Wetland and Floodplain Restoration for Hazard Risk Reduction and Economic Outcomes -Assoc of State Wetland Managers invites you to join us for our members’ webinar:

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – 3:00-4:30 pm ET

REGISTER: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5779794386400564751

PRESENTERS:

▪ Patty Glick, Senior Scientist, National Wildlife Federation ▪ Brandon Parsons, Associate Director, Rivers of Puget Sound and Columbia Basin, American Rivers ▪ Jessie Ritter, Director of Water Resources and Coastal Policy, National Wildlife Federation

PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS:

Patty Glick and Jessie Ritter – This webinar will highlight some of the latest science on the effectiveness of wetlands, restored floodplains, and other natural infrastructure in lowering the risks to communities from weather- and climate-related hazards. As described in the newly-published report by the National Wildlife Federation and Allied World entitled The Protective Value of Nature, both model-based assessments and empirical evidence suggest that natural and nature-based approaches for hazard mitigation can be equally or more effective than conventional structural approaches, and they are often more cost-effective. Since healthy, intact wetlands and floodplains are often adapted to natural disturbances, they may have the capacity to withstand or recover from extreme events and adjust to ongoing environmental changes. Conventional structural approaches, on the other hand, often require ongoing maintenance, and may need costly repairs when they fail or are damaged. Further, working with nature brings additional benefits, including habitat for fish and wildlife and recreational opportunities. In addition to providing examples demonstrating the effectiveness of natural systems in reducing risks from flooding, storm surge, and other natural hazards, we will offer a number of key policy recommendations to advance the nation’s use of natural infrastructure as an essential element of community resilience.

Brandon Parsons – Primary barriers to floodplain restoration are often a lack of funding and available land. Decades of development along our rivers have reduced floodplain connectivity and disconnecting communities from their most valuable asset. Due to these fundamental land use changes, meaningful restoration cannot occur without increased room for rivers, proactive planning now and a change in how communities invest in their river corridors.

Restoring floodplain connectivity has proven to reduce flood risk, increase ecosystem services and has the potential to create high quality public space that can drive economic growth. Despite these benefits, arguments persist that conservation and restoration of riverside lands reduces community tax base and hinders economic growth.

This presentation will review the economic impact that communities around the country have received from investing in multibenefit projects along their river’s. Quantitative research from a national literature review and qualitative interviews with community leaders will showcase how restoration has impacted property values, development trends, and community tax revenue. This information will provide local practitioners, planners, floodplain managers and elected officials the tools they need to advocate for more multibenefit projects in their communities and understand the impact that specific project types (i.e. public park vs. wetland restoration) have on their environment and economies.