Resource Conservation andDevelopment
Area, Inc.
51 West Vista Dr. #4, Holbrook, Arizona 86025 (520) 524-6063 ext. 5 Fax: (520) 524-6609
e-mail:
lcrcd@littlecolorado.org www.littlecolorado.org2000 Annual Plan of Work
January 2000 - December 2000
A non-profit 501(C)(3) rural development organization servingeast central Arizona
Approval
The Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation & DevelopmentArea, Inc. Council hereby adopts the Annual Plan of Work for 2000 and agrees toeffectively use the assistance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture torealize the strategies and goals outlined herein.
By: ___________________________________________ Date:__________________________
The action was authorized at an official meeting of the Little Colorado RiverPlateau Resource Conservation & Development Area, Inc. on February 2, 1999.
Attest: ________________________________________
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural ResourcesConservation Service
Agreed to: ______________________________________ Date:_____________________________
The Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation & DevelopmentArea, Inc. program is offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard torace, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.
Forward
The mission of the Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation andDevelopment Area, Inc. (Little Colorado RC&D): To support partnershipsproviding leadership in natural resource, conservation and development withineast-central Arizona communities.
To achieve this mission, the RC&D sponsors, with assistance from localcitizens and state and federal agencies, have prepared this 2000 Annual Planof Work. This document is designed to be a flexible management tool theCouncil uses to guide its activities throughout the year. Benefits of the AnnualPlan of Work include:
Allowing for continuity of action from one year to the next.
Keeping everyone working toward the same goal.
Informing the sponsors about Little Colorado RC&D activities.
An agreement between the Little Colorado RC&D and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), State Conservationist, to justifying technical assistance provided to the Little Colorado RC&D.
Table of Content
AdoptingA Project - Taking Project from Conception to Completion
The Annual Plan of Work is the road map that directs the activities of theLittle Colorado RC&D for the next year. A road can lead an organization inmany directions. Without a good sense of direction, organizations can becomelost, travel in circles or just stop. With a little planning, an organizationcan build a good road map. With perseverance, an organization uses their roadmap. Collectively, RC&D sponsors, council members and staff arrive at theirdestination. Along the way, we may decide to take another route, but we knowwithout a doubt our final destination.
Some other benefits of planning:
Improved performance by organizations
To define the future
To solve problems
To use available resources wisely
To build teamwork and expertise
To lower levels of conflict
The primary method of assistance is provided to sponsors through ActionTeams. Community leaders and stakeholders organize an Action Team to activelyaddress community issues. Leaders with diverse backgrounds join together tocollaborate, at least one common issue binding the Action Team together. TheAction Team defines the issues and establishes its operating guidelines. Onceorganized, the Action Team develops some basic operating guidelines and astrategic plan to guide its future. The Action Team is responsible forimplementing activities that address the problem. The Board of Directors signsall contracts and the Treasurer serves as the fiscal agent.
Current Little Colorado RC&D Action Teams include:
Crofford Demonstration Farm
Heritage Trail Action Team
Arizona Sustainable Forestry Partnership
Little Colorado River Watershed Project (LCR-MOM)
Board of Directors
Throughout the year new projects are added to the Annual Plan of Work. TheAnnual Plan of Work is a fluid document with frequent modifications madethroughout the year. A sponsor can submit the project proposal or concept paperto the Council or Board of Directors. A project concept paper outline providesguidance. Project sponsors are encouraged to seek assistance from theCoordinator. Criteria to adopt new projects need to meet two criteria. First,the project must be compatible with the Little Colorado RC&D Strategic Planand current priorities. Second, the project needs to have a project leader andother citizens ready to form an Action Team. Without grassroots citizenparticipation and leadership the project will fail.
New projects are initiated from various sources:
Sponsors of the Little Colorado RC&D
The Little Colorado RC&D Board of Directors
Other organizations with a mission compatible with the Little Colorado RC&D.
