The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts has several core program areas that we focus on to help build the capacity of individual RCDs and to increase the reach and influence of our statewide network.

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Small and Underserved Producers drought relief grants, administered by CARCD
Read More
California Farm Demonstration Network
CARCD signed an MOU with many state and federal partners to form the CFDN in 2017. This network was established through a locally-led, grassroots effort to increase the adoption of economically viable resource conservation strategies by California farmers.
Read More
Capacity Building
We are working together with RCDs to ensure that our statewide network is Relevant, Excellent, and Visible.
Read More
Strengthening the RCD Network
There is a broad spectrum of capacity among RCDs. We are leading an unprecedented effort aimed at elevating the statewide network so that districts can collectively achieve their vision of being go-to hubs for conservation in their communities.
Read More
RCD Trainings
CARCD provides opportunities for RCD board members and district staff to receive trainings on various relevant topics, from district operations to leadership development to advocacy and communications.
Read More
Conservation in Cannabis
We are assisting RCDs in the development of Fee-for-Service conservation programs in the cannabis sector by connecting local and state stakeholders, financial support, legal counsel, and partnership opportunities.
Read More
RCPP Sierra Nevada Tree Mortality
CARCD is the lead partner on a $10 million USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project to address the tree mortality crisis in the Central Sierra.
Read More
Technical Assistance
With CARCD as the lead, our network is able to contract with the State as a single entity while utilizing the expertise of RCDs to provide high quality local service throughout California.
Read More
Outreach to Underserved Farmers
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service has partnered with CARCD on an Outreach to Historically Underserved Farmers pilot program, which offers “mini-grants” to eligible non-profits and Resource Conservation Districts to conduct outreach to underserved producers.
Read More
Carbon Farming
CARCD has been building momentum and developing partnerships related to soil health and greenhouse gas emissions reductions. At the same time, RCDs around the state have begun creating and implementing Carbon Farm Plans in partnership with the Carbon Cycle Institute (CCI).
Read More
SWEEP Verifications
CARCD's network provides verifications under the Statewide Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) SWEEP Assistance Program.
Read More
Grazing Lands Coalition
CARCD houses the California Grazing Land Coalition (GLC), which seeks to support producers in the ranching community by concentrating on actions that promote quality technical assistance, education, and outreach.
Read More