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NRCS outlines Emergency Watershed Protection process as county weighs sponsorship after Lee and Elk fires
Summary
Todd Bolt, a Natural Resources Conservation Service official, explained the Emergency Watershed Protection program and the county’s potential sponsor responsibilities after the Lee and Elk fires, including a 75% federal/25% sponsor cost split and a 60‑day window to request assistance.
Todd Bolt, a Natural Resources Conservation Service official, explained the EWP program to the Rio Blanco County commissioners and staff and described the county’s role if it becomes a sponsor after the Lee and Elk fires.
Bolt said the EWP program is designed to “relieve imminent hazards to life and property caused by a watershed impairment,” including post‑fire erosion, sedimentation and flood risk. He told the board that a local unit of government must request assistance in writing to the state conservationist (Clint Evans) and that the request should happen within 60 days of when access to affected areas is available for damage assessment.
The request starts a damage survey report process in which NRCS and county personnel assess damaged sites, estimate costs and prepare a priority list. Bolt said NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to address issues…
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