North Central Washington Resource Conservation & Development

     The Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) is a partnership between the Federal government and a local nonprofit organization led by local community leaders.  

     The RC&D Program is a nation-wide U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The purpose of the RC&D program is to accelerate the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to improve the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. These areas are locally-sponsored as designated by the secretary of agriculture for RC&D technical and financial assistance program funds. 

     The North Central Washington RC&D includes a Coordinator (provided by the USDA) to assist in developing a Council, and helps the Council to carry out objectives and goals by providing guidance and advice.  The Council is a membership-based nonprofit unit composed entirely of volunteers, usually key community leaders representing all counties in the area, to carry out the mission of the RC&D.  They work toward implementing strategic long range plans to improve the quality of life in the communities in the RC&D area.

     The Board of Directors manage the dealings of the Council as an incorporated 501(c)(3).   They ensure that the organization is well-managed and running properly by formally approving the Area Plan, mission, policies, budget, and projects.  The partnerships within the RC&D help people change their communities for the better.

So get involved with your local RC&D and see what you can make happen!

North Central Washington Economic Development District

     The North Central Washington Economic Development District (EDD) is a federally designated economic development district for the NCW region covering Okanogan, Douglas, and Chelan counties, including the Colville Confederate Tribes.

     The EDD is responsible for regional economic development planning and collaborates with various private and public agencies to accomplish this goal.  The EDD brings together the private and public sectors in a partnership necessary to provide a coordinated strategy and an ongoing economic development program for the region.

     The EDD is governed by a board of directors chosen from communities within Okanogan, Douglas, Chelan counties and the Colville Confederated Tribes.  The board of directors elects officers of the Council and committees are established to progress the work of the EDD as needed.

     The NCW RC&D Council staff is supporting the EDD as it begins applying for grants and funding.  As formation of the EDD is completed and project work progresses, they will become a beneficial driving force for the North Central Washington region.

     The EDD meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Chelan Fire Station in Chelan, Washington from 9-11am.  All meetings are open to the public.     

Okanogan Scenic Byway

        The Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway is a unique opportunity to share the history of Native Americans, the Cariboo Trail, and gold rush days while following the Okanogan River from Pateros WA to Oroville WA on Highway 97. The 83 mile drive leads you through the heart of Okanogan County to partake in the natural beauty of its towering cliffs, scenic countryside and rural charm.  A portion of the historic Cariboo Trail travels along the byway which was the trail used by Native Americans before the arrival of fur traders, gold miners, then homesteaders traveling North.   

     The Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway Corridor Management Plan   was completed in 2006 by the Byway Steering Committee which has included representatives from the Colville Confederated Tribes, Okanogan Country Tourism Council, Okanogan County Historical Society, WSDOT North Central Region, cities of Oroville, Tonasket, Omak, Brewster, and Chambers of Commerce of Oroville, Tonasket, and Okanogan, and Brewster. The steering committee is now a standing committee of the North Central Washington RC&D and invites inquiries or comments from anyone interested in the scenic byway project. Support is invited from businesses, private property owners, state and federal agencies, and tribal and local governments along Hwy 97.  The Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of every month on a “rotating” basis in each of the cities in the corridor.  Please see “contact us” page for information.

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Colville Confederated Tribes

     The Colville Confederated Tribes consist of the many descendants of 12 aboriginal tribes that are enrolled in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.  They include the Colville, the Nespelem, the San Poil, the Lake, the Palus, the Wenatchi (Wenatchee), the Chelan, the Entiat, the Methow, the southern Okanogan, the Moses Columbia and the Nez Perce of Chief Joseph’s Band. 

     The Colville Reservation itself covers 1.4 million acres in North Central Washington.  The Colville Reservation can be found between the Okanogan and Columbia Rivers.  It is located 260 miles from Seattle and 80 miles from Spokane nestled between the Okanogan and Colville National Forests, including the Pasayten and Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness.  The lands have a multitude of natural resources including forests, native plants, wildlife, and a variety of streams, rivers and lakes.   

     Colville Tribal Enterprises began in 1984 to provide employment for tribal members in construction and the forest industry. The corporation also oversees several enterprise divisions including a gaming division and three casinos.  The employees are composed primarily of Colville tribal members and non-tribal members from the communities where the enterprises are located.  Mill Bay Casino is located on Lake Chelan, Grand Coulee Dam Casino and the Okanogan-Bingo Casino overlook the Okanogan River in north central Washington. 

     Visitors are offered a variety of recreational opportunities including campsites on Lake Roosevelt, and renting boats for fishing and waterskiing.

Visitors can learn more about the tribes at the tribal museum and gift shop in the town of Coulee Dam. In addition there is an open invitation to partake in many of the different events that take place on and near the Colville Reservation.  

 For more event details and locations, visit www.colvilletribes.com.

Canadian Border Region Coalition Society

Regional Transportation Planning Organization