Have a Suggestion for a Project? 

The Headwaters RC&D Council provides assistance through its sponsors to complete projects that address natural resources conservation and development, and human resource development.  Some examples of these projects are: Addressing abandoned mine drainage (AMD) in local streams;  Developing recreational trails;  and promoting environmentally sound Best Management Practices (BMPs) in agriculture. Basically, Headwaters RC&D will provide assistance to projects that fall within its goals of achieving harmony with rural economic development and natural resource protection. 

 How can I propose a project idea or request support from the Headwaters RC&D Council?

Any individual or group in the Headwaters RC&D Area that has an idea for a project, or a request for support of a project, should first contact their county’s sponsoring council agency.

 What are my county’s Council Member Agencies?

The Headwaters RC&D Council represents an eight county area that includes; McKean Co., Potter Co., Elk Co., Cameron Co., Clinton Co., Jefferson Co., Clearfield Co., and Centre Co.  The RC&D Council is composed of three members from each sponsoring county in the area; one representative from the County Commissioners Office, one representative from the County Conservation District, and one representative from the County Planning Commission.

 What should I know when I contact a Council Member Agency?

If you or your group has a good idea for a project there are a few things you should consider before you contact the Council sponsor agency.  If your proposal is well thought out and well developed, it will be easier for you to explain the details of that proposal.  The better a council representative’s understanding of your project, the better your chances of receiving assistance from the Headwaters RC&D Council.  However, you should also feel free to contact Council sponsor agencies for information or assistance.  They may be able to tell you about similar projects in your area, or otherwise help you in refining your proposal.

 A good preliminary proposal should include the following:

Ø      Project name - A descriptive title you would like to use

Ø      Description of Present Condition / Statement of need - What is the problem? What is the need?

Ø      Project Measure to Address the Problem - How does your project address the problem?

Ø      Sponsor Support - Who could sponsor or carry out the project?  What is your group or agency willing to do to see this project accomplished? What are your group’s strengths and abilities?  How much time and effort is your group willing to commit?

Ø      Project Budget - Estimated financial requirements (provide documentation)? What can your group provide?  What financial assistance is needed?

Ø      Support Needed - What support does your project need? Technical? Financial? Managerial?

Ø      Expected Outcome - What, where, who, and/or How Much will the project improve, promote, inform, develop, protect, etc.

Ø      Community Benefits Expected - Will this project create jobs? Clean up water? Improve the rural economy? Promote healthy living? Develop or aid business / industry?

 What happens after I submit a proposal?

Once you or your group has submitted a proposal to a sponsoring County Agency, the Council Representative from that agency will bring that proposal to a Headwaters RC&D Council quarterly meeting.  The Council meeting will begin with a meeting of committees.  Your proposal will be discussed in one of four committees based on the subject of your proposal.  The four committees are Agriculture, Forest Resources, Community Development, and Water Resources & Recreation.  The proposal will be evaluated to see if it addresses an objective and/or fits into the vision and mission of the Headwaters RC&D Council.  Your proposal will also be evaluated on its completeness and the level of commitment from your group.

 What happens to a proposal that is adopted by the Headwaters RC&D Council?

It is very important to remember that the Headwaters RC&D Council ASSISTS Sponsors in accomplishing the goals of the sponsor agency.  The SPONSOR (your group) is required to provide a major commitment to the project.  Once a proposal is adopted by the Headwaters RC&D Council as a project, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service RC&D Coordinator is authorized to investigate technical and/or financial resources necessary to complete it.  In this process, the sponsor, or its designated contact, will need to assist the Coordinator in developing a complete proposal and the sponsor will play a major role in project completion.  In some cases additional support staff may be available to assist the sponsor in various aspects of project development and application.