Helping Property Owners Assess and Mitigate Flood Risks

New “Living in the Floodplain” Brochure Available, March 2007

One of the goals of floodplain management is to minimize property damage and the loss of life caused by floods. This is done by explaining the benefits of preserving floodplains for carrying and storing floodwaters and encouraging property owners to mitigate any flood risks by elevating, relocating or otherwise floodproofing their structures. The new DNR brochure Living in the Floodplain: What You Need to Know – Who You Need to Know (DNR Pub-WT-851 2006) is another method for assisting current and future property owners in assessing and mitigating their flood risks.

Living in the Floodplain was developed to provide a single source publication on the general requirements regarding development in the floodplain. The brochure contains information on the value of undeveloped floodplains, development standards for new construction and existing (nonconforming) structures and flood insurance. It also contains information on who to contact at the community level as well as at the DNR and FEMA.

The brochure’s audience is the general public, property owners, realtors, insurance agents, lenders and community officials. It was produced with assistance from the Wisconsin Realtors Association and the Wisconsin Counties Association. Copies will be made available through local building and zoning officials, realtors and the DNR. To order, contact DNR’s Bureau of Watershed Management at 608-267-7694.