About Bitter Root RC&D

View a PDF on the History and accomplishments of Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development since 1965.

Bitter Root RC&D (Bitter Root Resource Conservation & Development), authorized in 1965, was the twelfth in the nation and the first in the State of Montana.  The Bitter Root RC&D is a charitable nonprofit, non-government, nonpartisan organization comprised of a network of local community volunteers from 3 western Montana counties: Missoula, Ravalli and Mineral.  Councils are composed of local government officials, farmers, ranchers, civic leaders, business leaders and others who are interested in contributing to the overall well-being of the region.  As an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, RC&D can receive tax deductible funds from private foundations, corporations and individuals for funding projects that fall under the its mission.

The RC&D program is based on the belief that our local citizens could successfully invest in, develop and carry out an action-oriented plan for social, economic and environmental betterment of their communities.  The RC&D program was designed to handle multi-county problems involving more than one unit of government.  A Plan of Work is developed by the RC&D Council members to chart a course of action that will enable the Council to reach its goals in the four action areas of concern: land conservation, water management, community development and land management.  Through the RC&D's unique program, local people, local governments, Indian tribes, nonprofit organizations, and councils come together to carry out community-oriented projects in accordance with the priorities of area residents.  It provides a way for local people to initiate, sponsor, plan and implement projects that will make their area a better place to live.