal of the material to the landfill is costly. Estimates by one manufacturer state that only 15
percent of all used polypipe is being recycled. Discarded paper from many of the USDA centers in the area is
sent
to the landfill, rather than being collected for recycling.
Reduce deposits to area landfill by promoting and assisting with recycling efforts. Encourage all USDA agencies in the
area to collect and recycle paper, aluminum and plastic.
GOAL: Provide alternative means of disposal through recycling.
OBJECTIVE: Deliver
one truck per month to Sheltered Workshop for paper recycling.
STRATEGY: 1. Contact
Area heads of NRCS, FSA and RD to solicit their support for recycling.
When: August 2004
2.
Develop partnership with
receptacles and pick up schedules
for USDA offices. RC&D will act as contact between
USDA and Workshop during the first 12 months of the program..
When: October 2004
OBJECTIVE: Develop
recycling collection site for polypipe.
STRATEGY: 1 Develop working partnership with Bootheel Solid Waste to identify a centrally located
washing/shredding operation.
When: 2005-2006
2. Research marketability of recycled polypipe and economic feasibility of recycling process.
(RC&D, IDA, UM,
DNR)
When: 2005-2007
3. Secure financial support for development of the site and operating capital for start-up.
(RC&D, County Commissions, UM, DNR)
When: 2007-2008
4.
Evaluate tons recycled and economic impact. (RC&D,UM)
When: 2008
NEED:
Large agricultural base supplies materials for potential processing and milling operations. The need exists to develop
soy based oil, meal and fuel plant in the region. The six Bootheel counties lead in agriculture production in the State
and need to develop this production into
industry for the area.
Expand market for value added production in Bootheel area. Secure funding and farmer based support for such expansion.
GOAL:
Assist in securing funding and producer support for one rice and one soybean processing operation.
OBJECTIVE: Facilitate
landowner meetings to garner support for rice and soy processing plants.
STRATEGY: 1. Conduct two landowner meetings per year to
provide forum for sale of shares in
Processing cooperative.
When: 2004-2006
2. Provide written, administrative and technical assistance and support for rice mill and soy processing
plant.
When: 2004-2008
3. Provide planning, layout and publication of
informational brochures.
When: 2005
(Annually updated 2006-2008)
NEED:
Agritourism is a growing business in neighboring states. Hunting leases during the fall and early winter go for
premium rates in
united group to successfully market their product.
Develop a farmer owned and operated waterfowl management business.
GOAL:
Provide assistance to group of 30 producers in formation of corporation (or cooperative).
OBJECTIVE: Develop
a business plan, marketing plan and by-laws for the group.
STRATEGY: 1. Facilitate four annual planning meetings with
group.
When: 2004-2008
2. Provide assistance and information on decision to form cooperative or corporation. Secure legal
opinion for advantages or
disadvantages of each.
When: 2004-2005
3. Complete feasibility study and secure funding source for operating capital. Develop budget, business
plan, marketing plan and
by-laws for the group.
When: 2005-2006
4. Develop a marketing brochure and website for
the group.
When: 2005-2008
OBJECTIVE: Generate
funds during first 12 months to supply operating capital
for second year.
STRATEGY: 1. Determine number of leases required annually
to cover business operating costs.
When: 2005
2. Provide assistance and direction in
development of budget for second year of business.
When: 2005
NEED:
The six Bootheel counties consist of small rural communities who are dependent upon volunteer fire protection.
Homes outside of these communities must depend upon the local fire department for their needs. Most of the fire
trucks located in these communities carry 500 or 1000 gallons of water, with a pumping capacity of 350-500 gallons
per minute. In two minutes or less the water supply on the truck is depleted and the truck must travel to a water source
for additional water to combat the fire.
Provide a means of extraction from rural water sources such as streams with consistent flow or ponds for refilling of fire trucks
at rural fire scenes.
OBJECTIVE: Install 20 dry hydrants in the RC&D area.
STRATEGY: 1. Contact all local fire departments to make known the availability of the dry hydrant kits from
RC&D. (RC&D)
When: 2004-2005
2. Develop, publish and distribute 120 dry hydrant brochures to the six counties in the RC&D area.
(RC&D)
When: 2004-2005
3. Schedule and provide training to fire departments upon request for installation and operation of dry
hydrants.
