History:
In response to the national “Dust Bowl” crisis of the 1930’s, the federal government passed legislation in 1937 establishing the Soil Conservation Service (SCS). Shortly after the formation of the SCS, conservationists realized that a federal agency in Washington might not be sufficiently responsive to local needs, so Soil Conservation Districts were set up under state law to be controlled by local boards of directors. In 1938, California passed legislation authorizing the formation of Soil Conservation Districts under Division 9 of the Public Resources Code. These districts assisted landowners with erosion and flood control problems (primarily on agricultural lands), functions originally envisioned by the formation of the SCS.

Under Division 9, Soil Conservations Districts were empowered to manage soil and water resources for conservation, but these powers were expanded in 1971 to include related resources including fish and wildlife habitat. This expansion of power was reflected in the change of mane from ”Soil” Conservation District to “Resource” Conservation District.

Today, there are 103 districts that manage diverse resource conservation projects over more than 85 percent of the state.

Projects:
RCDs get involved in a wide variety of resource conservation projects. Projects can take place on both public and private lands. Some examples of projects a district might be involved in include: conservation education, erosion control, installing best management practices, demonstration projects, fuels reduction, road management or maintenance, developing watershed plans, and more.

Lands, Easements and Property:
Division 9 also gives districts the right to own and manage land, easements and property. Districts can also purchase easements for conservations purposes.

Cooperating and Coordinating
Districts can cooperate with other entities to plan, receive funding and deliver services. Many districts are involved in cooperative efforts to develop watershed and other resource management plans. Such efforts are commonly referred to as Coordinated Resource Management and Planning (CRMP). Frequently districts work with other entities to receive funding through grant programs.

Education and Outreach:
Sections 9402, 9411 and 9419 of Division 9 specifically give RCDs the power and the responsibility to educate their communities regarding resource conservation issues. Districts can provide both adult and youth conservation education

Taken from California Resource Conservation District Directors’ Handbook.