SOLUTIONS
Approaches and strategies for reducing flood risk, including infrastructure planning and nature-based solutions.
Green Infrastructure
Wetland Protection
& Restoration
Design approaches that use natural systems, such as rain gardens, permeable surfaces, and green roofs, to absorb and slow runoff.
Examples
-
U.S. EPA – Green Infrastructure
https://www.epa.gov/green-infrastructure -
American Rivers – Green Infrastructure Solutions
https://www.americanrivers.org
Michigan Context
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Michigan EGLE – Green Stormwater Infrastructure
https://www.michigan.gov/egle
(State-supported guidance for stormwater and runoff reduction)
Protecting and restoring wetlands to store excess water, reduce peak flows, and limit flood extent during heavy rainfall events.
Examples
-
U.S. EPA – Wetlands and Flood Control
https://www.epa.gov/wetlands -
Ducks Unlimited – Wetlands and Flood Mitigation
Michigan Context
-
Michigan Wetlands Protection Program (EGLE)
https://www.michigan.gov/egle -
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI)
https://www.glri.us
Land Use
& Urban Planning
Early Warning
& Monitoring
Planning strategies that reduce flood risk by managing development in flood-prone areas and preserving natural drainage patterns.
Examples
-
FEMA – Floodplain Management
https://www.fema.gov/floodplain-management -
American Planning Association – Flood-Resilient Planning
https://www.planning.org
Michigan Context
-
Michigan Hazard Mitigation Plan
https://www.michigan.gov/msp -
Local floodplain ordinances guided by FEMA standards
Flood forecasting, monitoring systems, and alert mechanisms that help communities prepare for and respond to flood events.
Examples
-
NOAA National Weather Service – Flood Warnings
https://www.weather.gov -
USGS Flood Monitoring
https://waterdata.usgs.gov
Michigan Context
-
USGS Michigan Stream Gages
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mi -
NWS Michigan River Forecasts