(RC&D
and Todd Chandla)
When: 2004-2006
4. Develop partnership with area Soil and Water Conservation Districts to distribute information on dry
hydrants to landowners with
new pond construction scheduled. (RC&D)
When: 2004-2006
OBJECTIVE: Utilize 911 systems in the six counties for location of dry hydrants.
STRATEGY: 1. Obtain GPS coordinates for all installed dry hydrants (previous and current) for 911
directors. Request address be
assigned to the structure for location by rural fire departments. (RC&D, NRCS, SWCD)
When: 2004-2007
Community Development
NEED:
The
six Bootheel Counties do not demonstrate economic growth consistent
with other areas of the State.
Develop and build on local strengths and resources. Assist in securing funding and support for value-added producer
grants, producer and small business cooperatives and industrial development. Focus not only on creation of new jobs,
but on retention of industry and jobs currently residing in the Bootheel.
GOAL: Utilize all available agencies and resources to promote the six county area.
OBJECTIVE: Secure
funding through HUD for assistance to two rural communities.
STRATEGY: 1. Develop working partnership with Bootheel Regional Planning Commission to secure funds
from
HUD and DRA for
community improvement and development.
When: April 2005 through 2008
2. Provide assistance to two communities in development of an improvement plan aimed at
renovating
condemned properties
and subsequent sale of properties for new construction.
(RC&D,RD)
When: October 2006-2008
OBJECTIVE: Provide assistance and cooperation to area Economic Development Councils, Chambers and
County Commissions.
STRATEGY: 1. Provide technical and clerical assistance to SMEDA
(
Development
When: 2004-2005
2.
Act as an advisory member of the
SMEDA Board per their request.
When: 2004-2008
3. Promote an active working relationship with SMEDA and Bootheel Regional Planning
Commission (BHRPC) to prevent duplication of services. Develop an all-for-one attitude among local and regional developers through group meetings and shared
communication.
When: Quarterly meetings with SMEDA and key staff of
BHRPC 2004-2008
4.
Provide contractual assistance for
Small Business Development Authority) value-added grants to agricultural
clients.
When: 2004-2008
OBJECTIVE: Provide planning and administrative assistance to two value-added and expanded market
initiatives.
STRATEGY: 1. Provide market based statistical and financial information to area producers on foreign
export of agricultural
products. (RC&D, NRCS, UM,
When: 2004-2008
2. Utilize the Telecommunications Center as a direct line of communication with US territories,
Asian and European countries
for promotion, research and testing of Bootheel specialty rice
products and melons. (RC&D, NRCS,UM,
When: 2004-2008
3. Secure funding for development of growers
association (Melons)
When: 2005-2006
4. Promote
information.
Funded by
VAPG through
When: 2004-2005
5. Utilize international training and consulting programs to benefit local producers and expand
exchange of information
and technology. (RC&D,NRCS,UM,FAS)
When: 2005-2008
NEED:
Technological advances in agriculture require an increased level of training and education for those involved in
production, marketing and sales. Agricultural producers and professionals need local training facilities for continuing
education.
Provide support and assistance
in curriculum and program development to the
Center’s capabilities for ITV, satellite links and technology transfer could provide for a local educational center for college
classes, skilled job training, conferences and workshops.
GOAL:
Utilize the Telecommunications Center/Delta Center for education and training in both the agricultural and industrial sectors.
OBJECTIVE: Support
and promote partnership between
for Masters of Science
program in Agriculture, Plant Science or Ag Business.
STRATEGY: 1. Actively participate in planning meetings
between partners.
When: As scheduled, 2004-2008
2. Distribute information on the Masters Program
to 50 area residents annually.
When: 2004-2008
3. Provide assistance in assessment of the
course through surveys of
students. (RC&D/NRCS)
When: 2005-2008
OBJECTIVE: Promote
use of the Delta Center/TeleCenter for training and conferences
scheduled in the region.