January 1, 2000
| Proj No | Project | Goal | Status | Responsible Action Team | Purpose | Funder | Amount | |
| 999-188 | Building Effective Boards | c02 | Planning | Board of Directors | Build Capacity of Boards in Arizona | undetermined | |
| 999-189 | Reg. Hist: Tape Production | a04 | Implement | Heritage Act Team | Heritage tourism | Local sponsors | |
| 999-192 | Scholarship | c03 | Planning | Board of Directors | Scholarship to student with interest in natural resources | Little Colorado RC&D | $1,000 |
| 999-195 | Holbrook Wildlife Restoration | a05 | Concept | Not formed | Wildlife habitat restoration | undetermined | |
| 999-202 | Western RC&D Assoc. Conf. | b01 | Complete | Board of Directors | Host regional conference | Western RC&D Assoc. | N/A |
| 999-205 | 4CI Coordinator | a02 | Implement | Sustain Forest Part | Coordinate AZ forest | USDA Forest Service | $20,000 |
| 999-206 | Forest Products Cooperative | a02 | Implement | Sustain Forest Part | Establish forest products market coop | USDA RD & others | $100,000 |
| 999-208 | Crofford Farm: EQ IP 99 | a03 | Implement | Crofford Fm Bd. | Farm operation / outreach | NRCS | $18,000 |
| 999-213 | Grantwriting Wks 00 | c01 | Implement | Board of Directors | Capacity Building | tuition | $17,600 |
| 999-214 | Collaboration | a01 | Planning | LCR-MOM | Watershed Conference | Forest Service | |
| 999-215 | Riparian Assessment | a01 | Planning | LCR-MOM | Riparian planning | AZ Dept Water Rec | |
| 999-216 | Rural Watershed Initiative | a01 | Planning | LCR-MOM | |||
| 999-217 | Cowboy Golf | d02 | Planning | Cowboy Action Team | Fund raiser for Council operations and scholarship | ||
| 999-218 | Landscape Level Forest Restoration | a01 | Planning | LCR-MOM | Forest restoration in collaboration with other partners | Congressional | $9,400,000 |
| 999-219 | Econ Dev & Wood Products | a02 | Planning | Sustain Forest Part | Economic development in collaboration with other partners | Congressional | $5,350,000 |
| 999-220 | Accelerate Watershed Asst 00 | a01 | Implement | LCR-MOM | Accelerate LCR river project watershed plan | Hopi Tribe, Navajo County, NPS, NRCS | $47,500 |
| 999-221 | Capacity Building | Planning | Board of Directors | Build Council Capacity | AZ Coalition RC&D | $4,500 | |
|
LittleColorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.
January 1 December 31
Mission
To support partnerships providing leadership in natural resource,conservation and development within east-central Arizona communities.
GOALa: Accelerate a holistic watershed approach to address natural resourceconservation and development issues with local people in leadership.
a01: Promote watershedconservation through partnerships within the Little Colorado River WatershedProject (LCR-MOM).
Accelerate the adoption and implementation of the Little Colorado RiverWatershed Project. A multi-community collaboration project to raise theawareness of solving problems on a watershed basis.
Ensure that local action is the basis for locally led stewardship within thewatershed.
Ensure that the Little Colorado River Watershed Project delivery system isthe most effective and efficient possible.
Continue to identify and target appropriate sources of funding from federaland state agencies as well as foundations to fund the operations of the LCR-MOM.Focus on bringing potential project sponsors together to leverage projectfunding resources.
Complete the strategic planning process that is currently underway and worktoward a clearly defined Plan of Work that is based accomplishments for one,three and five year intervals. Constantly be aware of internal and externalfactors which may effect the LCR-MOM and respond accordingly to thesesituations.
Continue to work toward the implementation of a efficient and effectiveproject that to solve them.
Work toward the development of additional funding sources from the program toinsure 3 to 5 years of continued funding for the activities and staff of the LCR-MOM.
Active Projects
999-214 Collaboration
999-215 Riparian Assessment
999-216 Rural Watershed Initiative
999-218 Landscape Level Forest Restoration
Accelerate Little Colorado River Project Watershed Plan
Revise Strategic Plan
a02 Improve forest healthwhile sustaining a viable forest products industry.
Respond to changes in forest products industry in Arizona, addressing forestrestoration activities decreasing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and offeringsolutions for the promotion of small-diameter timber.
Assist individuals and businesses that previously relied upon large industry,identifying products and markets that utilize existing machinery, equipment andhuman capital increasing economic viability.
Transition existing forest products industry leaders toward verticallyintegrated, ecologically sustainable forest management and industryrelationship.
