About Golden Triangle RC&D

Conservation that strengthens communities.

We bring people, expertise, and resources together to protect Southwest Georgia’s natural assets and expand opportunity across the region.

20Counties served
31Member organizations
30+Years of service
Who we are

Rooted in Southwest Georgia. Built for lasting impact.

Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit powered by local leaders, volunteers, staff, and partners. We design practical programs that strengthen rural communities, conserve land and water, build workforce skills, and celebrate the region’s culture.

Our vision is a thriving Southwest Georgia where rural communities have the resources, skills, and opportunities to prosper while protecting the natural resources and rural character that make this place home.

Golden Triangle RC&D conservation work in Southwest Georgia
What guides our work

Four connected focus areas

On desktop, move across the cards to explore how each focus area connects resources, people, and measurable outcomes.

Land conservation & management

Working lands and healthy habitats

We connect landowners and communities with stewardship tools that keep farms productive, forests resilient, and wildlife habitat thriving.

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A message from our Executive Director

Together, we’re building something lasting.

Rhonda GordonExecutive Director

As I reflect on 2025, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the many ways our communities have come together to make a difference. This year has reminded me once again that meaningful change happens when people share a vision and work hand in hand to bring it to life.

I am both proud and inspired by the progress Golden Triangle RC&D has made in advancing our mission to strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and create opportunities for sustainable growth across our 20-county region.

Read the full 2025 message +

Through strong partnerships, dedicated staff, and the trust of the people we serve, Golden Triangle RC&D continues to turn local priorities into practical progress. Thank you to everyone who has contributed time, expertise, resources, and encouragement. Together, we are protecting what matters and building opportunity for the next generation.

Our service area

Serving 20 counties across Southwest Georgia

Local knowledge shapes every project. Select a county below to visit its official government website, or explore the map for a sourced county profile.

Map accuracy: County names, FIPS codes, boundaries, and locations follow U.S. Census Bureau 2025 county geography. Population: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2024 five-year. Agricultural acres: USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture land in farms. Road mileage: Georgia DOT 2024 public-road mileage (unpaved total). Watersheds: USGS Watershed Boundary Dataset, HUC-8 intersections. At-risk species: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service ECOS, unique federally endangered or threatened species believed or known to occur by county. ECOS county reports are informational and are not a substitute for an official IPaC project consultation.

See the work

Conservation in action

Watch how Golden Triangle RC&D works alongside communities to turn local priorities into practical, measurable progress.

Help strengthen Southwest Georgia.

Explore our work, connect with the team, or support programs that serve the region.

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Our Mission at Golden Triangle RC&D:

To strengthen communities in Southwest Georgia through environmental conservation, workforce development, and community partnerships that improve the quality of life for all residents

Who Is Golden Triangle RC&D?

The Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council is a proactive 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the well-being of our communities in Southwest Georgia. Our organization is powered by passionate volunteers and visionary local leaders who work collaboratively to address a variety of pressing community challenges. We design and implement innovative projects that result in impactful programs across our member counties, aiming to create sustainable and thriving communities.

Our core focus areas encompass four key themes:

1: Land Conservation and Management - We promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance land-use efficiency, and protect critical habitats through our NRCS urban agriculture initiatives and our Southwest Georgia Prescribed Burn Association to help adopt conservation techniques that preserve soil health, reduce erosion, and promote biodiversity. We are committed to the long-term sustainability of our natural landscapes, ensuring they remain a resource for future generations.

2: Water Conservation - Recognizing the vital importance of water resources, we work to promote responsible water management practices. This includes educating communities on water conservation techniques, implementing repairs and installations through our USDA Household Water well and septic program, along with empowering local volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts within our waterways to ensure they are safe from pollution and runoff issues. Our goal is to safeguard water quality and water availability for all residents.

3: Community Development - We aim to improve the quality of life in our communities by promoting economic development, supporting local businesses, and offering job training and education. We provide training through our Heavy Equipment Simulator and Best Management Practices initiatives, Landowner Academies, and business leadership courses. These programs empower residents, county workers and small rural businesses to participate in community improvement projects, resulting in stronger and more resilient neighborhoods.

4:Cultural Development - We take immense pride in celebrating and promoting the rich tapestry of cultural and historical heritage that defines our region. Our vibrant partnership with Ray Pierotti and the Center for Art and Rehabilitative Energies, alongside the prestigious State River of Words competition, forms the cornerstone of this mission. We wholeheartedly support our talented local artists and passionate students, fostering an array of cultural programs along with regional contests that not only ignite community engagement but also instill a profound sense of pride in our shared history and artistic expression. Through these initiatives, we aim to cultivate a thriving cultural landscape that enriches our community and inspires future generations. At the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), we believe that our core missions related to water, land, community, and cultural development are essential for ensuring that our rural communities are vibrant and thriving. We actively collaborate with state, federal, and local agencies to maximize our impact, working across 20 counties in Southwest Georgia. These counties include Baker, Calhoun, Clay, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Randolph, Terrell, Thomas, Seminole, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Quitman, Webster, and Worth. Through these partnerships, we enhance our effectiveness and reach, ensuring that our efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and contribute to the preservation of our natural resources.

 

Our Partners