PRI-RU-TA

Resource Conservation

And Development

Council Inc.

2003

Annual Report

A Private, Nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation created in 1964.

Serving the Northwest 10 Counties of Wisconsin

Council’s 2003 grant activities that linked partner need to available resources.

· Grant writing assistance to the White Winter Winery resulting in State funding assistance for development of a blueberry beverage. (Bayfield Co.)

· Cooperative Agreement development with the USDA resulting in funding for 10,000 acres of soil survey mapping. (Rusk and Sawyer Co.)

· Grant administration of Agricultural Development Program funds to assist Tribes in developing community gardens. (Bad River and Red Cliff Tribes)

· Fiscal management of GLCI grant funds for the North Central Grazier’s Network resulting in the creation of a Grazing Specialist position. (Clark, Price, Rusk, and Taylor Co.)

· Direct Council project support grants to; Sawyer Co. Fair Grounds, Iron Co. Summer Youth Camp, Washburn Co. Hwy 63 Prairie Restoration, Douglas Co . Rodeo Grounds, Landowner Conference (Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn Co.

The Pri-Ru-Ta RC&D Council’s corporate strengths.

· Local representation

· Priorities based on needs of local partnership network

· Knowledge of, and access to, outside technical and financial resources.

· Skill in grant writing

· Efficiency in grant administration

· Council capital enables partnerships to access reimbursable grant funds

· Ability to react quickly to needs and opportunities

· Ability to efficiently hire staff

· Full time Coordinator on staff, Project Manager planned.

· Exemptions for income, property and sales tax, contributions to projects tax deductible, and bulk mailing privileges

Results of Council resource conservation and resource development efforts in 2003.

· Employment expertise - Hired a Grazing Specialist. (Clark,Taylor, Price, and Rusk Co.)

· Council capital investment - Financed reimbursible agreements – School Forest Coordinator. (Taylor Co.)

· Community and economic development knowledge – Assisted Northland Food and Farmer Initiative Ag Marketing (Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn Co.)

· Funding source knowledge – Researched funding for Manure Digester. (Burnett Co.)

· Fiscal agent capabilities - Acted as agent on Stewardship Credit for Buffers. (Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, and Iron Co.)

· Event planning abilities – Supported Woodland Landowner’s Conference, included use of bulk mailing permit. (Taylor Co.)

· Fund raising expertise - WI Association of RC&D Annual Conference in Siren hosted by Council– raised over $2500 for State Association. (Statewide)

Council Development in 2003

· Vision Statement Developed

“Maintain a sustainable natural resource base for future generations.”

· Mission Statement Developed

“Pri-Ru-Ta Resource Conservation & Development Council’s mission is to provide assistance and leadership to community partners to help them meet their resource conservation and development goals.”

· Five Year Area Plan Created

· Annual Plan Developed

· Employment Policies and Procedures Created

· Employment Committee Formed

· Project Manager Position Planned

· Coordinator PerformanceAssessed by Council