Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP)

Overview

The Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program provides assistance to local citizens, communities, and agencies of local government to restore damaged land and water resources as a result of natural disasters. The most common application in West Virginia is eliminating threats to life and property by clearing blockages from streams and stabilizing critically eroding streambanks following major floods. West Virginia has a high susceptibility to these types of threats due to its steep topography and concentration of housing and other development along streams.
Joint efforts of the West Virginia Conservation Agency, Conservation Districts, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service provide timely response to disasters and efficient use of both state and local resources. The Conservation Partnership can provide both financial and technical assistance in completing these emergency measures.

2006 Accomplishments

For the first time in many years, West Virginia avoided the widespread flooding that triggers EWP implementation. The welcome reprieve allowed the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to complete all work from previous events and meet with Local Sponsoring Organizations to improve response procedures.

< Back to 2006 Annual Report