Watershed Planning is done in cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This is often part of Public Law 83-566 (as amended) - Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act (1954) projects. PL-566 projects are initiated by local communities through the districts and must be approved by the North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission. (map of project sites)

Major objectives of this program in NC include reducing flood damages and erosion/sediment damages and improving water quality and agricultural water management. Watershed planning involves hydrology, engineering designs, ecological effects and economic evaluations.

The Technical Services section also provides similar assistance for other resource management projects for districts and other local units of government.