USBR WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program 2026 (R26AS00349)
Program Summary
Competitive WaterSMART funding for watershed groups to form, build capacity, and plan and design collaborative watershed restoration and management projects.
Full Description
The Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) provides funding to watershed groups to bring diverse stakeholders together to develop local solutions to water management needs. Phase I funds watershed group development and watershed restoration planning: applicants may develop bylaws and a mission statement, conduct stakeholder outreach, build a watershed restoration plan, and complete watershed management project design. Phase I awards are up to $100,000 per year for up to three years with no non-Federal cost-share required. Implementation of on-the-ground watershed management projects is currently funded through Reclamation's Enhancing Water Resources Projects opportunity. The FY2026 Phase I round (R26AS00349) closes October 7, 2026 (round 1). Note: WaterSMART programs are generally limited to Reclamation's 17 western states; eastern applicants should confirm eligibility before applying.
Key Details
Eligible Applicants
Watershed groups (self-sustaining, non-regulatory, consensus-based stakeholder groups including private landowners, nonprofits, and Federal/state/local agencies and tribes). WaterSMART is generally limited to Reclamation's 17 western states.
Geographic Focus
Western U.S. (Reclamation states)
Funding Amount
Up to $100,000/year for up to 3 years (Phase I); no non-Federal cost-share required
Contact
Irene Hoiby, Bureau of Reclamation, 303-445-3575, ihoiby@usbr.gov