Evaluate the feasibility of revitalizing closed saw mill facilities for thepurpose of developing an innovative forest products industry, supported by aprocurement cooperative, resource sorting facility and development center
Enable communities to enhance "capacity building" strategies thatencourage diversification of the existing economic base, providing sustainablesolutions to employment and environmental issues.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-205 Four Corners Initiative Coordinator
999-219 Econ Dev & Wood Products
Participate in Natural Resource Working Group
a03 Demonstratesustainable agriculture at the Crofford Demonstration Farm.
Outreach to small scale and limited resource producers.
Hold conservation education seminars, farm tours and demonstrations.
Demonstrate conservation cropping systems that emphasizes improvement ofsoil quality.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-208 Crofford Farm: EQIP 99
Complete Crofford Demonstration Farm as a project by April 2000.
a04 Establish an Adventure,Culture and Environmental (ACE) tourism industry.
Sustain the Heritage Trail Action Team to promote collaboration betweenheritage tourism interests.
Develop authentic, sustainable heritage tourism destinations and experiences.
Request AZ Dept of Transportation for a scenic and historic routedesignation.
Plan and implement a corridor management plan for "Trail of ManyTracks" route.
Involve the public in education and interpretative programs that creates anappreciation for culture and heritage resources.
Incorporate heritage tourism into business activities.
Improve communication and promotion of heritageresources.
Support continued writing and research to culminate in the publication of acomprehensive regional history.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-189 Regional History: Produce Audio Tape Cassette
Initiate discussion with AZ Dept of Transportation of scenic and historicroute designation.
a05 Assist locally ledgroups to address natural resource conservation and development issues.
Assist locally led community organization to establish community action teamsto develop local projects at St. Johns and Winslow.
Provide training on collaboration to better understand how to take projectsfrom conception to completion.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-195 Holbrook Wildlife Restoration
Assist community action teams to address local needs.
GOALb: Provide leadership to build relationships and communication betweenstakeholders.b01 Build partnerships,networks and coalitions with organizations that address social, economic andenvironmental issues.
Invite Tribal, State and Federal agencies in the service area to participateas advisors to the Little Colorado RC&D Council.
Inform local, Tribal, State and Federal legislators about issues and needs ofthe service area.
Continue to support RC&D organizations that support the interests of theLittle Colorado RC&D, i.e. Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils, WesternRC&D Association, National Association RC&D Councils.
Continue to recognize State and local organizations and agencies that supportthe interest of the Little Colorado RC&D. Organizations like NACOG -Economic Development District, Navajo & Apache County Mayors Assoc., ANEED,Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA - Rural Development, Region 3Forest Service and others.
Active Projects & Tasks
Implement strategies described above.
999-202 Western RC&D Association Conference
b02 Build partnerships,networks and coalitions with agencies and organizations wishing to establish anaffiliate foundation of the Arizona Community Foundation
Establish an action team to create an affiliate foundation in east-centralArizona.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-200 East-central AZ Affiliate Foundation
b03Market the services and benefits of the Little Colorado RC&D to sponsors andother organizations.
Prepare a Marketing Plan that includes the use of a newsletter, internet homepage, press releases that describes the Little Colorado RC&Daccomplishments, and letters to the editor.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-207 Capacity Building 99 - Develop Market Plan. Board of Directors /Staff
GOALc: Assist local leaders to build their capacity to develop sustainablecommunities.
c01 Through grant writingtraining increase the ability of organizations to compete for grants.
Support the grant search library at Northland Pioneer College.
Conduct an annual grant writing workshop.
Support communities by hosting one day workshops on different aspect ofgrantsmanship: available funding, planning, and evaluation.
Determine the impact of the grant writing workshop to east-central Arizona.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-201 Grant Writing Workshop 00
Update the grant library at Northland Pioneer College.
c02 Provide training toorganizations to build effective community organizations that meet communityneeds
Identify organizations willing to participate in organizational capacitybuilding.
Establish a training cadre of local trainers willing to volunteer.
Better utilize community financial and human resources through effectiveorganizations by improving organizational and individual capacities.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-188 Building Effective Boards
c03 Make rural developmentopportunities known to sponsors and other organizations.
Host workshops in cooperation with State, Federal agencies and others asrequested.
Establish an internet based "Community Opportunity Network" toaccess sources of technical and financial assistance available to communities.
Maintain a listing of rural development resources on the Little ColoradoRC&D home page.
