Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations Program

The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Program helps units of federal, state, local and tribal of government (project sponsors) protect and restore watersheds up to 250,000 acres. This program provides for cooperation between the Federal government and the states and their political subdivisions to work together to prevent erosion; floodwater and sediment damage; to further the conservation development, use and disposal of water; and to further the conservation and proper use of land in authorized watersheds. NRCS works with local groups to plan, design and install watershed projects that help prevent floods, protect watersheds, improve agricultural water management, and enhance wildlife habitat. 

Statutory and regulatory criteria include: 1) Public sponsorship, 2) Watershed Projects up to 250,000 acres, and 3) Benefits that are directly related to agriculture, including rural communities, must be at least 20% of the total benefits for the project.

With climate change precipitation timing and quantity is expected to change in many areas as well as wildland fires, both can affect flooding, water quality, and erosion. The NRCS program aims to improve watersheds to help prevent floods, protect watersheds, improve agricultural water management, and enhance wildlife habitat, all of which may be affected by changes in climate.