Public Law-566 Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This program offers financial and technical assistance to address resource concerns related to watersheds and flood prevention. Applications are accepted year-round, with a specific ranking date for current cycle funding.

# Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service A **. gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. # Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture 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 * Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns * 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.

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 * 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.

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.

* 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. * 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.

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. 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. 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 * 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.

* 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. 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 * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Featured ### Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance 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 * Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns * 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.

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 * 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.

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.

* 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. * 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.

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. 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. 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 * 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.

* 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. 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 * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials * Field Office Technical Guides * Conservation Practice Standards * How to Get a DUNS Number * National Soil Survey Handbook * Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions * Soil Texture Calculator * Official Soil Series Descriptions * SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata * Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports * Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Featured ### Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance # Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program 2.

Programs & Initiatives 3. Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program helps units of federal, state, local and federally recognized tribal governments (project sponsors) protect and restore watersheds.

### FEATURED WFPO PROJECT ### RUSSELL CREEK RESERVOIR - MULTIPURPOSE PROJECT") #### _Sponsor: Etowah Water and Sewer Authority_ USDA NRCS invests $68 million in upgrades to an existing flood control dam for drought control, flood protection and water supply. The new reservoir will increase water supply for rural and farming communities in Dawson County, Georgia.

Construction of the reservoir began April 17, 2025 and will take three years to complete with an additional year to fill to capacity.

### Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program The **WFPO program** provides technical and financial assistance to States, local governments and Tribal organizations to help plan and implement authorized watershed projects for the purpose of: * Public Fish and Wildlife * Agricultural Water Management * Municipal and Industrial Water Supply * Water Quality Management - Watershed Projects ≤ 250,000 acres - Agricultural benefits, including rural communities, must be ≥ 20% of the total benefits for the project.

### **Locally Led Watershed Solutions** Watershed conservation projects are planned and carried out jointly by local, state, and federal agencies with the support of community landowners and citizens in the watershed. Communities identify resource problems to be addressed, practices to be installed, and carry out major portions of a watershed plan, such as obtaining easements, rights of ways, permits and local cost-share funding.

**All Watershed Program projects must have a****local sponsor**that can act as the fiscal agent, provide project management and oversight throughout the different phases of construction, implementation, and project lifespan. _Learn more_ about sponsor eligibility...

Project sponsors initiate a request for assistance thru their local NRCS office to develop a preliminary feasibility study (PIFR) which helps communities consider sustainable solutions to address watershed resource concerns. After a feasibility study is conducted, a watershed plan is chosen, reviewed, approved and authorized.

Once authorized, projects sponsors gain access to NRCS's financial and technical resources to help implement their plan. _**An approved watershed plan must be in place prior to initiation of any corrective land treatment or structural solutions**_**. **Project sponsors then help landowners carry out the authorized watershed conservation measures.

## WFPO Program Resources ### NRCS State Watershed Program Managers Contact your local NRCS Watershed Program manager for assistance:### Watershed Programs - Sponsor Eligibility Roles and responsibilities for Watershed Programs Sponsors.

### Current Watershed Project Plans Watershed planning involves a nine-step process that ensures all resources, natural and cultural, wildlife and habitat, are protected in the concept stage of any conservation project.

### National Watershed Program Manual and Handbook The National Watershed Program Manual provides policy, guidance and suggestions for working through the various stages of watershed projects, from working with potential sponsors to providing project rehabilitation…### Watershed Program Resources for Contractors Resources for contractors working with sponsors on NRCS Watershed Program projects * WFPO Sponsor Request for Assistance * Watershed Programs Sponsor Guide * NRCS WFPO Fact Sheet 2021 Looking for information on sponsor eligibility?

### Watershed and Flood Prevention Act Program governance - Public Law 83-566 Discover the incredible work WFPO performs across the nation ### National Water Management Center **Bringing the landscape together: Local community goals and watershed scale planning solutions. ** The National Water Management Center (NWMC), located in Little Rock, Arkansas, serves as a focal point for water resources information exchange.

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. ## Related News and Events Success Story ### Celebrating James Demby, P.

E. - 2026 NRCS Federal Engineer of the Year Nominee February 25, 2026 Press Release ### Public meetings are scheduled to gain input on the Draft Watershed Plan-Environmental Impact Statement for the Milk River and St.

Mary River Watersheds February 17, 2026 Success Story ### Russell Creek Reservoir – Dawson County, Georgia December 03, 2025 Meeting ### Avíso de Vista Pública: Mejoras a la Cantidad y Calidad de Agua en el Distrito de Irrigación de Isabela May 6, 2026, 6:00-7:30pm # Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture * Non-Discrimination Statement * OneFPAC - Employee Links * Report Fraud on USDA Contract")