Active Projects & Tasks
999-192 Scholarship (Board of Directors)
Assist State and Federal agencies to make programs available to communities(Board of Directors)
Maintain Councils internet home page (Staff)
Initiate Community Opportunity Network (Board of Directors)
Goald: Ensure the Little Colorado RC&D Council management is the most effectiveand efficient possible.
d01 Strategic Planning -Focus on outcomes and how the Little Colorado RC&D will get there.
Use public participation from Sponsors.
Develop an "Area Plan" (Strategic Plan) in three to five years.
Set priorities in the "Annual Plan of Work" and submit to NRCS.
Ensure that new projects fit the strategic plan.
Active Projects & Tasks
Update Annual Plan of Work.
d02 Manage finances and resources to anchor the long term stability of the Little Colorado RC&D Council.
Develop a "fund raising plan."
Ensure current sources of revenue are stable.
Develop and approve the annual budget.
Monitor budget implementation.
Ensure adequate financial controls.
Conduct an annual audit by a CPA with nonprofit experience.
Annually submit 990 to the IRS.
Renew liability and directors and officers insurance.
Be accountable to funders by implementation of a "Grants Management System."
Establish and review policies to facilitate Council operations.
Active Projects & Tasks
Complete tasks listed above.
Establish policy for merit raises and grant proposal development
999-217 Cowboy Golf (Cowboy Golf Action Team)
d03 Enlist volunteers toserve the Little Colorado RC&D.
Advise sponsors to fill vacancies on the Little Colorado RC&D Council.
Recruit volunteers to serve on Action Teams.
Recruit Earth Team Volunteers
Orient new volunteers.
Active Projects & Tasks
Complete tasks listed above (Board of Directors)
d04 Monitor operations -Staying on Course.
Strengthen programs and services.
Ensure legal and ethical integrity.
Active Projects & Tasks
Evaluate Council operations for effectiveness and efficiency.
The Little Colorado RC&D provides a diverse range of services in theareas of natural and human resource development impacting east-central Arizona.We provide technical assistance to our sponsors and organizations, whencompatible with the Little Colorado RC&D Strategic Plan. We place a highpriority on projects and issues impacting the entire service area. The Councilinitiates projects consistent with the strategic plan. The primary method theLittle Colorado RC&D delivers services is through its Action Teams orcommittees. Sponsors and other organizations desiring assistance can make arequest in writing to the Little Colorado RC&D. Projects that can best beaddressed by others, or where collaboration is not needed or possible, are notaddressed by the RC&D.
Perhaps the most important services provided by the Little Colorado RC&Dis something that does not really appear on the surface. Helping local peopleget organized, fully evaluating the problem or situation, and advising the localpeople where they can go for help with their specific problems are key elementsto making the Little Colorado RC&D services effective. All sources oftechnical and financial assistance are explored.
Collaborative Problem Solving: The Little Colorado RC&D addressesissues local development organizations are unable to address. We bring diversegroups and organizations together to collaboratively solve mutual problems. Bybringing interest groups and local, state, and federal agencies and individualstogether, an open dialogue can bring understanding and agreement on issues ofmutual concern. Through these partnerships additional resources are brought toour service area. With local citizens in leadership community resourceconservation and development issues are resolved.
Project Planning: The RC&D assists organizations to findpractical solutions to problems and issues. The planning model used involvescitizen participation to facilitate social change. Participants gain anunderstanding of the collaborative processhow social changes are made throughcitizens to solve problems and issues using local resources to foster necessarycooperation toward solving problems and issues. The "Conception toCompletion" planning model brings the participants to a wellthought out solution acceptable to the community.
Grant Proposal Writing: Little Colorado RC&D writes fundingproposals to government agencies, foundations, and corporations on behalf ofsponsors and other organizations when consistent with the Little ColoradoRC&D strategic plan. Our grant proposal writing assistance includes theentire grant writing process, from all aspects of planning (described in theprevious section) conducting funder searches, proposal writing, submission ofthe proposal to the funder, and follow-up with funders.
Strategic Planning: The Little Colorado RC&D assistsorganizations to prepare strategic plans that guide their future.
Meeting Facilitation: The Little Colorado RC&D assists itssponsors and others to facilitate meetings.
Grant Writing and Grant Management Workshops: The Little ColoradoRC&D provides grant writing and grant management workshops each year. Weencourage sponsors and others within the service area to participate in theseworkshops so they can improve their ability to receive and manage grant funds.
