Focus: Resilience

FLOODPLAINS BY DESIGN

Sometimes, working with nature is easier than working against it. Incorporating this thinking into floodplain restoration, some organizations across the country like Floodplains by Design are working with communities to remove levees, allowing space for rivers to flood in a safe and more natural manner.

When done appropriately, floodplain restoration can save lives, property, and restore wildlife habitat. On the Manastash Creek near Ellensburg, Washington, flooding regularly damages roads and buildings. Their plan to improve the floodplain, ultimately improving the resilience of the area, includes purchasing a conversation easement to discourage further development in the highest risk area, as well as removing two diversion dams that will open up 25 miles of habitat for salmon.

Learn more at www.floodplainsbydesign.org

Source: ASCE Game Changers