In 1990, NRCS led work groups in each of the original eight counties to explain the RC&D program and solicit their interest in developing a RC&D Area. All eight counties identified the need to develop a RC&D Area and request USDA RC&D Program assistance to help them solve identified problems in the area of:
Erosion and Sedimentation
Water quality, Water quantity and flooding
Community Needs and Development
Conserving Natural Resources
The local groups quantified needs in each problem area. Those were consolidated into a formal application, sponsored by the Conservation Districts and County Commissioners in the eight counties, and submitted to the Secretary of Agriculture in 1992 requesting authorization of the new Timberland RC&D.
Timberland became a Michigan non-profit corporation and aquired its 501(c)3 tax status in 1992.
Timberland's purpose is to help local initiatives do what they want to do:
Facilitate projects
Coordinates needed partners
Seeks technical and financial aid to carry out the project
Supplies administrative and management assistance as needed
Does not duplicate other programs or compete for projects but fills locally identified voids
Timberland's Mission: To provide regional leadership and
conservation assistance for citizens to improve, properly develop and
sensibly use our natural and human resources.
Timberland's Vision: "Nature and People in Harmony."