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Figure 12 - A,;riculture is a si{:/Jiticanr and important land w;e illllwll)'.tloo(Jplains. \vater, and destroys the diversity and habitats for which these areas are recognized. In general, it is important to recognize that there must be a balance between the need for some floodplain occupancy and the tremendous benefits to be gained from maintaining naturally functioning floodplains. Agriculture - While agricultural land uses do not impede the absorption of floodwaters as urban development does, agriculture can present other problems for floodplain re- sources. Fertilizers and pesticides associated with farming are major sources of non point pollution of waterways. Erosion from poorly managed agricultural operations can cause excessive sedimentation in streams. The removal of vegetation along stream and river banks compounds these problems by eliminating valuable filtration functions. Recreation and Open Space - Parks or recreation areas are one type of land use that is generally considered to be quite compatible with the healthy functioning of floodplain ecosystems. A tremendous variety of recreational activities can occur along rivers and streams. A simple trail provides an opportunity for hiking, jogging. cycling, or horse- back riding, as well as increasing accessibility ofthe waterway to birdwatchers, photog- raphers, and beachcombers. A more ambitious recreation plan might include provisions for water-based activities such as s\'vimming, boating. and canoeing. \Vell-planned pic- nic or camping areas may encourage \vaterfront use by families, and some waterways and wetlands may be ideal for fishing or hunting waterfowl. If recreational land uses are planned for the floodplain, it is wise to layout a strategy carefully and to recognize the needs of different recreational groups. For example, swim- ming and powerboating in a narrow waterway might not be compatible activities, while pollution may detract from water recreation possibilities altogether. \oVetlands may have particular value in performing natural floodplain functions, and are better suited to trails or waterfowl hunting than to picnicking. A good starting point is to take an inventory of existing recreation patterns for a waterway and of floodplain features that are unused but have potential. \Vhen planning for recreational uses of floodplains, it is important to design areas in ways that minimize potential damage. Heavy recreational use of riparian areas can destroy vegetation, thus reducing its \vaterquality maintenance functions. Tram- pling off-trail vegetation can also lead to disruptions that reduce diversity of plant and animal Ii fe. Aesthetic Resources - Scenic vistas can enrich the quality of life in any community, and are quite likely to be found overlooking waterways. Such areas make excellent targets for floodplain natural resource management plans. Existing or potential scenic areas can be identified easily with input from the public, who are most familiar with a community's special landscapes. Cultural Resources - The centuries-old tendency of humans to settle near waterways has resulted in many historic structures and archeological sites along rivers and streams. Protecting these artifacts of our heritage may be an important part of a floodplain protec- tion strategy. Greenways - Greenways are linear parks or corridors of open space that may extend across many communities. They embody a strategy for keeping riverside areas largely undeveloped while providing recreational, cultural. and aesthetic resources. These chains of green may be dotted with nature centers. historic structures or other semi-open-space land uses, in addition to parks and \vild areas \vith native vegetation. Greenways can help to protect long stretches of floodplain ecosystems, and serve as migration corridors for wildlife. .-a