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BRIEFING PAPER FOR DECISIONMAKERS Multi-objective Hazard Mitigation Management Planning Workshop Vermillion River Basin, South Dakota Following widespread flooding in 1993, the TLC Water Project District in the Vermillion River Basin in South Dakota submitted a pre-application notification for a hazard mitigation grant for a "Feasibility Study of Flood Control Alternatives" for the 2,185-square-mile basin. This is about 25% of the total area declared a Presidential disaster area in the state. The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program of the National Park Service (NPS) and the Mitigation Division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) were at the same time discussing ways that the two agencies could work in partnership with others to reduce or eliminate the long- term risk to human life and property from hazards. Discussions were held with the South Dakota Division of Emergency Management and the TLC Water Project District and all parties agreed to explore multi-objective strategies for hazard mitigation in the Basin. These strategies are called multi-objective because they address a wide range of com- munity concerns and objectives such as natural hazards, economic sustainability, water quality, open space, wildlife habi- tat, outdoor recreation, and cultural values. A planning workshop was proposed as a means of developing a plan for the area in an intensive, effective, and time-efficient manner. On January 13, 1994, the South Dakota Division of Emergency Management chaired a meeting attended by FEMA Region VIII and the RTCA Program of the National Park Service at which representatives from declared Presidential disaster areas in South Dakota were present to answer questions about the proposed workshop and to determine local interest in receiving help with the development of a Multi-objective Hazard Mitigation Management (MOHMM) plan. Strong interest in a plan for the Vermillion River Basin was expressed by representatives from throughout the Basin and by US. Representative Tim Johnson's office. This area was selected as the planning workshop site and for the develop- ment of a MOHMM plan. Specific interests and/or concerns identified at the January 13 meeting that the plan should address for the Basin included: . flood control (both flash and long-term flooding) . erosion (sheet and fluvial) . standing water for fishing and duck habitat . debris deposition (primarily trees and sediment) . identifiable stream channel in Lake County . recreational opportunities . consideration of long-term domestic water supply needs .