Resources

Other RC&D websites
Berkshire Pioneer RC&D (Western Mass)
National Association of RC&D Councils

Massachusetts Environmental and Natural Resource Based Organizations

Water
Charles River Watershed Association
SuAsCo – NP Watershed for Concord, Assabett, and Sudbury River Areas
Merrimack River Watershed Council – Dedicated to advocating for the health of the Merrimack River and the people who depend on it through environmental monitoring, education and outreach, community organizing, advocacy, and recreation.

Food
Northeast Harvest -  Collaborative project of the Essex Agricultural Society and the Essex National Heritage Area, two organizations working together to help sustain the farmers and agricultural producers of Essex County and Middlesex County, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Association of Roadside Stands – Fosters activities that support farm direct marketing to enhance the livelihood of member farms and promote their fresh New England farm products.

Others
MassWoods – Main portal for UMass Extension’s Forest Conservation Program. Contains information on their programs, and licensed foresters will find pages for licensing and continuing education.  The Southern New England Stumpage Report can also be found on this site.

Regional Planning Agencies
Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC) – Regional planning agency serving communities in Northeastern Massachusetts
Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) – Regional planning agency serving the people who live and work in Metropolitan Boston
Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC)- Regional planning agency serving the people located in northern Worcester county and Middlesex county

Conservation Districts
Conservation Districts provide a program of soil and water conservation. They are not-for-profit subdivisions of state government guided by an elected, volunteer Board of Supervisors and work in cooperation with federal, state, and local agencies and organizations. Through partnerships with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Conservation Districts help landowners and municipalities identify natural resource concerns and plan solutions
Middlesex Conservation District
Worcester County Conservation District

Federal Informational websites
Alternative Farming Systems Information Center (AFSIC) – Specializes in identifying resources about sustainable food systems and practices in support of USDA’s effort to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture and farmers worldwide.
The National Agricultural Library (NAL) – Advancing access to global information for agriculture
Rural Information Center (RIC) – Provides services for rural communities, local officials, organizations, businesses and rural citizens working to maintain the vitality of America’s rural areas
EPA-“Surf Your Watershed – Use this site to find a listing of organizations that are working to protect water quality in your area
Agricultural Research Center (ARS) – Conducts research to develop and transfer solutions to agricultural problems of high national priority and provide information access
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – Agency services designed to protect the health and value of American agriculture and natural resources which includes protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, regulating genetically engineered organisms, administering the Animal Welfare Act and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.
Economic Research Service – Primary source of economic information and research in the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency (FSA) – Primarily tasked with the implementation of farm conservation and regulation laws around the country…a cornerstone of FSA’s efforts to preserve and promote American agriculture.
Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) – Links U.S. agriculture to the world to enhance export opportunities and global food security.  FAS staff identify problems, provide practical solutions, and work to advance opportunities for U.S. agriculture and support U.S. foreign policy around the globe.
Forest Service – An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) – Works to improve and protect their soil, water and other natural resources. NRCS expert employee’s help landowners develop conservation plans, create and restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems as well as advise on stormwater remediation, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed planning.
Rural Development – Committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Financial programs to support facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -  Their mission is to work with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

State Informational websites
Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Local Government Site – Covers residents, businesses and communities.
MDAR (Mass. Dept. of Ag. Resources) – Tasked to support, regulate, and enhance the Commonwealth’s agricultural community. This is also great educational site as well, with lots of tools for research and information.
Coastal Zone Management – Promotes sound management of the Massachusetts coast

Educational Resources
UMass Extension Service – Good information resource for all things agricultural
World Water Monitor – Great site for getting kids involved in water issues

Regional Planning Agencies
Massachusetts has fourteen regional planning agencies. Nationally, there are 600 such agencies. These agencies exist to help the communities within their jurisdictions plan and implement short- and long-range improvements for transportation, economic development, environmental, land use, and community development needs.