Floodplain Mapping

Floodplain Zoning, Insurance, Mitigation, and Comprehensive Plans all require Floodplain Maps. In the past, these maps were produced by FEMA and distributed on paper. FEMA is implementing a map modernization initiative to upgrade the map development process in which the maps would be created and distributed in a GIS format.

The floodplain management program at the DNR has scanned the existing paper maps and geo-registered them. They are displayed on our web interactive maps and can be overlayed on top of Air Photos or Topographic Maps. In addition, Engineering Input Models and Flood Insurance Study text can be downloaded here.

Request for Bids Closed

90-Day Appeal and Comment Period

During the 90-day appeal period, community officials or property owners may formally object to the information shown on the Preliminary DFIRM or FIS report.

What is an Appeal?

Refuting the proposed BFEs by submitting data to show that the BFEs are scientifically or technically incorrect (submission of a new hydrologic or hydraulic model). Appeals must follow the process outlined in 44 CFR 67

What is a Comment?

An objection to the Preliminary DFIRM and FIS report that does not involve the proposed BFEs. Comments will generally involve changes to floodplain boundary delineations, corporate limits, and roads.

Appeals and Comments can be referenced in Part 67 of the NFIP Regulations.

How do I submit one of these?

Submittals received during the 90-day appeal period will be reviewed to determine if they are appeals or comments. All appeals and comments should come through the community first and the community should review each one to determine if they support the information being submitted. The community should then forward all appeals and comments to CDM c/o Michael Grasso, 125 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60606. All letters should specifically state whether you are submitting an appeal or a comment, clearly detail the issue, and state how you would like it resolved. In addition, appeals must follow the process outlined in 44 CFR 67

At the end of the 90 day period, all requests will be evaluated and responded to. Map changes will be reflected in the final maps.

For more information on appeals and comments, see

"Appeals and Protests to NFIP, an excerpt from A GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY OFFICIALS" [FEMA, Dec 1993, PDF 95KB].

30-Day Comment Period

In cases where there are no changes to Base Flood Elevations in a County, a 30-day comment period will apply rather than a 90-day appeal period. This period will start shortly after the Public Open House and close 30 days later. Communities will be notified when this period opens through certified letter. Please follow the same submittal process as identified above.

Public Open House Schedule

Representatives from the DNR and FEMA will be hosting a Flood Risk Information Open House at the following times and locations to provide the public with an opportunity to review and discuss the recently released Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). All public Open House meetings will begin at 6:00pm and continue until all questions are answered.

Rusk County
Wednesday May 28, 2008
Rusk County Community Library
Bloedow Room
418 W. Corbett Avenue
Ladysmith, WI
NOTE: To access the meeting room, please enter from the south side (lake side) of the library and use the downstairs doors. There is plenty of free parking in the area.

Wisconsin Counties Project Status

View a table showing the Wisconsin Counties Project Status [PDF 14KB].

New Floodplain FTP Access

Click here for information on our new system for accessing the Floodplain FTP portal.

General Information

• Frequently Asked Questions about the Map Modernization Process [DNR, Dec 2006, PDF 46KB]
• Information about Letters of Map Amendment (LOMA) [exit DNR]
• Presentation from Local Officials Open House Meeting [DNR/FEMA, Apr 2007, PDF 1.8MB]
• Presentation from Public Open House Meeting [DNR/FEMA, Apr 2007, PDF 1.6MB]
• Wisconsin Map Modernization Business Plan for FY08 [DNR, May 2008, PDF 85.1MB]
• The Multi-Year Flood Hazard Identification Plan [exit DNR]
• FEMA Map Service Center [exit DNR]
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Height Modernization Project [WiDOT, PDF 537KB] is an initiative to update benchmarks throughout the state. Vertical control is important to the Flood Map Modernization Initiative.
• Map Modernization Information from FEMA [exit DNR]

Locally Derived Elevation Data Availability