All programs and services of the Little Colorado RC&D are offered on anondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin,religion, sex, age, marital status, or handicap.
AdoptingA Project - Taking Project from Conception to Completion
Community needs require community action. Citizen volunteers taking oncommunity projects improves the quality of life of their communities. This modelshows how volunteers take projects from conception to competition. Allprojects progress through a systematic sequence of steps before completion. Thisprocess describes in detail the tasks required for a project to move from conceptionto completion. The major phases in this process include:
Concept: The concept initiates project activity. The concept sparksinnovation to solve a community issue. An issue is a problem or opportunity thatchallenges a community or organization. Typically an issue addresses social,economic or environmental needs of the community and region. To convince othersyour idea has merit and worthy of others support the initiator needs a briefconcept paper describing the project idea. The initiator then seeks support forthe idea from opinion leaders and decision makers.
Action Team Organizing: Community leaders, along with stakeholders,organize an Action Team to actively address community issues. Leaders withdiverse backgrounds join together to collaborate. At least one common issuebinds an Action Team together. The initiator can be a catalyst to frame theissue and initiate organized action. A core group made-up of the initiator andkey community leaders develops a list of potential stakeholders with diversebackgrounds, interests, and leadership. The core group brings all stakeholderstogether to establish the Action Team. The Action Team defines the issues andestablishes its operating guidelines. Once organized, the Action Team candevelop a strategic plan to guide its future.
Planning: Planning is the systematic problem solving process todetermine the best approach to solve a problem or take advantage of anopportunity. The plan then guides the Action Team to implement the project. TheAction Team needs to understand a basic nine step planning process. The processintegrates social, economic and environmental issues to meet community needs.This approach, which emphasized desired future conditions, improvesustainability of communities, minimize conflict and address problems andopportunities. Planning is fundamental to successful implementation of projectsfrom conception to completion.
Proposal Development: The purpose of the proposal development is toconvince a funder that a project is worthy of their support. A proposal bringstogether the need for the project, a sound rational for the approach to solvethe problem, the organization capability to implement the project and ajustification for the projects budget. Many projects fail because this is wheremost organizations want to begin by preparing a proposal to receive grant funds.
Implementation: The implementation is the central focus of projects.Its where the Action Team vision becomes a reality. Implementation is howcitizens "make things happen." Projects exist to yield products,results or outcomes. The project staff and Action Team are charged to implementstart-up, operations, and close out. In most instances the Action Teams hostorganization has a contractual arrangement with the funder. Successfulimplementation of organized and planned projects are key to successfulimplementation.
Project Concept
The Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area,Inc. (Little Colorado RC&D) primarily accomplishes its mission throughprojects initiated from its own strategic plan, sponsors and otherorganizations. This project concept is prepared as a starting point for thedevelopment of a project proposal. Based on this concept, the Little ColoradoRC&D Council will adopt the concept as a project.
PROJECT NAME:
Incorporation Status: (If other than Little Colorado RC&D)
Organization Purpose: (If other than Little Colorado RC&D)
Action Team Leader: The person who will provide leadership. Without a leaderthe project will go nowhere.
Goal: A general statement of what is to be accomplished Example, Promoteconservation, development, and sustained use of land, water, plant, and animalresources in east-central Arizona.
Objective:
Results to be Achieved: What will be done? Example Demonstratesustainable agriculture practices at the Crofford Demonstration Farm
Criteria for Success: Define in specific terms how you know you aresuccessful. Example, A total of 50 small scale agriculture producers applysustainable agriculture practices on their farms.
Population Benefited: The general public does not count. Statespecifically who benefits.
Time Frame: The exact date the project will be completed. Example,February 1998.
Project Concept
The Little Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area,Inc. (Little Colorado RC&D) primarily accomplishes its mission throughprojects initiated from its own strategic plan, sponsors and otherorganizations. This project concept is prepared as a starting point for thedevelopment of a project proposal. Based on this concept, the Little ColoradoRC&D Council will adopt the concept as a project.
PROJECT NAME:
Incorporation Status: (If other than Little Colorado RC&D)
Organization Purpose: (If other than Little Colorado RC&D)
Action Team Leader: The person who will provide leadership. Without a leaderthe project will go nowhere.
Goal: A general statement of what is to be accomplished Example, Promoteconservation, development, and sustained use of land, water, plant, and animalresources in east-central Arizona.
