FLOOD01766

• County: Statewide
• Title: Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your Watershed
• Date: 1/1/1996
• Prepared For: EPA
• Prepared By: Association of State Floodplain Managers
• Floodplain - Doc Type: Educational/Technical/Reference Information

f
;

,
I

.

.

· The Nature Conservancy
· The Land Trust Alliance
· Neighborhood associations
· Conservation and outdoor groups (e.g., Izaak Walton League,
Audubon Society, Boy and Girl Scouts) , .
., HUIlting and fIShing organizations (e.g., Ducks Unlimited, Trout.
Unlimited)
· Recreationarbusinesses (e.g., marinas, sporting goods stores).

Fish and Wildlife

Preserving open space and restoring wetlands are prime goals of supporters of fish
and wildlife. Setting development back from streams, wetlands, and shorelines
protects important habitats and keeps damage-prone activities out of the most
hazardous parts of the floodplain.
Fish and wildlife interest groups are very concerned about water quality
and quantity. Watershed management practices that improve the quality of
stormwater renoff can also control the amount of the runoff. Erosion management
means cleaner water downstream and less sediment to fill in channels. Fish and
wildlife .advocates are also concerned about minimum flows. that are needed for
fish and other aquatic animals.

Opportunities

,
The following are ways to protect fish and wildlife habitats and simultaneously
reduce flood losses:

· Planning and zoning-Setting aside appropriate areas for habitats in the
floodplain and the rest of the watershed can reduce the adverse impacts of
development on stormwater runoff and flooding.

· Open space preservation-Acquiring wetlands and other natural areas and
requiring setbacks along streams and around lakes prevent hazard-prone
development and can also preserve places for watershed storage.

· Watershed management-8tormwater detention basins, best management
practices, erosion and sediment control measures, contour plowing, and
no-till farming all enhance water quality and reduce runoff. With careful
design and management, these measures can enhance natural flows.

· Wetlands protection-Wetlands are vital habitats for many species and
can be very effective and inexpensive storage basins.

· Drainage system maintenance-0ften the most effective and least
expensive drainageway is a natural one rather than a human-made ditch
that must be constantly maintained.

27