Benefits of Rapid Watershed Assessment

While these rapid assessments provide less detail and analysis than full-blown studies and plans, they do provide the benefits of NRCS locally-led planning in less time and at a reduced cost. The benefits include:

• Quick and inexpensive plans for setting priorities and taking action
   
• Providing a level of detail that is sufficient for identifying actions that can be taken with no further watershed-level studies or analyses
• Actions to be taken may require further Federal or State permits or ESA or NEPA analysis but these activities are part of standard requirements for use of best management practices (BMPs) and conservation systems
   
• Identifying where further detailed analyses or watershed studies are needed
   
• Plans address multiple objectives and concerns of landowners and communities
   
• Plans are based on established partnerships at the local and state levels
   
• Plans enable landowners and communities to decide on the best mix of NRCS programs that will meet their goals
   
• Plans include the full array of conservation program tools (i.e. cost-share practices, easements, technical assistance)