COLUMBUS, OH, OH, December 22, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications from landowners in the Western Lake Erie Basin (see attached map for eligible area) interested in Emergency Watershed Protection Program – Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE).  The Flood Plain Easement program enables landowners whose property is frequently flooded to remove it from production.  Applications for EWPP-FPE are taken on a continuous basis. The deadline to receive fiscal year 2026 funding is January 23, 2026.

Floodplain easements offer vital recovery options for local communities to help reduce hazards to life and property caused by major storms by restoring and protecting a floodplain’s natural hydrology and native vegetation. Increased floodplain storage also offers water quality benefits such as reduced sediment and nutrient loading. 

Find Ohio’s program information on the Ohio NRCS Floodplain Easement webpage or contact Christopher Eidson at Christopher.Eidson@usda.gov. To learn more about other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or contact your local USDA Service Center.