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Why floodplains are beneficial
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Floodplains are nature's own disaster control. The area along creeks and rivers is designed to hold floodwater that spills over the top. Wetlands store excess floodwater and let it slowly drain into the creeks. In the process, the wetlands filter out pollutants like sediment, excess nutrients and some harmful chemicals.
Floodplains provide habitat for wildlife and are well-suited for greenways for recreation and enjoying nature.
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How we managed floodplains before 1990:
- Removed trees and other vegetation
- Straightened stream paths
- Lined stream banks with rock (rip rap)
- Focused only on flood control
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How we manage floodplains now:
Preserve/replace vegetation
Restore natural meanders of streams
Only use rip rap at edge of stream
Acquire floodplain property through a voluntary buy-out program that leverages grant money to remove structures at highest risk of repeated flood damage
Focus on reducing flood losses, erosion control, filtering out pollutants, and providing habitat for aquatic life and wildlife
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