Western Wyoming RC&D Feature Projects

Maureen Meagher

79 Winston Drive, Suite 104
Rock Springs, WY 82901
Phone:    307-362-1451
Fax:        307-362-1459
Email:  maureen.meagher@wy.usda.gov

Many Wyoming rural communities find it difficult to locate and acquire funds and other resources to improve the quality of life for their citizens. Opportunities are available to support this endeavor through the USDA's Resources Conservation and Development Program (RC&D). RC&D works through a council of local citizens and USDA staff to find resources to benefit rural communities and through four RC&D councils, NRCS helps coordinate interagency projects to improve environmental, social, and economic conditions throughout the state.

A family enjoys new playground equipment installed in a Lyman, Wyoming, park.  Western Wyoming RC&D Council members provided partial funding and facilitated efforts that helped organized the project.

Western Wyoming RC&D Success Stories

Grant Writing Workshop

Over the past 16 years Western Wyoming RC&D has had many partners in sponsoring 23 Grant Writing Workshop held in Wyoming. Some of the partners have been Wyoming Rural Development Council, Wyoming Business Council and Wyoming Department of Agriculture. Approximately 700 people throughout the US have benefited from attending this course. The internationally acclaimed course is designed for those who want to write effective grant proposals, find new funders, and successfully manage the grant seeking process.  Workshop participants receive extensive individual assistance and follow-up critiques of their grant proposals.

Pinedale to Fremont Lake Trail

A safe path between City of Pinedale and Fremont Lake has been a dream for Mayor Rose Skinner, Dave Bell and others in Pinedale for many years.  The only access to the lake for hikers and bicyclists was by a dangerous narrow winding road.  A committee was formed by RC&D council member Mayor Rose Skinner to find what could be done to get a pathway.  A request was made to Western Wyoming RC&D Council for assistance for organization and to find funding. Majority of the funding came from TEAL highway funds. The Sublette county recreation board provided the matching funds of $60,000. The Bureau of Land Management provided a great deal of assistance to the project and made available a right of way for a large portion of the project. The paved 3 mile scenic pathway winds through native habitat for antelope, deer, elk, moose and other wildlife at the foot of the Wind River Mountains . The project benefited the community by ensuring safer travel, enhanced recreation for local residents and visitors and economic development through improved tourism.