We’ve compiled basic information about biological, physical, and other natural and social systems that affect floodplains. In addition, each chapter contains a case history to illustrate lessons learned about floodplain management. We hope you enjoy and benefit from it.
This subject is constantly evolving because of changes in our natural and social environments. Our book raises many questions and we invite you visit our web site at www.floodsnewapproaches.com and share case studies or projects that help advance the practice of floodplain management.
Thank you, Bob Freitag, Susan Bolton, Frank Westerlund and Julie Clark
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“Rivers will do what rivers do.”
Floodplain Management: A New Approach to a New Era outlines a new paradigm for flood management, one that emphasizes cost-effective, long-term success by integrating physical and biological systems with our societal capabilities. It describes our present flood management practices, which are often based on dam or levee projects that do not incorporate the latest understandings about river processes. And it suggests that a better solution is to work with the natural tendencies of the river: retreat from the floodplain by preventing future development (and sometimes even removing existing structures); accommodate the effects of floodwaters with building practices; and protect assets with nonstructural measures if possible, and with large structural projects only if absolutely necessary.
