The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) supports projects that help reduce flooding, restore streams, and protect the integrity of drainage infrastructure across North Carolina’s waterways.
Projects eligible for StRAP funding include:
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Vegetative debris removal
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Streambank stabilization
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In-stream sediment removal
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Stream restoration
We are currently accepting applications for StRAP 2025. To apply, please download the form below and email it to wilkesswcd@gmail.com or mail/drop off at the Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District office (Mon. - Fri., 8am - 5pm) at 416 Executive Drive, Suite A, Wilkesboro, NC 28697.
The deadline to apply has been extended to December 1st, 2025.
Click the PDF to download and apply:
Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP): Previous work
The Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program (StRAP) provides funding for projects that help reduce flooding and restore streams across North Carolina. The program was created by the NC General Assembly, which approved $38 million in funding for StRAP for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Wilkes County was awarded the maximum funding amount of $500,000 to conduct projects that would help reduce flooding and restore streams within the county.
The Yadkin River Project
The Yadkin River stretches across Wilkes County and has become a popular place for recreational activities like kayaking, tubing, and fishing. As locals know, the Yadkin River can be a dangerous place due to fallen trees and hidden snags throughout popular kayaking and tubing routes. In September 2022, the Wilkes Soil & Water Conservation District teamed up with the Wilkes Rescue Squad to remove hazardous debris and make the Yadkin a safer place for people to enjoy. The debris along the Yadkin River is not only a risk to recreational users, but it also increases potential flood risk. By having stream flow blocked or restricted, water may back up and rise above the banks, flooding the surrounding areas. By removing those blockages, we can help direct water downstream and lower the chances of flooding.
If you want to follow along with our progress with StRAP and the Yadkin River Project, follow us on social media.
4,257 TONS
of Debris Removed.
37,230 FEET
of the Yadkin River Cleaned.
News Center
Read below some of the news stories and articles surrounding the StRAP program and the Yadkin River. Receive updates on the progress of the project on our social media accounts.
Yadkin River Project Partners
Meet our amazing team of hardworking people who have banded together to better their community.
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Wilkes Rescue Squad
Aside from saving lives and dealing with emergencies, the Wilkes Rescue Squad served our community by removing dangerous debris from the Yadkin River.
Brown Land & Cattle Co.
Owner and operator, Josh Brown, took time out of his busy schedule to help haul debris once removed from the Yadkin.
Local Government
The County of Wilkes, Town of Wilkesboro, Town of North Wilkesboro, Town of Ronda, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were active supporters of this project.
Attention!
EWP assessments are currently underway. Please contact our office with any questions.
Emergency Watershed Protection Program
Through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program, the Wilkes Soil and Water Conservation District can help address watershed impairments following a natural disaster. This program funds bank stabilization and vegetative debris removal when stream impacts threaten life or structures.
Where Does Funding Come From?
EWP is funded by the federal government following a declared natural disaster. Wilkes SWCD is in the process of applying for funding following Hurricane Helene.
Assessments for EWP are currently underway. Please contact our office if you have questions about this or other programs.
NOTE: It can take 3 years or longer before Wilkes SWCD is awarded with EWP funds following a major storm event.
What can I do about storm-related stream impacts?
If you have stream-related storm damage that threatens life or property (structures or infrastructure), please reach out to our office at (336) 838-3622 ext. 3 to ask about this and other programs.