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The Small Watershed Program in California - PL 83-566 and PL 73-534The USDA's Small Watershed Program assists local organizations in conducting watershed surveys and investigations, and in planning and installing structural and land treatment measures for watershed protection and flood prevention. In California, the Watershed Planning and Engineering staffs are responsible for implementation of these programs. The watershed is the unit of landscape and framework around which to think together about the land and its role in peoples' lives. The lessons learned through the implementation of PL 78-534 and PL 83-566 - the ability to work with private landowners and communities to plan and install conservation measures on a watershed scale - forms the foundation upon which locally-led conservation is built and supported by NRCS. BackgroundUSDA's Small Watershed Program was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, Public Law 78-534, and the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954, Public Law 83-566. The original program, PL 78-534, was established for 11 selected watersheds throughout the country, including the Los Angeles River and Santa Ynez River in California. The subsequent legislation, PL 83-566, was passed to expand the program to all of the nation's watersheds. USDA's Small Watershed Program has three general purposes: 1) preventing damage from erosion, floodwater and sediment, 2) furthering the conservation development, utilization, and disposal of water, and 3) further the conservation and proper utilization of land. The program applies to watersheds 250,000 acres and smaller. At least 20 percent of any project benefits must related directly to agriculture, including rural communities. A local sponsoring organization is needed to carry out, maintain, and operate works of improvement. The program has two main components, each of which is funded separately: 1) watershed surveys and planning; and 2) watershed and flood prevention operations and construction. Status of the Program in CaliforniaThe Small Watershed Program in California has been used primarily for flood control, agricultural water management, and watershed protection work. There are 30 completed watershed projects in California and 15 operational projects. About 30 watersheds are currently receiving technical assistance for local planning activities. From 1978 through 2002, over $100 million was spent in California under PL83-566 operations to install conservation measures. During this same time period, over $120 million was spent in 45 counties in California under Emergency Watershed Protection to provide emergency flood and fire repair work. In fiscal year 2002, California received PL83-566 annual appropriations of $950,000 for watershed planning, $1,390,000 for technical assistance, and $3,351, 136 for installing practices. Current Brochure and MapsClick on the images below to view full size printable copies of the brochure (11 x 17 in.) and maps (8.5 x 11 in.).
Project BenefitsFlood ControlThe flood control purpose of the program has been used extensively in
California to help local communities address flooding problems.
Agricultural Water ManagementWater is critical to California agriculture, both in terms of quantity and
quality. The Small Watershed Program has assisted California farmers with
installing irrigation and drainage systems to improve water management and
protect water quality. Watershed ProtectionProjects are being planned in California, using the Small Water program, with
the primary purpose of watershed protection. These projects address
erosion and sedimentation, water quality, fisheries enhancement, riparian area
enhancement, and nutrient management.
Project Planning ProcessUsing the Small Watershed Program, NRCS provides technical specialist from
different natural resource and social science disciplines to assist local groups
and project sponsors with planning and installing structures, and land
treatment practices. Contacts Luana Kiger, Acting Director Charles K. Davis |
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