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Caloosahatchee River Tributary

Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program

The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program helps units of federal, state, local and federally recognized tribal governments (project sponsors) protect and restore watersheds.

Mallard Ducklings

AUGUST 2024 - FEATURED WFPO PROJECT

LITTLE OTTER CREEK

Caldwell County, Missouri

Sponsor: Caldwell County Commission and Caldwell County Soil and Water Conservation District

The reservoir will provide a source of drinking water to communities in Caldwell County (pop. 9,424) and surrounding areas, providing flood control along with recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, biking, and wildlife habitat. The 345-acre reservoir will supply 1.24 million gallons of drinking water per day.

Construction Phase - Construction will be completed in the Spring 2025.

 

Great Blue Heron

Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program

OVERVIEW

The WFPO program provides technical and financial assistance to States, local governments and Tribal organizations to help plan and implement authorized watershed projects for the purpose of:

  • Flood Prevention
  • Watershed Protection
  • Public Recreation
  • Public Fish and Wildlife
  • Agricultural Water Management
  • Municipal and Industrial Water Supply
  • Water Quality Management

 

watershed water lake shore

WFPO Project Criteria

   - Public sponsorship

   - Watershed Projects ≤ 250,000 acres

   - Agricultural benefits, including rural communities, must be ≥ 20% of the total benefits for the project.

Sponsor Guide thumbnail

Locally Led Watershed Solutions

Watershed conservation projects are planned and carried out jointly by local, state, and federal agencies with the support of community landowners and citizens in the watershed. Communities identify resource problems to be addressed, practices to be installed, and carry out major portions of a watershed plan, such as obtaining easements, rights of ways, permits and local cost-share funding. All Watershed Program projects must have a local sponsor that can act as the fiscal agent, provide project management and oversight throughout the different phases of construction, implementation, and project lifespan. Learn more about sponsor eligibility...

Project sponsors initiate a request for assistance thru their local NRCS office to develop a preliminary feasibility study (PIFR) which helps communities consider sustainable climate resilient solutions to address watershed resource concerns. After a feasibility study is conducted, a watershed plan is chosen, reviewed, approved and authorized. Once authorized, projects sponsors gain access to NRCS's financial and technical resources to help implement their plan. An approved watershed plan must be in place prior to initiation of any corrective land treatment or structural solutions. Project sponsors then help landowners carry out the authorized watershed conservation measures.

Watershed OPS Fact Sheet
WFPO Fact Sheet

WFPO Resources

Ready to get started?

Contact your local service center to start your application.

Find Your Local Service Center

USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.