Why Protect Floodplains?

When we construct buildings in the floodplain we reduce the floodplain's storage capacity, causing the next flood of equal intensity to crest even higher than the last.

There are consequences to development of our floodplains. Mark Van Putten, President of the National Wildlife Federation, provides the following perspective on floodplain development:

The past 60 years provide ample testament to the error of treating rivers, floodplains and floods as forces to be conquered. All too often we've seen rivers straightjacketed into concrete chutes and floodplains transformed into suburbs. Unfortunately, nature's reminders that we are not its master too often produce more flood victims, more damaged property and ever more costly disaster relief and rebuilding obligations assumed by the federal government."

Floodplain Functions

Floodplains are valuable areas. A 1994 federal report looked at the important roles which floodplains play in our communities:

Water Resources

Natural Flood & Erosion Control

Floodplains...

• Provide areas where floodwaters are stored
• Reduce flood velocities - giving us more time to react to floods
• Reduce flood peaks
• Reduce sedimentation

Water Quality Maintenance

Floodplains...

• Filter nutrients and impurities from runoff
• Process organic wastes
• Help to moderate temperature fluctuations

Ground Water Recharge

Floodplains...

• Promote infiltration and recharge of the aquifer
• Slowly release water to reduce infrequency and duration of low surface flows

Biological Resources

Fish & Wildlife Habitat

Floodplains....

• Provide breeding and feeding grounds
• Create & enhance waterfowl habitat
• Protect habitat for rare and endangered species

For more information, contact:

Gary Heinrichs
Floodplain Planning Program Manager
(608) 266-3093.