NRCS
RI & NRCS Partnerships
Partnering with NRCS to Deliver Stream Restoration That Works
Resource Institute partners with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to deliver impactful stream restoration projects that benefit landowners, protect agricultural land, and improve water quality. Through programs like EQIP and RCPP, we connect agriculture producers with the resources and expertise needed to turn restoration and stabilization goals into completed projects.
Programs We Work With
Federal Programs That Power Local Projects
EQIP – Environmental Quality Incentives Program
Helps landowners address natural resource concerns on working lands through technical and financial assistance.
RCPP – Regional Conservation Partnership Program
A partner-led program that blends public and private funding to tackle resource challenges at the watershed or landscape scale.
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How Resource Institute Makes It Work
We coordinate efforts across federal, state, and local partners to streamline project delivery and overcome barriers. Our role includes:
- Securing match funding from state partners, including managing the contracts associated with state funds
- Contracting with NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs)
- Assisting with regulatory permitting
- Overseeing construction and certification
- Managing agreements with Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) and landowners
Our team increases the capacity of the local field office to assist producers and get more conservation on the ground
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Results in Action
114 Projects. 166 Landowners. Real Results.
By blending federal funds like EQIP orand RCPP funds with state and local support, RI has:
- Stabilized streambanks and reduced erosion
- Restored water quality and flood resilience
- Protected farmland and farm access roads
- Planted tens of thousands of native trees and live stakes
“We don’t just apply for funding—we bring the team together to get the job done.”
RESOURCE INSTITUTE PROJECTS
Resource Institute works with local partners to deliver stream, river, and wetland restoration projects that improve water quality, reduce flood risk, and support productive land use. Every project is different, but each one delivers real results for people and the land on which they depend.
Click below to explore our work and its impact across the region.
Crab Creek Stream Restoration Project
Crab Creek French Broad WatershedHenderson County, Hendersonville, NCStatus: Completed 2023 Stream Restored: ~1,100 feetPlanting Stats: 2,180 live stakes and 390 trees Carbon Sequestration - 20.1 tons in 10 yearsSediment Reduction - 125 tons Resource Institute’s...
Line Creek Stream Restoration Project
Line Creek French Broad Watershed, Mills RiverHenderson County, Hendersonville, NCStatus: Completed 2023 Stream Restored: ~1,050 feetPlanting Stats: 2,000 live stakes and 290 trees Carbon Sequestration - 17 tons in 10 yearsSediment Reduction - 88 tons Resource...
Boyston Creek Stream Restoration Project
Boyston Creek French Broad Watershed, Mills RiverHenderson County, Hendersonville, NCStatus: Completed 2023 Stream Restored: ~3,650 feetPlanting Stats: 7,240 (live stakes), 1,256 (trees)Carbon Sequestration: 32.1 tonsSediment Reduction: 220 tons Resource...
Lewis Creek Stream Restoration Project
Lewis Creek French Broad WatershedHenderson County, Hendersonville, NCStatus: Completed 2023 Stream Restored: ~3,020 feetPlanting Stats: 3,900 lives takes & 2,600 trees Carbon Sequestration - 85.1 tons (over 10 years)Sediment Reduction: 180 tons Resource Institute’s...
Nantahala River & Black Creek Stream Restoration Project
Nantahala River & Black Creek Little Tennessee WatershedMacon County, Hendersonville, NCStatus: Completed 2023 Stream Restored: ~2,843 feetPlanting Stats: 5,639 live stakes, 979 treesCarbon Sequestration 50.3 tons Soil Erosion Reduction 180 tons Resource Institute’s...
Webb Creek Stream Restoration Project
Webb Creek Webbs Creek Broad River WatershedRutherford County, Lake Lure, NCStatus: CompleteStream Restored: ~1,125 feetPlanting Stats: 2,228 livestakes & 386 treesCarbon Sequestration: 20.5 tonsSediment Reduction: 340 tons Resource Institute’s Partners:...
Unnamed Tributary Ararat River Stream Restoration Project
UT Ararat RiverArarat River WatershedDobson, Surry, NCStatus: CompleteStream Restored: ~709Planting Stats: 1,406 livestakes & 244 treesCarbon Sequestration: 13 tonsSediment Reduction: 13.8 tons Resource Institute’s Partners: USDA-NRCS North Carolina Land & Water...
GET INVOLVED
Are You a Landowner or SWCD Interested in Restoration?
We’d love to help you explore opportunities through EQIP and/or RCPP. Contact us to learn how we can work together.