Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Main navigation Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Full Menu Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Breadcrumb Home Programs & Initiatives Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, a federal emergency recovery program, helps local communities recover after a natural disaster strikes. On This Page Contact Information Related News and Events Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program OVERVIEW The EWP Program offers technical and financial assistance to help local communities relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms and other natural disasters that impair a watershed. EWP does not require a disaster declaration by federal or state government officials for program assistance to begin. The NRCS State Conservationist can declare a local watershed emergency and initiate EWP program assistance in cooperation with an eligible sponsor (see the Eligibility section below). NRCS will not provide funding for activities undertaken by a sponsor prior to the signing of a cooperative agreement between NRCS and the sponsor. NRCS offers financial and technical assistance for various activities under the EWP Program, including: Remove debris from stream channels, road culverts and bridges; reshape and protect eroded streambanks; correct damaged or destroyed drainage facilities; establish vegetative cover on critically eroding lands; repair levees and structures; repair certain conservation practices, and purchase of EWP Buyouts. EWP Project Criteria -provide protection from flooding or soil erosion; -reduce threats to life and property; -restore the hydraulic capacity to the natural environment; -economically and environmentally defensible. Eligibility Recovery Projects Recovery projects begin with a local sponsor or legal subdivision of state or tribal government. Eligible sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally-recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Interested public and private landowners must work through a sponsor. EWP BUYOUT Option In some situations, landowners can directly apply for assistance through a floodplain easement at the local NRCS office when project funding for floodplain easements becomes available. States will hold a signup period for the impacted communities and the local NRCS offices will publicize that information in the affected communities. The EWP Program cannot be used: to address the same structural issue or practice 3 times within 10 years; for existing operation and maintenance; to repair, rebuild, or maintain any transportation facilities, utilities, or similar facilities; to restore projects installed by another federal agency; to repair nonstructural management practices; to repair coastal erosions to beaches, dunes, and shorelines, including those along the Great Lakes; if the recovery measures are eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program offered thru the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Locally-Led Solutions All EWP projects must have a sponsor and demonstrate that they reduce threats to life and property; be economically, environmentally and socially sound; and must be designed to acceptable engineering standards. NRCS partners with diverse sponsors to complete EWP Program projects. Sponsors include cities, counties, towns, conservation districts, or any federally-recognized Native American tribe or tribal organization. Sponsors can apply for EWP Program assistance directly to NRCS while public and private landowners can apply for this assistance through a local sponsor. Check out the EWP Sponsor Resource page for more information. EWP Assistance for Limited Resource Areas (LRAs) What is an LRA? An LRA is a geographical area where housing values and individual income are less than 75% of a state’s average and unemployment is at least twice the U.S. average. Discover if your county qualifies as an LRA on the interactive map below. Federal cost share for LRAs If NRCS determines that an area qualifies as an LRA, the federal cost share for implementing EWP emergency measures may not exceed 90% of the construction costs. LRA 2025 Counties and Tribal Areas - Spreadsheet LIMITED RESOURCE AREAS (LRAs) NRCS has calculated LRAs at the county level ( interactive map link below ), however other areas may also meet the LRA criteria, as determined by NRCS. Limited Resource Areas 2025 - Interactive Map Watershed Programs - EWP Resources Watersheds Watersheds impact everyone; every community, farm, ranch, and forest. They provide a vital resource for all living things to survive and thrive. All watersheds are interconnected, creating a land-water system that conveys… EWP Success Stories The Emergency Watershed Protection Program helps communities recover from natural disasters. The following success stories illustrate the agility of EWP to provide recovery assistance. Emergency Watershed Program State Contacts Below, is the list of EWP Program Managers by state; they will guide you thru the process on how best to access assistance thru the EWP program. EWP Success Stories The Emergency Watershed Protection Program helps communities recover from natural disasters. The following success stories illustrate the agility of EWP to provide recovery assistance. EWP Sponsor Resources Resources for EWP Program assistance. Additional Documents Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program Fact Sheet Other Disaster Assistance Disaster Assistance Programs At a Glance USDA is ready to help in the aftermath of natural disasters. Find which program best fits your current situation and needs. USDA along with other agencies offer a wide range of disaster recovery assistance following these unfortunate events. Check out the agencies and their programs below for more information. At a Glance eQIP Farmers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forestland owners can apply for resource assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.  Eligible land includes cropland, rangeland, and non-industrial private forestland. Recovery assistance includes but is not limited to: immediate soil erosion protection, minimizing noxious and invasive plant proliferation, protecting water quality, restoring livestock infrastructure necessary for grazing management, emergency animal mortality management. Learn more Emergency Animal Mortality Management When catastrophic non-disease natural events (ie. flood, fire, weather-related) occur, financial assistance for emergency animal mortality management may be offered. Producers can contact the local field office at that time for more details. Contact Us Ready to get started? Contact your local service center to start your application. Find Your Local Service Center USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov . Select your state - Please select - Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Federated States of Micronesia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Palau Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virgin Islands Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Select your county Related News and Events News USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Hawaii Impacted by Recent Flooding April 14, 2026 Success Story NRCS works with Arkansas partner to restore riverbanks and improve water quality March 30, 2026 Press Release USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Nebraska Impacted by Wildfire March 23, 2026 View More News View More Events Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Return to Top Policies and Statements FOIA Information Quality Our Performance Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Non-Discrimination Statement Related Sites USDA.gov Office of the Inspector General USA.gov WhiteHouse.gov Resources OneFPAC - Employee Links eDirectives Glossary No Fear Act Data Open Government Plain Writing Report Fraud on USDA Contract Sitemap Subscribe to our Newsletter Email Address