SJRCD Council

 

What is RC&D?

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that combines community based initiatives with federal assistance.  Based right in local communities, RC&D blends natural resource conservation with both economic and social needs.  Since each RC&D is locally organized, the program provides an ideal way for residents to join together and decide what is best for their community.  RC&D works with citizens in making their natural resource and community development desires become realities.

logoThe National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARC&DC) has recognized South Jersey RC&D for improving the quality of life within the South Jersey region. It did this by awarding membership to SJRC&D in its prestigious Circle of Diamonds Program.

More Details

Columbus office

 

Located in Columbus, NJ (above) the Council consists of a representative from each of the region's county government and soil conservation districts and the below pictured officers:
  Council Officers View all Council Bios
Jack Sworaski - Chair   Vic De Vasto = 1st Vice Chair   Peggy McNeill - 2nd Vice Chair
Mike Hill - Secretary   Nick Cassetta - Treasurer    

 

 

        
Council Members        
Cathy Costa   Kent Ringo   Dave Friedman
Gina Berg   Rick Westergaard   Mike Kerbowski
         

 
  Council Staff View all Council Bios
 
Ken Taaffe - Coordinator   Pat Walczak
Rick Parenteau   KP Kilpatrick
     

 

Council - March 2009

 

 

 
regions map

Mission

South Jersey RC&D assists and promotes wise use of natural and community resources through education and collaborative partnerships for the economic and social well being of the South Jersey Region.

Vision

To be recognized regionally as a leader in fostering effective management of the natural and community resources of South Jersey.

Region

The Region of the South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. is 4,710 square miles. It encompasses eleven counties (see map at right) in the southern portion of South Jersey. Those counties are: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Salem. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean. Hunterdon, Somerset, and Union counties are to the north. The Delaware River and Bay lie to the south and west. The area covers 60 percent of the state and consists of 293 municipalities. This council began work on October 15, 1976.

 

 

Critical Issues

In October 2006 the South Jersey RC&D Council reevaluated the most critical issues facing the region.  This occurred at a Visioning session for the Area Plan (See Below). The highest priority issues are the following:

  • Agriculture and Urban Water Supply
  • Flooding
  • Water Quality
  • Soil Management
  • Land Use and Management
More Details

 

Area Plan

The South Jersey Resource Conservation and Development Council officially approved its Area Plan at its January 16th, 2008 meeting. An Area Plan is a five year Strategic Plan stating the Councils goals, objectives, and strategies for the period 2008 to 2012. This plan was developed with the assistance of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Council developed its list with input from eight Soil Conservation Districts located in the region, guided by an expert Outside Facilitator.  The Top 5 issues are the following:

  1. Agriculture & Urban Water Supply
  2. Flooding
  3. Water Quality
  4. Soil Management
  5. Land Use and Management

Area Plan SigsWater Issues Most Concerning

According to the Council, water supply for both agriculture and urban use is the top critical environmental issue facing the region.  In the past 20 years, South Jersey’s population has increased by 22% while irrigated cropland increased by 10%, placing enormous strains on the water supply. 

Tom Drewes, (seated left in the picture) State Conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service signs the Area Plan with Jack Sworaski, (seated right) Council Chair, the Camden County council repre-sentative. Also in the picture are Dave Friedman, (standing left) the Ocean County Soil Conservation District representative and Rick Westergaard, the Gloucester County representative.

Many of New Jersey’s waterways are considered “impaired” by the State, failing to meet quality standards for certain bacteria, phosphorous levels, and sus-pended solids.  The potential sources of such pollutants are suspected to come from agricul-ture and other land development.


SJRC&D Offers its Expertise

As a non-profit organization with a wide skill set in resource management, the Council offers support to those partnerships addressing water quality impairments, water conservation and management issues in South Jersey.  The entire Area Plan is viewable here. (PDF Version here)

For more information about how SJRC&D can help address your conservation concerns and related projects, or how to volunteer, please contact us.  You may also contact South Jersey RC&D’s Coordinator, Ken Taaffe, in Columbus, New Jersey, at 609-267-1639 X110.

The South Jersey RC&D Council prohibits discrimination
in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender,
religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or familial status.
Contact Us | Last Update: November 18, 2009 | JavaScript DHTML Menu Powered by Milonic | ©2009 South Jersey Resource Conservation & Development Council, Inc.