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Watershed Surveys and Planning

Watershed Surveys and Planning Program

Introduction

The Watershed Surveys and Planning Program is authorized by the Watershed and Flood Prevention Act, P.L. 83-566, August 4, 1954 (16 U.S.C. 1001-1008). Before 1996, watershed project planning and the cooperative river basin surveys and investigations authorized by Section 6 of the Watershed and Flood Prevention Act, P.L. 83-566 were operated as separate programs. The Fiscal Year 1996 Agriculture Appropriations Act combined the activities into a single program entitled the Watershed Surveys and Planning Program.

The Watershed Surveys and Planning Program authorizes NRCS to cooperate with Federal, State, and local agencies and Tribal governments to protect watersheds from damage caused by:

  • erosion

  • floodwater

  • sediment

  • conserve and develop water and land resources

Resource concerns the program addresses include:

  • water quality

  • opportunities for water conservation

  • wetland and water storage capacity

  • agricultural drought problems

  • rural development

  • municipal and industrial water needs

  • upstream flood damages

  • wildlife and fisheries

Surveys and plans identify solutions using land treatment, structural and nonstructural measures to solve resource problems. Plans include:

  • watershed plans

  • cooperative river basin studies

  • floodplain management studies

  • flood insurance studies

  • interagency coordination

  • program formulation

Additional Information

National Watershed Program Manual and Handbook

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Program Contact

Kenneth Lee
ASTC Programs
(501) 301-3165