The RCD has been at the forefront of natural resource management and protection in Monterey County and the Central Coast. We work extensively with growers, ranchers, landowners, and partner organizations and agencies throughout the Central Coast to accomplish our mission.  The RCD works closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide technical assistance to Monterey County landowners, growers and ranchers. The USDA Service Center in Salinas hosts an NRCS staff of nine with expertise in agronomy, range management, engineering, soil science, hydrology, plant science, and biology.

The RCD staff includes technical specialists with expertise in a variety of areas, including permitting, project funding, hydrology, engineering, weed management, erosion control, and species protection. The RCD provides landowners and growers assistance with conservation planning and design, project funding, permitting and implementing management practices.  The RCD works with local researchers to develop new ways to improve water quality, and to evaluate the effectiveness of management practices. The RCD also assists landowner and grower applications to funding sources such as the USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

The RCD has demonstrated success in education, outreach and conservation and restoration project design and implementation. During the past 10 years, RCD-NRCS teamwork has resulted in the establishment of voluntary conservation and restoration projects on over 80 farms by collaborating with over 160 farmers and land managers.