Objective:
Results to be Achieved: What will be done? Example Demonstratesustainable agriculture practices at the Crofford Demonstration Farm
Criteria for Success: Define in specific terms how you know you aresuccessful. Example, A total of 50 small scale agriculture producers applysustainable agriculture practices on their farms.
Population Benefited: The general public does not count. Statespecifically who benefits.
Time Frame: The exact date the project will be completed. Example,February 1998.
A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT CONCEPT
(Provide a concise description of the project concept (200 - 600 words) NOMORE THAN 1 PAGE.
(Introduction: In paragraph 1 describe the project in one or two sentences)
(What problem, need or opportunity does the concept address)
(What will be done. Who, What, When, Why)
(What makes your organization uniquely qualified to perform this project)
(What are the benefits of the project?)
( What will the project cost and how will funding be provided)
(Attach formal letter requesting assistance. Request made by Board / CouncilPresident)
January 2000
A non-profit 501(c)(3)rural development organization serving east-central Arizona1999 Accomplishments
Arizona Sustainable Forestry Partnership
The Arizona Sustainable Forestry Partnership addresses issues facing NorthernArizona forests and communities. The Partnership seeks to unite the generalpublic, including environmental and industry groups and agencies with a commonpurpose. Bill Greenwood leads the Partnership.
The Partnership has developd an organizational concept to establish amarketing cooperative. The cooperative plans to establish a Log Yard to purchasetimber sales and market material to forest products industries to manufacturevalue-added products. A Log Yard is a collection point where all wood comesafter harvest and is sold.
Recycled Forest Products Pilot Project: The Little Colorado RC&Dreceived grants from the Arizona Department of Commerce and USDA RuralDevelopment. This project provides technical assistance to forest productsindustries in Northern Arizona that utilize small diameter trees.
In an effort to address the loss of timber-related jobs and the decreasingeconomic base in Apache and Navajo counties, the Partnership conducted a seriesof ten interactive workshops in Navajo and Apache Counties targeting the forestproducts industry. Topics covered included forest health, timber procurementprocess, the economics of a small-diameter forest products market, and how tomake the extraction of the timber possible and economical.
Four Corners Initiatives. The Little Colorado RC&D joined the FourCorners Initiatives to further coordination of forest issues with the otherconservation organizations in the four corners States. Amber Hill serves as theArizona coordinator to bring together other Arizona organizations with a stakein forest health and forest products issues.
BUILDING CAPACITY OF RURAL COMMUNITIES
Grant Search Workshop held at the Northland Pioneer College PaintedDesert Learning Resource Center, attracted 39 participants. Participants developskills to complete a systematic funding search using the "Holbrook GrantsCollection", a collection of funding source reference materials. Workshophosts included Northland Pioneer College, the City of Holbrook, and LittleColorado RC&D.
Grant Writing Workshop again this year trained 30 participants to writehigh quality grant proposals. This is the fifth year the Little ColoradoRC&D hosted this workshop. Co-sponsors included the Arizona Coalition ofRC&D Councils and NACOG Economic Development District.
Trail of Many Tracks
A Regional History of East-Central Arizona
. A grantsupported and funded by many partners. A regional heritage tourism approach toenhance tourism for economic diversification of east-central Arizona. A projectto collect, synthesize, and disseminate a regional history of the LittleColorado River Plateau and White Mountains of Arizona. Richard Lynch, projecthistorian, is finishing a script for an audio tape cassette to be used bytravelers and local residents to learn about the heritage of east-centralArizona. Project funding came from USDA Forest Service, Arizona HumanitiesCouncil, Arizona Office of Tourism, and communities in east-central Arizona.Little Colorado River Watershed PROJECT A multiple objective managementprocess.
