The purpose of the various water resource programs in Indiana is to assist local government sponsors, and associated private constituents, to protect, restore and enhance local watersheds. Specifically, we assist our local partners in protecting their natural resources from damage caused by floodwaters, erosion and sediment deposition. We also help them to conserve and develop their land and water resources before and after major storm events occur in order to solve natural resource and related economic problems on a watershed basis. The various watershed programs provide technical and financial assistance to project sponsors and local residents. The programs build partnerships across all relevant federal, state and local agencies, and private citizens and citizen groups.
Watershed Assistance
Assistance may be provided in authorized watershed projects to install conservation practices and project measures (works of improvement) throughout the watershed project area. The planned works of improvement are described in watershed project plans and are normally scheduled to be installed over multiple years. All works of improvement, including floodwater retarding dams and reservoirs, are owned and operated by the sponsoring local organizations and participating individuals.
The Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program provides technical and financial assistance to States, local governments and Tribes (project sponsors) to plan and implement authorized watershed project plans for the purpose of:
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watershed protection
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flood mitigation
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water quality improvements
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soil erosion reduction
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rural, municipal and industrial water supply
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irrigation
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water management
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sediment control
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fish and wildlife enhancement
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hydropower
Under the Watershed Program NRCS cooperates with States and local agencies to carry out works of improvement for soil conservation and for other purposes including flood prevention; conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and conservation and proper utilization of land.
Locally Led Program
Project sponsors are provided assistance in installing planned land treatment measures when plans are approved. Surveys and investigations are made and detailed designs, specifications, and engineering cost estimates are prepared for construction of structural measures. Areas where sponsors need to obtain land rights, easements, and rights-of-way are delineated. Technical assistance is also furnished to landowners and operators to accelerate planning and application of needed conservation measures on their individual land units.
Watershed Resources
Contact Information
For more information about Indiana NRCS Watersheds, please contact Mike Cox at: 317-295-5853.