STRATEGY: 1. Provide information on facilities and
services available at the
When: 2004-2008
NEED:
Economic and community development
barriers are created by persistent flooding problems
in Scott, New
Alleviate flooding to allow for economic and community development in the area.
GOAL:
Complete Phase
I and II of the
OBJECTIVE: Administer
and facilitate all aspects of Phase I as requested by
District.
STRATEGY: 1. Petition USDA , DRA and other agencies, as directed, for funding through fiscal years 2004 and
2005.(RC&D,NRCS,RD)
When: 2004-2005
2. Coordinate activities and work through St. John Levee and Drainage District, RC&D, NRCS and the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer(
Memphis District), through meetings, correspondence and personal contacts.
When: 2004-2008
3. Administer the local sponsor’s (
District in agreement
When: 2004-2008
4. Act as administrative assistant in preparation of any required grant applications or proposals
necessary for the project.
When: 2004-2008
5. Provide a Council liaison to
When: 2004-2008
6. Process payment of submitted and duly
approved invoices for the
project.
When: 2004-2008
7. Provide financial records as required for any
required reviews or
audits.
When: 2004-2008
NEED:
Small Farmer Cooperative operation and distribution center needs assistance in researching business expansion
possibilities.
Utilize resources to complete feasibility studies and research to determine growth possibilities, expanded product market and
customer base.
OBJECTIVE: Meet with present cooperative members to determine their goals and objectives over the next 5
years.
STRATEGY: 1. Plan and facilitate two meetings with coop.
When: 2005
2. Facilitate planning sessions for cooperative
to direct their activities during the next five
years.
When: 2005-2006
3. Encourage incorporation of new members to
diversify product availability and product base.
When: 2005-2008
4. Evaluate interest in produce auction.
When: 2005
OBJECTIVE: Complete feasibility study and present findings to cooperative.
STRATEGY: 1. Utilize RC&D personnel to complete study on expansion potential, cost, marketability of products
and projected profit or loss
based upon study findings.
When: 2005
2. Provide technical resources to assist in evaluation of seed varieties, growing season and yield
through plantings in hoophouse
at
When: 2005-2008
OBJECTIVE: Provide
continued support and assistance to Southeast Missouri/Southern
Vegetable Cooperative.
STRATEGY: 1. Provide lease to
years.
When:2004-2006
Public Awareness/Outreach
NEED:
The programs and assistance available through Bootheel RC&D are not widely known within the private sector in the
six county area.
Actively pursue opportunities to promote RC&D’s programs and functions to civic, private and business groups.
GOAL:
Develop
working relationships with
Commerce, and civic and private organizations to promote RC&D’s presence in the area.
OBJECTIVE: Provide
concise information on completed and current projects.
STRATEGY: 1. Develop and distribute 300 copies of the
Annual Report in a brochure format. (RC&D)
When: 2004, them annually
2. Solicit local publications to print articles
from RC&D.
When: 2004-2008
OBJECTIVE: Provide services and information to organizations and residents in the RC&D area.
STRATEGY: 1. Develop active projects in each of the six counties to ensure equitable representation and action
throughout the RC&D area.
When: 2004-2007
2. Provide information on available grants and
funding sources to the
six SWCDs in the area.
When: 2004-2008
3. Develop public speaking tour of 20 civic and
private organizations and local units of government.
When: 2005-2008
4. Provide assistance to two RC&D Area
counties in the formation of
local Women in Ag groups.
When: 2005-2007
5. Plan and coordinate annual CPR training fro
all USDA and SWCD employees in the RC&D area.
When 2004-2008
6. Obtain contact information for minority, limited resource and beginning farmer groups. Provide
program information, assistance and technical planning available from FSA, NRCS, RD
and SWCD to these groups.
When: Annually, 2005-2008
7. Compile and publish a “Quick Glance” directory of telephone listings and contacts for each of the
RC&D area counties.
When: 2004-2005
8. Promote a working partnership with Bootheel
Regional Planning Commission and
When: 2004-2008
9. Conduct one public meeting in each county over the next two years to assess the Area Plan and to
collect public input for revisions
and future planning work.
When: 2005-2006
This Area Plan was approved by the NRCS State
Conservationist for Missouri on August 5, 2004.