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<br /> <br />creative local application of existing federal, state and private programs to achieve <br />local goals. They also identify sources of technical information which are essential to <br />effective management programs, and explain the importance of continued monitoring <br />and stewardship. <br /> <br />Some excellent examples of floodplain management programs have emerged at the <br />local level. A number of communities have taken great initiative, utilizing public par- <br />ticipation to define local objectives and tapping into available resources in state and <br />federal programs. The Case Studies at the end of the guidebook illustrate the variety of <br />approaches that can be taken to avoid future problems in floodplains and show how to <br />take advantage of the assets that rivers and streams can offer to a community. Finally, <br />the References direct readers to additional sources of information and support for com- <br />munities that accept the challenge to protect these vitally important resource. <br /> <br />A Brief History of Floodplain and Natural Resources Management <br /> <br />Throughout history. people have settled next to waterways because of the advantages they <br />offer in transportation, commerce, energy, water supply, soil fertility, and even waste dis- <br />posal. Many major cities are located along rivers, and even the smallest community is likely <br />to be near a creek or stream. In spite of these benefits, however, aUf historic attraction to <br />settling along rivers and streams is not \vithout its drawbacks. Human uses of floodplains are <br />associated with dangers both to humans and to the natural functions of the riparian or flood- <br />plain environment. Loss of property and degradation of critical wildlife habitats are just two <br />of the threats posed by civilization at the water's edge. <br /> <br />Community planning is often a complex balancing act. On one hand. planners often try to <br />dedicate a certain amount of open space for natural areas and passive recreation, or habitats <br />for wildlife. On the other hand, planners also must be aware of the need to limit or avoid <br />development in sensitive areas like wetlands. These objectives often intersect in natural flood- <br />plain areas, which are likely to harbor more wetlands. greater wildlife diversity, and higher <br />scenic values, and yet are under a more intense threat of flood losses than any other area <br />within a community. It makes sense, then, to consider combining these objectives by focus- <br />ing careful attention on the wise and creative use of floodplain lands. <br /> <br />Unfortunately, the wisdom of such an approach can be difficult to recognize because in <br />many communities, distinct organizations are often responsible for parts of the goals <br />mentioned above. For example, agencies in charge of parks. recreation, or stormwater <br />management may operate at the municipal level, while separate state or federal agencies <br />address wetland permitting, wildlife protection, and flood insurance issues. Private en- <br />vironmental education organizations or environmental groups may be particularly con- <br />cerned about a rare species, scenic beauty, or recreational experiences. Each of these <br />agencies or groups has a different primary goal, yet their interests are more closely <br />related than they may suspect because their common ground is the floodplain. Often, <br />however, the existing processes do not afford them the opportunity to discuss their in- <br />terests, share their knowledge. and plan together; hence. valuable collaborative energy <br />is untapped. <br /> <br />In order to understand some alternative strategies that can be employed in managing <br />resources in floodplains, it is essential that we become acquainted with the history of <br />floodplain and natural resource management, especially in recent decades. Figure 2 il- <br />lustrates the evolution of this need for the coordination and integration of strategies for <br />managing floodplain natural resources. Although the time lines present an overview of <br />the federal programs and agencies charged with managing the hazards and resources <br />associated with river corridors throughout U.S. history, the chronology also tells the <br />story of our evolving understanding of these dynamic systems. <br /> <br />..... <br /> <br />Figure la & lb - Floodpwins are noted for <br />their significantly variable character, both <br />between different river systems and from <br />seO.wn to season on the same watercourse... <br /> <br /> <br />