The Virgin Islands Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council, Inc. is an organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the people of the Virgin Islands Resource Conservation and Development Area through the conservation of natural and cultural resources, and the stimulation of growth and development.

The RC&D Council is an independent, locally-administered, non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that was incorporated in June 1990. The RC&D Council effectively develops partnerships with governmental, non-governmental and private organizations. These alliances provide the necessary tools and resources that allow the RC&D Council to accomplish its goals and objectives.

The Council is managed by a five-member Board of Directors that is elected by its members. Members of the VI RC&D represent various local and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and individuals who volunteer their valuable time and resources for the betterment of the Virgin Islands community.

Members of the Council are appointed annually by each sponsoring organization. Council members may serve as long as they remain duly chosen representatives of the organization they represent and adhere to attendance policies. In addition to the representation by each sponsoring agency, individual members may be appointed. These members are chosen to broaden the scope of the Council and have voting privileges equal to those of the sponsoring representative.

The Council consists of general membership from the two Virgin Islands' Districts – St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John. Board officers - President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and At-Large member - are elected by the general membership and serve for a minimum of one fiscal year.

The Board and the Council meet bi-monthly. Action taken at meetings may include adopting the annual plan of work, amending the bylaws, adopting a budget and approving project measures.

The Council facilitates access to technical and financial support from government agencies, private companies, private foundations, institutions and individuals. The Council is eligible to receive tax-deductible donations and grants, from individuals, corporations, or foundations.

A provision of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 created the RC&D program. The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the responsibility for administering the program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The RC&D Council receives administrative and technical assistance and office facilities from the USDA-NRCS.

The USDA NRCS provides staff to assist the Council with implementation of its Area Plan. The staff consists of a full-time coordinator and a full-time secretary. The Council develops an area-wide plan, which includes long-range goals and objectives. Through its Annual Plan of Work, the Council, with assistance of the RC&D Coordinator, acts to accomplish project measures sponsored by its members or partners.

The RC&D Council lives up to its motto by bringing needed resources together to Make Things Happen! The strength of the V.I. RC&D is in building capacity in the V.I. community that allows the community to solve its own problems.