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“Partnerships for balanced natural
resources conservation and development.”
"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.
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