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Historic, archived document Do assume not content reflects current scientific knowledge, policies, or practices Rural '^''^^ f Commuriiiy Assistance / Investing in America's Future Rural America The economic and social vitality ofAmerica's rural economies is essential to theNation's growth and prosperity. Unfortunately, many communities in the rural South have experienced persistant economic hardships. Statistics showthe South is the poorest region in the nation, withthe highest levels ofrural poverty located in areas that have a large natural resource base. Each southern community has unique abilities, values and natural resources. Special attention is neededto retain those values while agencies and communities work togetherto revitalize the local economy and enhancethe environment. As natural resource management agencies, the USDA Forest Service, the Southern Group of State Foresters, in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, have developed Rural Community Assistance Programs. These programs assist communities in their economic development efforts through natural resource enhancement. Rural Community Assistance Programs * Strengthen rural communities * Enhance the quality oflife * Protect the environment * Promote economic diversification * Emphasize long-term solutions * Are community directed * Provide technical and fmancial assistance RCA Programs RCA Programs Rural Development is a broad-based program Economic Diversification Studies Program that addresses the long-temi health ofrural provides grants to conduct feasibility studies that communities. This grant program provides develop alternative economic opportunities for matching funds for local projects that stimulate areas that largely depend on a specific forest improvements in rural economies. Its purpose is resource. These are broad-based studies used to to plan and implement natural resource-related identify opportunities foreconomic development solutions that createjobs orgenerate income for and enhancement. the communit}'. Resource Conservation and Development Economic Recoven Programtargets Program (RC&D) is a USDA rural development communities that are economically impactedby program led bythe people who live and work in government decisions on the management of the area it serv^es. Each RC&D area covers nearby national forests. The program provides several counties and is managedby acouncil technical and financial assistance to develop composed oflocal citizens who develop and community action plans that focus on organizing, direct all projects and activities. RC&D councils planning, and implementing natural resource- assist citizens in solvingtheir own community problems. based solutions. Program Areas and Managers USDA Forest Service Cooperative Forestry Southern Region 1720 Peachtree Road, NW, Room 811 N Atlanta, GA 30367-9102 Alan Pigg Rural Community Assistance Program Manager Telephone 404-347-7486 or Your local national forest office or Your local state forestry office SouthernGroup ForestService SouthernRegion ofStateForesters Personsofanyrace,color, nationalorigin,sex,age,religion orwithanydisabilityarewelcometouseandenjoyall facilities, programs,andservicesoftheUSDA. Discrimination inanyformisstrictlyagainstagencypolicyandshouldbe reportedto TheSecretaryOfAgriculture,Washington, DC : 20250 ForestryReportR8-FR38 September, 1993