About Five Rivers

Vision:
Recognizing the value of the region, the Five Rivers RC&D serves as a model of positive, proactive leadership for continued growth and prosperity.

Mission:
To educate citizens, develop leadership, and revitalize the area through cooperative partnerships and leveraged resources.

Area Description:Five Rivers RC&D encompasses eight counties in the far southeastern corner of Nebraska: Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, and Saline.

Characterized with wooded, rolling hills, numerous streams and some areas of steep escarpments, the median population of its numerous rural communities is about 240. Total area population is roughly 85,000. Growth in minority populations in some counties has helped offset otherh population losses.

The towns within these counties are within a 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive of the states' two metropolitan areas of Omaha and Lincoln.

Priorities:A new five-year Area Plan was adopted in 2007, focusing on four primary objectives:

• Progressive Rural Communities
• Safe, Healthy, and Productive Environment
• Tourism and Recreation Opportunities
• Viable and Sustainable Farms and Businesses

Summary of 2008 Activities

       13 Projects completed this fiscal year

       26 Projects on-going at fi scal year-end

       79 Project Partners

       11 Council Meetings

    753 Council Member hours contributed

1,222 Volunteer hours contributed