Northeast Colorado RC&D Office

621 Iris Drive
Sterling, Colorado 80751
Ph:    (970) 522-7440  Ext. 4
FAX:  (970) 522-3528

 Northeast Colorado

Northeast Colorado is a dynamic area of diverse groups of people, natural resources, and opportunities.
It is rich in heritage from its foundational frontier roots to the new developing areas of growth and development.

Mission

The mission statement of the Northeast Colorado RC&D program is as follows:
     “The mission of the Northeast Colorado Resource Conservation and Development program is to provide
      and coordinate leadership and partnerships that promote the conservation and sustainable use of our
      natural and human resources, fostering entrepreneurial and economic development in Northeastern Colorado.” 

The council strives to preserve the past, as important historical sights and cultural resources are identified,
and to assist in development and use of the natural resources and other opportunities available for
community growth and development.

The council is committed to recognizing and assisting all groups of individuals without regard to race, color,
national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.

Purpose

The purpose of the Northeast Colorado RC&D program is to provide a regional, general purpose, community
planning and development agency that assists local citizen groups, non-profit organizations, and small local
government entities, to organize, plan, prepare, and secure grant funding and develop community projects.

In the Northeast Colorado area there is a need for technical support and assistance to community entities.
It is challenging  for the community to sustain organizational efforts, conduct the planning process,
prepare planning documents and grant applications, and conduct other organizational development activities.
These activates are essential to the economic and community development within the region.

Current opportunities of the council include a range of projects for the elderly and youth, to projects for
historical site and recreational development.

Projects will be shared and coordinated with cooperating agencies and groups.  The council intends to direct
its focus toward development of projects which will not only improve, but also sustain the life and natural
resource development of the area.

Northeast Colorado RC&D Program Goals and Objectives

Goal 1

Assist local groups in executing projects that address community needs through the development of partnerships and cooperation.

Objectives:

• Provide a forum for individuals, communities, and organizations to present ideas and potential projects through the locally organized RC&D council.

• Provide opportunities to increase communications between individuals and organizations who have similar goals and objectives or mutual interests. 

• Increase effective and efficient use of tax dollars through coordinated efforts.

• Provide current information through Northeast Colorado RC&D’s organizational brochure.

Goal 2

Provide professional coordination to assist local citizen groups, non-profit organizations, small local government entities, etc. to organize, plan, and prepare grant applications and secure funding for projects that address community needs.

Objectives:

• Offer grant writing workshops.

• Provide training on roles and operational procedures for local boards.

• Provide assistance in finalizing documentation to secure grant funds.

• Directly apply for grants where the community designates that the RC&D would be the most appropriate party.

• Administer funds where the community designates that the RC&D would be the most appropriate party.

Goal 3

Provide financial structure management for organizations and groups to accept funds for projects related to the council’s area plan. 

Objectives:

• Maintain non-profit status (obtained April 10, 2001) for acceptance of certain grant funds.

• Obtain services for professional accountant to serve as a consultant.

Goal 4

Provide workshops and seminars that address critical community needs.

Objectives:

• Identify and increase the network between agencies; but not limited to, rural development; fish, game, and wildlife; soil conservation; economic development; and individuals and organizations for financing and marketing.

• Provide information for individuals to learn home-based business opportunities and skills.

• Provide alternatives to traditional crop-based income for area farmers and property owners.

• Provide opportunities for the general population to become more knowledgeable about water resources in northeastern Colorado.

Activities and Accomplishments

• Farm Recreation and Wildlife Enterprises –

In 2002 the RC&D council held a symposium on the alternative uses of recreation involving farm and ranch land .  Speakers provided information on the demand for such a venture as well as the business aspects of such an enterprise.

•  Youth Center –

The RC&D council administered funds derived through its 501(c)3 in development of a youth center in Julesburg, Colorado.

• Community Forum on Alternative Energy (Farm Fuels) –

The RC&D council, in cooperation with the Rocky Mountain Farmers’ Union, assisted in presenting a symposium on the establishment of wind energy windmills for the production of electrical energy.

• Grant Writing Workshop –

The RC&D council, in cooperation with CSU Cooperative Extension, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Resource Center, hosted a grant writing workshop in 2001.

• Community Garden –

The Northeast Colorado RC&D is assisting in the development of a community garden to assist the elderly, youth, and low-income families.  The Council is seeking a grant to facilitate the purchase of ten acres for the garden site.

• Republican River Riparian Project –

The Northeast Colorado RC&D is cooperating with the Southwest Nebraska RC&D in a riparian study along the Republican River as an educational venture.

•  Mountain Plover Nest Conservation and Awareness Project –

The Northeast Colorado RC&D is assisting the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in bringing community awareness about the nesting of the mountain plover and the protection of the species.

•  Lower South Platte Water Symposium –

Cooperation with the CSU Cooperative Extension in presenting a symposium on the use, management practices, and resource protection of the Lower South Platte River.

Northeast Colorado RC&D Board of Directors

The Northeast Colorado RC&D Board of Directors represents a diverse group.
The seven (7) board members are:

Nellie Zion, President -

Nellie Zion is an educator, local rancher/farmer, and co-owner of a printing business in Yuma County. 

Steve Nein, Secretary/Treasurer –

Steve Nein has a farming operation in Sedgwick County, and he has banking experience in the area of agriculture.

Vince Shively, Member -

Vince Shively has worked with many economic development projects and with other
RC&D councils.  He currently has a ranch/farming operation in Yuma County.

Jay Wisdom, Member -

Jay Wisdom is a local third generation farmer/rancher in Logan County. 

Leo Mailander -

Leo Mailander is a local real estate broker.

Ron Kuntz, Member -

Ron Kuntz is a local farmer with an interest in specialty crops.   Ron is also pursuing a mortgage broker's license.  He is an avid bowler.

Northeast Colorado RC&D Staff

Rich Mullaney
Northeast Colorado RC&D Coordinator
USDA Sterling Field Service Center
621 Iris Drive
Sterling, CO 80751
Ph: 970-522-7440 ext. 4
email:  richard.mullaney@co.usda.gov