Emergency Watershed Protection Program

NRCS Fairbanks District Conservationist Jim Helm surveys erosion along the Steese Highway  11 miles north of Central, Alaska.

NRCS TO AID IN WILDFIRE RECOVERY EFFORTS

Agriculture Secretary Announces $500,000 for Emergency Watershed Program

PALMER, September 1, 2004 – A wildfire’s aftermath includes more than burned trees and scorched earth. By clearing vegetation from thousands of acres, a fire can destabilize stream and river banks and diminish the land’s ability to absorb water. Erosion, mudslides and sediment can threaten life, property and drinking water. In Alaska’s interior, the exposure of the topsoil can result in permafrost melt compounding erosion potential.

To help abate and repair watershed damage, NRCS Alaska will provide $500,000 in assistance to communities and tribal governments through its Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP).

EWP provides financial and technical assistance to remove debris and prevent damage to streams, protect destabilized stream banks, establish cover on critically eroding lands, repair conservation practices, and purchase flood plain easements.

“Right now our priority is to complete an assessment of the damage,” said Alaska State Conservationist Shirley Gammon. “The smoke and fire are making it difficult to access some areas, so we anticipate it will take several weeks to get a thorough report on the extent of the watershed impacts and identify potential projects and partners.”

Communities or other potential EWP sponsors can call NRCS at 907-761-7757 for up-to-date information.

EWP Fact Sheet Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Program Contact

Assistant State Conservationist - Programs
(907) 761-7757