Small Watershed Program Benefits

In California, the Small Watershed Program has resulted in a number of benefits:

• Flood Control
• Agricultural Water Management
• Watershed Protection
• Project Planning Process

Flood Control

The flood control purpose of the program has been used extensively in California to help local communities address flooding problems.  Because of the degree of seismic activity in California and the associated dam safety issues, the program has been used to install small detention basins and channels rather than large, water holding reservoirs.  As a result, there are about 30 dam structures built in California under the Small Watershed Program.  Most of these were built with the primary purpose of flood control and are being operated and maintained by local flood control districts, most of whom have adequate resources for this responsibility.

The monetary benefits of California's projects have exceeded the costs of construction and, in addition, have provided significant non-monetary benefits to surrounding communities.  These benefits include creation of wetland areas and the associated wildlife habitat; recreation areas; and community open space and green space in areas that are experiencing heavy urban development pressures.  Other benefits are reduced flood threats and the associated benefits to human welfare; increased housing and land values; new aesthetic standards for structures and development in certain watersheds; and overall community well-being.

Flood control work today is typically broader in scope than simply controlling floods.  Plans are developed that address multiple objectives, thereby producing integrated alternatives and solutions.  Californians are still interested in reducing flood damages, but they are taking a closer look at ecological solutions.  NRCS is working with other agencies to provide local groups with facilitation and technical assistance to understand the trade-offs associated with their decisions.

Completed Flood Control Projects

(27 of the 30 completed watershed projects)

Operational Flood Control Projects

(11 of the 15 operational project)

Agricultural Water Management

Water is critical to California agriculture, both in terms of quantity and quality.  The Small Watershed Program has assisted California farmers with installing irrigation and drainage systems to improve water management and protect water quality.

Completed Agricultural Water Management Projects

Watershed Protection

Projects are being planned in California, using the Small Watershed Program, with the primary purpose of watershed protection.  These projects address erosion and sedimentation, water quality, fisheries enhancement, riparian area enhancement, and nutrient management.

Operational Watershed Protection Projects

Project Planning Process

Using the Small Watershed Program, NRCS provides technical specialists from different natural resource and social science disciplines to assist local groups and project sponsors with planning and installing structures, and land treatment practices.  In California, the Watershed Planning Services staff supports District Conservationists in the Project Planning Process.

Some of the planning is done with the specific intent of providing PL 83-566 implementation or construction funding.  The first step in the PL 83-566 process is to work with your local NRCS office.  The next step is to submit form SF-424, the application for federal assistance.  Subsequent actions include forming a local steering committee, and complying with the rules of the NRCS and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Other plans are developed to be program neutral.  This means that implementation funding can come from other sources.  Program neutral plans follow a process which is more flexible than PL 83-566.  It is a problem-solving process that allows groups to plan for multiple objectives and multiple resource issues.  It is inclusive and relies on the many stakeholders and other participants to assure that the plan is holistic and comprehensive.

To receive specific information about the NRCS Small Watershed Program in your area, contact your local NRCS District Conservationist.

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