Its purpose focused on solving environmental,social and economic problems on a watershed basis. A problem may affect onecommunity while the solution requires several communities and agencies to worktogether. The consensus of the conference participants was to use the LittleColorado RC&D as an umbrella organization to establish collaboration withvarious entities in the watershed. Jim Boles was selected as Chairperson andChuck Williams as Co-chairperson. Several working committees and leaders wereorganized. Data Inventory, Lynett Stevens; Education, Lillian Scala; StakeholderOutreach, Marty Moore; Projects, Bill Werner; Process & Funding, SpikeSimmons. The Little Colorado RC&D provides administrative support."Making things happen,"
that is what theLittle Colorado River Plateau Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc.(Little Colorado RC&D) is doing. The Little Colorado RC&D is organizedas a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation in Arizona. Our service area includeseast-central Arizona. The Council is made up of 15 sponsors representingconservation districts, cities and towns, county and tribal governments.The Council demonstrates a balanced approach to implement projects withsocial, economic and environmental purposes. The Little Colorado RC&DCouncil serves as a forum to address local issues with diverse interest groups.The Council, through its Action Teams (committees), brings diverse groupstogether to collaboratively solve mutual problems. Through these partnership, webring additional resources to our service area.
The Council maintains and uses its current Strategic Plan and Annual Plan ofWork to implement its mission, goals, and strategies. The recently revisedStrategic Plan demonstrates a balanced approach between the conservation ofnatural resources and the development those resources. The accomplishments ofthe Little Colorado RC&D demonstrate its ability to "make thingshappen" in east-central Arizona. We are focused on implementing ourstrategic plan developed by all our sponsors and Council Members. The missionstatement establishes this balance.
Mission Statement
To support partnerships by providing leadership in naturalresource, conservation and development within east-central Arizona communities
.
Goals
. Thefollowing goals support the mission statement.Accelerate a holistic watershed approach to address natural resourceconservation and development issues with local people in leadership.
Provide leadership to build relationships and communication betweenstakeholders.
Assist local leaders to build their capacity to develop sustainablecommunities.
Ensure the Little Colorado RC&D Council management is the most effectiveand efficient possible.
Each goal has at least one objective with appropriate strategies. ThisStrategic Plan reflects the involvement of sponsors to set priorities.
The Council effectively and efficiently implements tasks and projects throughCouncil established Action Teams (committees). About 80% of Little ColoradoRC&D projects are Council initiated. Council initiated projects have aservice area wide impact. No single sponsor or community receives all thebenefits of the project. This approach requires involvement from sponsors,interested organizations, agencies and individuals. These individual groups jointogether to form an Action Team. Each Action Team develops its own strategiesthat is incorporated into the Councils Strategic Plan and Annual Plan ofWork. The Action Team appoints an Action Team Leader and establishes its ownoperating guidelines. Staff support is provided by Action Team members, Councilstaff, Coordinator and consultants.
Council supported Action Teams:
Crofford Demonstration Farm
Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership
Little Colorado River Watershed Project
Heritage Trail Action Team
Also, the Council supports community based Action Teams to organize locallyled projects.
Projects are also initiated by requests from sponsors and other organizationsfor technical assistance. The assistance is targeted to getting locally ledgroups organized and projects planned.
The Council directs Little Colorado RC&D activities based on well definedpriorities needs. The Council initiates projects based on a model called TakingProjects from Conception to Completion. Before the Council adopts a project aproject concept must be prepared. This one page description provides a projectsummary. Most important, a volunteer leader must be identified. Also, theproject must help to implement the Councils Strategic Plan.
Projects
We coordinate technical and financial assistance programs that bringadditional resources to the service area. Today, the Council has over 20 activeprojects. To illustrate this balanced approach, some projects include:
Organized the Northern Arizona Sustainable Forest Partnership. A collaborative partnership of industry, environment and government to promote forest health and economic diversification.
The Crofford Demonstration Farm demonstrates sustainable agriculture to small scale farmers. Visitors to the farm see first hand various types conservation practices that promote sustainable agriculture for limited resource producers.
The Heritage Trail Action Team has prepared a script to be used to produce an audio tape cassette that depicts the heritage of east-central Arizona for both tourist and residents.
Sponsor five grant writing workshops training 150 people since 1992. Community leaders have brought additional resources to meet needs in rural Arizona.
Marketing
The Council pursues an aggressive marketing strategy that promotes acommunity-wide understanding and involvement in the Little Colorado RC&D.The Council publishes a newsletter bi-monthly. The Council maintains a targetedmail list of over twenty audiences that reaches over 450 people. This allows theCouncil to tailor specific messages to specific audiences.
The Council seeks out opportunities for its Action Teams to communicate theaccomplishments of the Little Colorado RC&D to local, statewide and regionalgroups about the Councils projects. Presentations this year include: WesternAssociation of RC&D Councils, in Spearfish South Dakota; NationalHeritage Tourism Conference, Chicago; Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils,Casa Grande; Navajo Soil and Water Conservation Districts annual meeting,Flagstaff; Sustainable Agriculture Conference, Phoenix; Environmental AllianceConference, Phoenix; Arizona Recycling Conference, Phoenix.
