Wildfires, especially those caused by human activity, can take a tragic toll on the people and landscape affected. In California the wildfire season is typically followed by the rainy season presenting hazards such as flooding, erosion and more to the already fire- damaged watersheds and the...
Contact NRCS About Assistance
NRCS assistance is accessed through one of California's 55 local offices. To locate an office, search the office locator at the bottom of this page. Go to the USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool for additional assistance.
Learn about USDA disaster assistance programs that might be right for you by completing five simple steps.
Wildfires, especially those caused by human activity, can take a tragic toll on the people and landscape affected. In California the wildfire season is typically followed by the rainy season presenting hazards such as flooding, erosion and more to the already fire- damaged watersheds and the people who live in them.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal non-regulatory agency that can work with partners and landowners to assess and possibly mitigate damages following wildfires.
NRCS may also be able to assist impacted landowners and communities with technical information to help them return damaged watersheds to normal functioning. NRCS conservationists may be able to offer advice on preventing erosion, covering and protecting exposed soil, directing water away from vulnerable areas and more.
One program available through NRCS is the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). This program is designed to help people reduce imminent hazards to life and property. All projects undertaken through EWP are done in conjunction with a sponsor, such as a city, state, county or other eligible party. It is not intended to assist individuals. EWP can pay up to 75 percent of the cost of emergency measures. Typical work includes removing debris from stream channels, culverts and bridge abutments; reshaping and protecting eroding banks; correcting damaged drainage facilities; repairing levees; or reseeding a damaged area.
Additional Resources
Videos
- CAL FIRE's Post-Wildfire Efforts Help Reduce Hazards to Life and Property (3:02 min.)
- NRCS' Assessing Fire Damaged Landscapes (5:37 min.)
- NRCS' Waterways on Fire Damaged Landscapes (3:43 min.)
- NRCS' Advice to Landowners on Fire-affected Properties (2:43 min.)
- USDA Wildfire Recovery Financial Assistance Training (1.01.46 hrs.)
- North Bay Fire Recovery Technical Training (2:39:10 hrs.)
- Fire Damaged Landscapes Playlist (5 videos)