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<br />PREFACE <br /> <br />F loads have caused a greater loss of life and property, and have devastated more families and <br />communities in the United States than all other natural hazards combined, In the past, efforts to <br />reduce flood losses often relied on trying to control floodwaters, rather than encouraging people <br />to avoid flood hazard areas. Yet. despite the expenditure of billions of tax dollars for "flood- <br />control" structures such as dams. levees, and stream channelization, flood losses continued to rise. In <br />addition, this structural approach frequently had adverse impacts on the natural resources and ecological <br />integrity of our rivers and floodplains. In recent years many communities have come to recognize that the <br />floodplain environment is an important community asset and have taken the initiative to create greenways, <br />riverside parks, and other popular amenities. Significantly, protecting the natural resources and functions <br />of floodplains has proven to be effective in reducing flood losses as well. <br /> <br />In the last few years, state and local officials, planners, engineers, property owners, and others, have re- <br />quested information from Federal agencies on flood hazard mitigation methods that will preserve the integ- <br />rity of floodplain systems. In response, this guidebook was prepared for local officials. and other interested <br />citizens, to help in the development of a community action plan to protect and restore important floodplain <br />resources and functions. <br /> <br />Rivers and their floodplains are dynamic and complex natural systems that can provide important societal <br />benefits, both economic and environmental. By adapting to the natural phenomenon of flooding, rather <br />than trying to control floodwaters, we can reduce the loss of life and property, protect critical natural and <br />cultural resources, and contribute to the sustainable development of our communities. In towns and cities <br />across the nation, protecting and restoring floodplain resources will enhance the quality of life for this and <br />future generations into the 21st century, and beyond. <br /> <br />~JI-.A~ <br /> <br />John H. McShane, Acting Chair <br />Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force <br /> <br /> <br />... <br />