Vision:

“Partnerships for balanced natural resources conservation and development.”

Mission:

"Making Northeastern Wyoming a better place to live.”

Current Projects

Ethanol Business Model – RC&D has received USDA – Rural Development funding to stimulate E85 ethanol infrastructure in Northeastern Wyoming. A full-time project manager is currently developing partnerships with fuel suppliers and retailers in NE Wyoming to improve consumer access to biofuels.

Links
Alternative Fuels Data Center   http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/
National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition   http://www.e85fuel.com/index.php
Governor’s Ethanol Coalition  http://www.ethanol-gec.org/
National Biodiesel Board:  http://www.biodiesel.org

Forest Biomass and Fuels Reduction – RC&D is currently developing incentives to assist foresters and landowners utilize small diameter wood in the Black Hills of Wyoming. The project will emphasize markets to move forest thinnings and commercial harvest waste to local markets including the cellulosic ethanol plant in Upton, Wyoming.

Links
USFS Forest Products Laboratory   http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu/index.html
National Fire Plan   http://www.fireplan.gov/

Cellulosic Ethanol – RC&D supporting Western Biomass Energy in its effort to build a wood cellulose ethanol plant in Upton, Wyoming. Project tasks include funding research, feedstock analysis and community outreach. RC&D is set to analyze the broader economic impact of the plant and to assist with feedstock supply issues.

Western Biomass Energy   http://www.klprocess.com/western.htm

Economic Development Assistance – The RC&D is partnering with two federal economic development districts to encourage rural community development and sustainable growth.  Representatives of the Big Horn Mountain Country Coalition and NE Wyoming Economic Development Corporation serve on the RC&D Board of Directors. Theme areas are downtown development, recreation and forestry.

Links
http://www.bighornmountains.org
http://www.newedc.net/

Recycling – RC&D has been working with the Towns of Lusk and Buffalo to analyze the potential for improvements to local  household recycling programs. RC&D is also working to install a motor oil recycling tank in Sheridan County.

Recently Completed Projects

Federal Economic Development District Reorganized and Funded: RC&D successfully developed a $100K economic development program for the Big Horn Mountain Country Coalition including $50K in federal funding.  A full-time Executive Director was hired in July. – Complete July 2006.

Sage Grouse Conservation Plan – RC&D provided technical planning assistance to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the NE Wyoming Sage Grouse Working Group to complete a Sage Grouse Conservation Plan covering 4.4 million acres of habitat in 20 watersheds. - Complete July 2006.

Septic System Information and Education – RC&D implemented two seminars with Crook and Sheridan County Conservation Districts to promote alternative septic system technology; total attendance 175 landowners. – Complete February 2006.