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Southwest Missouri RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development), Inc.
4210 Blair Ridge Road, Bradleyville, MO 65614
(417) 335-0671
Web Address:
www.firewisemissouri.orgTotal number of employees (FTE): .25
Annual revenues: $200,000
Board Chair: Kathryn Braden, Taney County Soil and Water Conservation District
Board of Directors: Amanda Marney, RC&D Vice Chair, Missouri University Extension; Katie Francka, RC&D Secretary/Treasurer, RC&D Fire Protection Committee Chair, Landowner; David Coonrod, Ozark Regional Land Trust; Dennis Evans, RC&D Forestry Committee Chair, Community Bank and Trust - Neosho; Elmer Fast, Barton County Soil and Water Conservation District; Larry Coale, Cedar County Soil and Water Conservation District; Joe McGee, Former Dade County Commission; Jerry Duff, RC&D Grassland Committee Chair, Dallas County Soil and Water Conservation District; Steve Hunter, Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District; Lynn Nutt, Cargill; John Hobbs, Missouri University Extension; Gary Don Letterman, Webster County Recorder; and Jim Viebrock, Greene County Commission.
Mission: Southwest Missouri RC&D is dedicated to improving natural resource management and economic development through cooperative efforts. We have been quietly "Making Things Happen!" for over 45 years.
Service Area:
Southwest Missouri RC&D serves the 15 counties of southwest Missouri--Barry, Barton, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Jasper, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster. Grant projects also serve central and south-central Missouri.
Funding:
Southwest Missouri RC&D is currently administering fire protection grants totaling $850,000 funded by the USDA Forest Service and partnering with the Missouri
Department of Conservation.
Private donors and foundations have funded the Trees for Joplin Fund.
Dues are paid by the County Commissions and Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) of the 15 counties of southwest Missouri.
12-month Goals:
Fire Protection: Work with fire departments to promote wildland fire protection in Missouri through fire protection open houses, Firewise home risk assessments, community wildfire protection plans, and implementation of those plans (equipment, materials, hazardous fuel treatments, water source improvements, communication, educational programs, and radio/television advertising).
Trees for Joplin Fund: Work with the City of Joplin, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and Joplin residents and business to help restore trees to the city ravaged by the May 2011 tornado. Promote the Trees for Joplin Fund to increase funding so that more trees can be planted.
Annual Events:
Southwest Missouri RC&D holds an Annual Meeting and Appreciation Dinner to thank its supporters.
How People and Businesses Can Help:
To participate in our fire protection programs, contact Wildland Fire Management Specialists - Duane Parker, 417-569-7288, or Bill Altman, 573-205-2192.
Donors interested in contributing to Joplin's reforestation efforts can make contributions online at www.cfozarks.org/donate or send checks to Community Foundation of the Ozarks, PO Box 8960, Springfield, Missouri 65801. Please note "Trees for Joplin" in the fund/program box online or on your check.
Volunteer Opportunities:
If groups, organizations, or businesses would like to volunteer their time to help plant trees in Joplin, contact Ric Mayer, Missouri Department of Conservation, Joplin, ric.mayer@mdc.mo.gov.
TestimonialsWe couldn’t be happier about the results of our Next Step Grant, and I think these numbers prove that Firewise and the Next Step Grant works in Redings Mill Fire District! We had an overall reduction in wildland fires during the grant period of 40%. There is no doubt that the education both individually through Firewise assessments and district wide through television, open houses and other public education opportunities has directly impacted our community in a very positive way!
-Michael White, Deputy Chief, Redings Mill Fire District, Joplin, Missouri
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