USDA Conservation programs

Water Quality and Management Research Programs is a main category for many smaller research projects such as natural resources and sustained agricultural system. Their National Programs include Water Availability and Watershed Management, Climate Change, Soils, and Emissions Bioenergy, Agricultural and Industrial Byproducts, Pasture, Forage and Rangeland Systems, and Agricultural System Competitiveness and Sustainability.

Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems National Programs support researchers developing the technologies and strategies needed to help farmers, ranchers, and other managers effectively steward the diverse agricultural mosaic spread across the nation. From livestock grazing expansive natural western rangelands, to crops grown in the rich Midwestern Heartland and the Southern States regions, to the high-value produce that comes from the valleys and plains along both coasts, these diverse landscapes generate more than $200-billion in goods and services that are the basis of a strong rural economy. Emphasis is given to developing technologies that are economical to use and systems that support profitable production and enhance the Nation's vast renewable natural resource base. Research priorities are identified through a continual dialogue with a wide range of customers and stakeholders to ensure that their science is relevant and provides effective solutions to their concerns. They address issues affecting both private and public lands, because together these are the foundation of a healthy and vibrant agricultural industry that not only provides food, feed, fiber, and renewable energy to the nation, but also abundant and high quality supplies of fresh water and clean air, as well as healthy ecosystems (USDA 2011).

Water Quality Information Center (WQIC) provides electronic access to information on water quality and agriculture. The center collects, organizes, and communicates the scientific findings, educational methodologies, and public policy issues related to water quality and agriculture. For example, The Electronic Publications Database offers 1,900 online documents covering water and agriculture from decision-making technology, irrigation, laws and regulations, nutrient management, and pollution (USDA 2011).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) administers the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, 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 program is designed to help people and conserve natural resources by relieving imminent hazards to life and property caused by floods, fires, wind­storms, and other natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program. All projects undertaken, with the exception of the pur­chase of floodplain easements, must have a project sponsor.

NRCS may bear up to 75 percent of the construction cost of emergency measures. The remaining 25 per­cent must come from local sources and can be in the form of cash or in-kind services. Funding is subject to Congressional approval.

Their purpose is to remove debris from stream channels, road culverts, and bridges, reshape and protect eroded banks, correct damaged drainage facilities, establish cover on critically eroding lands, repair levees and structures, and repair conservation practices (USDA 2011).

References:

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2011. Emergency watershed protection (EWP) program. 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2011. Natural resources and sustainable agricultural systems. 

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 2011. Water quality information center.