Hurricane Helene EWP & StRAP Site Assessment Tool
Site Assessment App
StRAP and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) provide resources and funding for stream repair projects following natural disasters.
The NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation (DSWC), in conjunction with NRCS and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, has developed an EWP & StRAP Site Assessment App to simplify and automate the EWP and/or StRAP site reporting process. The goal is to facilitate EWP applications for current and future disasters and to accommodate StRAP site assessment and applications. Users can currently use the app in the field or office to record all data required for the EWP Field Data Report (FDR) and Damage Survey Report (DSR). Sites not accepted for EWP funding may be automatically considered for StRAP funding. Learn more about StRAP.
NRCS Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program
The Emergency Watershed Protection Program is a federal watershed recovery program aimed to protect lives and imminently threatened structures in or along waterways. You can read more about the program on the North Carolina EWP Program website.
For more information, contact:
Steven Porson, StRAP GIS Specialist
Work To Date
In late July, staff from across the state came together to help assess damage from Hurricane Helene and complete site assessments for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). 55 people from Soil & Water Conservation Districts, NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Natural Resources Conservation Council, and other groups spent 5 days working in Watauga, Avery, Yancey, and McDowell counties. We assessed 107 different sites, with over 71 sites identified as potentially eligible for EWP. Streambank stabilization and stream restoration on these sites would benefit $86,905,008 worth of property, including homes, roads, bridges, utilities, water treatment plants, and commercial buildings. This week was an important push towards completing stream repair projects in the wake of Helene.
EWP/StRAP Tool Links
The app is supported by the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The EWP form is now publicly available for data submission. Download the Survey123 app on your phone, tablet, or computer, and scan the following QR codes (or use the links below) to begin.
EWP Survey Link- can be used to collect information on sites to be considered for EWP (or considered for both EWP and StRAP).
StRAP Survey Link - can be used to collect information on sites that will only be considered for StRAP (i.e., sites that are not eligible for EWP)
Additional Links:
EWP Dashboard - use to view photos from submitted sites
EWP Web Editing App v3 - use to edit previously submitted sites
The app is supported by the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Refer to the Installation pdfs and video tutorials below to get set up using the app. You will need an ArcGIS account with the appropriate permissions to use the app. Please contact the DSWC to get started. To access the Web Editor portion of the tool, find the EWP Surveys Web Editing App in ArcGIS Online account or use this link.
StRAP-only Site Assessments
If you are only submitting StRAP sites at this time and do not need access to the full tool, you can use the following Survey123 app to submit your sites. An ArcGIS account is not needed for StRAP-only submissions. Use this link to access the tool, or scan the QR code below.
Trainings & Support
Videos & Webinars
Survey123 Tutorial - EWP and StRAP Site Assessment
EWP & StRAP Site Assessment Tool Webinar- Recorded on June 5, 2025
This webinar, led by Steven Porson, included a brief presentation on the app’s background and goals, followed by a live demonstration on how to submit records and generate reports.
In-person Training Events
EWP Surge Week from July 28- August 1.
We’re calling all hands on deck for EWP Surge Week—a unique opportunity to take meaningful action in the wake of Hurricane Helene and help rebuild impacted communities in Western North Carolina through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. Lodging and meals are provided. Register here.
Monday: Hands-on Field Training. Gain real-time experience on an active site with feedback from experienced professionals.
Tuesday–Friday: Site Assessments. Work alongside peers and mentors to assess recovery sites and make progress on critical projects.
- Location: NC Forest Service Mountain Training Facility
- Address: 6065 Linville Falls Hwy, Newland, NC, south of Crossnore
- Date and time: Monday, July 28, 2025 through Friday, August 1, 2025
- Time: 8:30 am- 5:00 pm daily
- Organizer: Brandy Myers, (919) 707-3785, brandy.myers@ncagr.gov
To apply for funding through EWP or StRAP, please collect information on your potential sites using the Site Assessment App, and refer to the site specific information below:
EWP
- If you are a sponsor organization that has requested funding through EWP, collect site information using the Site Assessment App. NRCS will be in contact with you regarding next steps on submitting funding requests. For additional information, visit the EWP website.
StRAP
- StRAP is not currently accepting applications, but will begin an application cycle for Hurricane Helene-affected organizations in the near future.
- For the time being, you can begin collecting information on the sites you would like to have considered for StRAP funding using the Site Assessment App. Once the StRAP application period begins, a simple application form will be listed on the StRAP website. You will use this form to provide information on your organization, total amount of funds requested, and which sites submitted through the App you want considered as part of your application for StRAP funding.
- For more information on what projects are eligible for StRAP, visit the StRAP main page.