The Hudson Mohawk Resource Conservation and Development Council is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that promotes regional, economic and natural resource conservation development in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties. The Council is currently involved in a livestock processing initiative helping small farmers overcome the challenges of getting their livestock processed, a venison donation program, a farm to school program, the education of livestock and horse owners on grazing land conservation, increasing rural fire protection, and exploring alternative energy and bio-fuel resources. Past projects have included the installation of dry hydrants, promoting pastured poultry, and a tourism project highlighting Hudson River Lighthouses. Started in 1996, the Council consists of five voting members from each county; two are recommended by the county legislative body, two are recommended by the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and one is at large. This county representation supports local input into regional issues. Technical and financial support for projects comes from a variety of public and private sources. Partial funding for the RC&D program is derived from the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This funding supports an RC&D Coordinator, part time clerical support and office expenses. The Hudson Mohawk RC&D is one of 375 RC&D areas across the country that was created by a provision of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962 under Public Law 87-703.