Outreach / Team Building
The Little Colorado RC&D includes citizens from all socio-economicclasses. Eligibility to participate only requires a desire to participate. Thefour Action Teams involve over 300 volunteers. The level of participation rangesfrom actively involved in leadership and operations, to an interested supporterthat wants to be kept informed about activities. Action Teams constitute theenabling forces that keep the Little Colorado RC&D involved in communities.
Friends of RC&D
The Little Colorado RC&D successfully involves individuals, organizationsand state and federal government agencies. As a matter of policy, the Councilseeks out new partners.
Friends of the RC&D
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Rural Development
Forest Service
National Park Service
Extension Service
Environmental Protection Agency
Arizona Department of Commerce
Arizona Coalition of RC&D Councils
McCune Foundation
Native Seed Search
Natural Resources Working Group
Four Corners Initiative
Projects West
Richard Lynch
ANEED
NACOG Economic Development District
Northland Pioneer College
Small Business Development Center
Apache County Economic Security (ACES)
Funding
Funding for the Little Colorado RC&D comes from three sources: Fifteensponsors and other organizations contribute annual dues; projects are fundedthrough grants from state, federal and private foundations; and individual andbusiness contributions are accepted. Each year the Council conducts an audit andsubmits Form 990 to the IRS.
1999 Income & Expenses
| Income & Expenses | Current Year Actual |
| Revenue & Support | |
| Revenue | $19,529 |
| Support (Grants & Contributions) | $151,380 |
| In-Kind Contributions | $226,368 |
| Total | $397,277 |
| Expenses | |
| Personnel | $32,897 |
| Travel | $2,692 |
| Supplies | $6,642 |
| Equipment | $0 |
| Services | $7,138 |
| Consultants | 115,611 |
| Membership Contributions | $350 |
| Insurance | $1,966 |
| Misc. Expenses | $377 |
| In-Kind Expenses | $226,368 |
| Total Expenses | $394,041 |
Awards
The Little Colorado RC&D received the Western Resource Conservation andDevelopment Association "Outstanding Council of the Year" and SheriHill received the "Outstanding Council Member" awards.
Council Members
The Council is a catalyst that links diverse groups to take action to resolvenatural and human resource problems and issues impacting the service area. TheCouncil develops a Strategic Plan and works diligently toward achieving thestated goals and strategies. Priorities are set by developing an Annual Plan ofWork and following it throughout the year. The Annual Plan of Work allows forcontinuation of actions and consistency in working toward goals. Whenappropriate, Action Teams are organized to plan and implement projects. TheCouncil seeks out other organizations to build partnerships to implement thestrategic plan.
Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is made up of the President,Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and Directors. This Board meets frequentlyto oversee the operations of the Little Colorado RC&D. The Board meetsregularly to review Strategic Plan progress and to govern the Little ColoradoRC&D.
Table 1: Little Colorado RC&D Council Members
| Sponsor | Representative | Occupation |
| Natural Resource Conservation Districts | ||
| Apache NRCD | Keith Ryder | Range Conservationist |
| Navajo NRCD | * Helen Crofford | Retired Chair Conservation Dist |
| Counties | ||
| Navajo County | * Jesse Thompson | Navajo County Supervisor |
| Apache County | Delwin Wengert | Engineer St. Johns City Council |
| Cities & Towns | ||
| Eagar | * | Rancher |
| Holbrook | * Spike Simmons | City Councilman |
| Pinetop-Lakeside |
| |
| St Johns | *Bill Prentice | Public Works |
| Show Low | City Manager | |
| Snowflake | John Stewart | Education |
| Springerville | Roxanne Knight | Business, Rancher |
| Taylor | Naomi Hatch | Reporter |
| Winslow | Bill Barris | Parks |
| Others | ||
| Hopi Tribe | Arnold Taylor | Dir. Natural Resources |
| NACOG | Ken Sweet | Executive Director |
| At Large | * Leland Dayzie | Community Dev Coord |
| At Large | * Sherri Hill | Administration |
* Board of Directors members. The by-laws allow for two at large members toserve on the Board of Directors selected by the Board of Directors.
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