How Wisconsin is Turning the Tides on Flood Risks with Nature
The Takeaway: Community leaders in Ashland County, Wisconsin are harnessing the power of wetlands and floodplains, using funding from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to restore these natural resources and mitigate flooding risks.
Imagine stepping outside, only to find your neighborhood is now a river. Sadly, for many in Ashland County, Wisconsin, this isn’t just a nightmare—it’s the harsh reality after years of extreme rainfall. Roads have been washed away, homes damaged, and habitats for local wildlife compromised. But what if there was a way to prevent this damage before it occurs? This question is driving action in the local community, where leaders are turning their focus to the wetlands and floodplains that could serve as nature’s own safety net.
The Importance of Wetlands and Floodplains
Wetlands and floodplains once acted as natural buffers, absorbing excess water and filtering harmful pollutants before they made their way into rivers and lakes. They’re remarkably efficient at storing water, but over time, human activities have degraded these precious ecosystems. In many instances, these areas have become fragmented, limiting their ability to function effectively. Ashland County recognizes that restoring these wetlands could play a crucial role in reducing future flood damages and improving the quality of water within the region.
A Collaborative Effort: Funding and Community Involvement
To tackle these pressing issues, local partners banded together to secure funding through the EPA-administered Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Their goal? To evaluate the water flow in the Marengo River watershed, which had suffered from years of impairment. But they didn’t stop at just research; community engagement was a vital part of their strategy. Residents were actively involved throughout the project, sharing their insights and concerns. This collaborative approach is key in building a solution that truly meets the needs of those it affects.
The results of their hard work are impressive. An extensive assessment ranked the area’s stream segments and wetlands based on their potential to reduce flood hazards and improve aquatic habitats. More than just numbers, this assessment serves as a roadmap for future restoration projects, illustrating how to prioritize areas that will yield the best outcomes for flood risk reduction.
Creating an Online Resource Hub
In an era where information is at our fingertips, the project leaders created an online resource hub. This hub serves a dual purpose: it shares the project’s findings with the community and provides tools for planning and prioritizing flood risk reduction efforts. Residents can easily access data, explore potential mitigation actions, and even conduct benefit-cost analyses necessary for applying for future funding.
Final report cover image. Credit: Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Learning from Experience: Replicating Success
The achievements of the Ashland County initiative aren’t just a local success story. They’re also valuable lessons for other flood-prone areas around the Great Lakes region. With additional funding from NOAA, the Northwest Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with the Wisconsin Wetlands Association, is set to replicate this methodology in four other watersheds in Wisconsin by 2025. It’s a testament to the idea that what works for one community can be adapted and applied to others facing similar challenges.
The Road Ahead: Why This Matters
As we continue to grapple with the realities of climate change and extreme weather patterns, initiatives like this in Wisconsin are crucial. They offer a proactive approach to addressing flood risks while simultaneously preserving natural habitats. The restoration of wetlands and floodplains not only aids in flood mitigation but also promotes biodiversity, nurtures water quality, and enhances recreational opportunities for communities.
For residents in Ashland County, this initiative isn’t just a project; it’s a lifeline—a way to protect their homes and livelihoods from the mounting pressures of nature. It symbolizes hope amid uncertainty, demonstrating that thoughtful action can lead to powerful change.
Conclusion: The Power of Nature in Our Hands
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel small against the might of nature. But as this story highlights, we have the capabilities to not only adapt but to harness nature itself to our advantage. By recognizing the vital role that wetlands and floodplains play, and investing in their restoration, communities can safeguard their futures. And as more areas adopt similar strategies, we may just see a shift in how we manage our environment—a shift towards understanding that we must coexist with nature, rather than fight against it.
For anyone looking to learn more about flood management or explore community-specific actions, the online hub created for this initiative is a solid starting point. The lessons learned in Ashland County could very well inspire action in communities far beyond Wisconsin’s borders.
Additional Information: Marengo Restoration Flood Science
Partners: The Association of State Floodplain Managers, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Northwest Regional Planning Commission.
