EWP Projects (NRCS’ Emergency Watershed Protection Program)

A completed EWP project along a reach of stream in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This stream was impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018.

Post Construction

A completed EWP project along a reach of stream in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This stream was impacted by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018.

Sediment removal on a stream damaged by a significant storm event in Hoke County, North Carolina.

Sediment Removal

Sediment removal on a stream damaged by a significant storm event in Hoke County, North Carolina.

Resource Institute implemented a stream restoration project as part of an EWP project in Surry County, North Carolina.

Stream Restoration

Resource Institute implemented a stream restoration project as part of an EWP project in Surry County, North Carolina.

A reach of stream in Surry County, NC damaged by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018. This photo was taken prior to the EWP recovery project.

Pre-Construction

A reach of stream in Surry County, NC damaged by Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018. This photo was taken prior to the EWP recovery project.

USDA NRCS administers the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP), which responds to emergencies created by natural disasters. It is not necessary for a national emergency to be declared for an area to be eligible for assistance. The EWP Program is a recovery effort aimed at relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters.

Partners:

Since 2020, Resource Institute has assisted 3 counties through the EWP program.

  • Hoke County

  • Forsyth County

  • Surry County

Resource Concern/Issues:

These counties had streams and communities that were damaged by significant storm events such as Hurricane Florence. RI assisted these counties with debris & sediment removal (unclogging waterways) and stabilizing streambanks to minimize erosion to a “pre-storm” condition.  In the end, all EWP projects reduce threats to life and property, and are economically, environmentally, and socially defensible and technically sound.