FLOOD09107 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Table 1 - Natural Resources and Functions of Floodplains. o Water Resources Natural Flood and ErUJion Control Provide flood storage and conveyance Reduce flood velocities Reduce peak flows Reduce sedimentation ~Vater Quality Maintenance Filter nutrients and impurities from runoff Process organic wastes Moderate temperature fluctuations Groundwater Recharge Promote infiltration and aquifer recharge Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows o BiologicalResources Biological Productivity Rich, alluvial soils promote vegetative growth Maintain biodiversity Maintain integrity of ecosystems Fish alld Wildlife Habitiats Provide breeding and feeding grounds Create and enhance waterfowl habitat Protect habitats for rare and endangered species. o Societal Resources Harvest afWild and Cultivated Products Enhance agricultural lands Provide sites for aquaculture Restore and enhance forest lands RecreationalOppartunites Provide areas for active and passive uses Provide open space Provide aesthetic pleasure Areas for Scientijlc Study and Outdoor Education Contain cultural resources (historic and archeological sites) Provide opportunities for environmental and other studies Adapted from: A Unified Program for Floodplain Afanagement, 1994. river's edge act to stabilize its banks. while fallen branches and root masses create aquatic microhabitats in the form of pools, breaks. and ripples. A stream itself can be a source of food and cover for wildlife, and the corridors themselves offer path\vays along \vhich birds, mammals. and fish can migrate. \Vetlands are particularly valuable as nesting and feeding areas for fish and waterfowl. Vegetation and Water ill the Floodplaill - While the type of vegetation inhabiting a riparian ecosystem is largely detennined by its hydrological conditions, the vegetation itself plays an important role in maintaining these very conditions. The interaction of .-rI