Integrated Floodplain Management (IFM) – Assessing Nationwide Protections; Improving Resilience
Tyler Sammis
Floodplain Restoration Director, Southeast
American Rivers
Fort Mill, SC
Floodplains are among the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet and provide a myriad of benefits to human societies including flood reduction, groundwater storage, water purification, as well as nutrient and sediment retention. However, the ubiquitous practices of flood protection, flow stabilization, and land conversion continue to threaten the existence and functions supported by floodplains. Recent analysis of the nation’s floodplains by American Rivers and Conservation Science Partners revealed that 90% of floodplains in the contiguous U.S. are subject to some degree of compromised connectivity and/or habitat alteration, and only 15% of floodplains are protected from future alteration.
Increasing flooding combined with ambitious national and international 30x30 conservation targets call for strengthened protection and restoration of our nation's floodplains. A more coordinated approach to floodplain management has demonstrated simultaneous reductions in flood damage and improved ecosystem functionality along riparian corridors. State and federal programs that utilize these Integrated Floodplain Management strategies generate projects that leverage collaborative efforts, widen the distribution of socio-economic benefits, and ultimately increase flood resilience and investment return.
This presentation explores the value that healthy floodplains have to rivers and communities. It will introduce and describe Integrated Floodplain Management (IFM), review the recently completed National Floodplain Assessment, and describe how the implementation of IFM policies alongside tools like American Rivers’ new Floodplains Explorer align the goals of community and ecosystem protection through better flood management.
About Tyler Sammis
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