Twenty-five years of service

Our History

The Trailblazer R C & D is a locally sponsored and directed organization that provides assistance to the citizens of an eight-parish area located in North Central Louisiana. The purpose of Trailblazer is to improve the quality of life in local communities. It is a non-profit organization and is tax exempt (501c3) according to the Internal Revenue Service. Donations, loans, grants, special events, and other fund raising activities are essential to meet goals.

The eight Trailblazer parishes located in North Central Louisiana encompass approximately 5,870 square miles. This includes 2,837,500 acres of forestland, 50,300 acres of cropland, 360,200 acres of pastureland, 92,500 acres of water, and 108,400 acres of build-up areas.

Trailblazer is a participant in the USDA’s Resource Conservation and Development (R C & D) Program. R C & D was created by a provision of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962. The R C & D Program is based on the assumption that local citizens can develop and carry out an action-oriented plan for the social, economic, and environmental enrichment of their communities. USDA provides assistance as needed to help facilitate the Council’s goals and objectives.

Although R C & D is a program of the USDA, Trailblazer is not a federal or state agency but consists of volunteers who are appointed by sponsoring agencies to serve as the governing council. Success of the R C & D program is directly related to the interest and dedication of the appointed council members. The Council establishes goals, objectives, and policies for the R C & D program in its area by organizing an Area Plan of Work.

Trailblazer leadership is challenged to develop quality projects that meet the needs of area residents. This is accomplished by encouraging local leadership and innovative thinking. Projects are carefully selected with emphasis on projects not being addressed by other groups.

Who We Are

We Are:
  • Local people, solving local problems – volunteers who often represent sponsoring groups

Success of the program is directly related to the interest and dedication of the appointed council members. The council establishes goals, objectives, and policies for the RC&D program.
  • A grassroots organization working to improve life in OUR communities

Trailblazer R C & D serves 8 parishes: Bienville, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Union, Webster, and Winn.
  • A non-profit organization, tax exempt (501c3) according to the Internal Revenue Service

Donations, loans, grants, special events and other fund raising activities are essential to meet goals.
  • An organization challenged to develop quality projects that meet the needs of area residents

This is accomplished by encouraging local leadership and innovative thinking. Needs are continually being recognized or brought to the attention of the Board of Directors by other community leaders.
  • A Tier 2 member of the Circle of Diamonds recipient

We Are Not:
  • A federal agency.