Principle 4: Natural floodplain functions and resources throughout the state need to be respected.
Effective state floodplain management programs recognize the additional effort needed to manage floodplain resources and functions and allow for the fact that not all flood loss reduction techniques account for natural functions and resources. Effective state programs take a holistic approach to floodplain management—one that moves beyond simply protecting people and property to one that recognizes the value of allowing floodplains to function naturally, and enjoying the benefits when they do. Effective states coordinate and integrate their goals and activities with the many other state (and federal, local, and private) programs, agencies, and departments whose activities affect floodplain function, some of which are:
- Control of sediment and erosion
- Storage and conveyance of flood waters
- Protection of water quality, wetlands, aquifer recharge, and open space
- Management of coastal areas, shorelines, overall growth, and storm water
- Preservation of wild and scenic rivers, and rare and endangered species and habitat
- Preservation of cultural resources and agricultural lands
- Opportunity for public recreation
Note: The table and figure numbers found below follow the order of those in the full 2025 FPM Assessment report [.pdf] and may not be sequential. Tables can be sorted by clicking on column headings. If tables and/or charts do not load, try refreshing the page.
Principle 4 Highlights
Question 70. Programs/activities to encourage identification, protection, or restoration of flood-prone areas
- When asked about non-regulatory programs and activities they operate or authorize to encourage protection or restoration of natural resources in flood-prone areas, the most commonly reported activities were habitat preservation/protection (83%) and public information programs (80%) (Question 70, Figure P4.1).
Figure P4.1. Results for Question 70 – Not including regulatory requirements, does your state operate or authorize the following programs or activities to encourage identification, protection, or restoration of the natural values or resources of flood prone areas?
Question 71. Protection or enhancement programs for floodplain functions or resources
- Wetlands (89%), riparian habitat or vegetation (86%), and recreation opportunities (86%) were most commonly reported as protected or enhanced floodplain functions by responding states (Question 71, Figure P4.2).
Figure P4.2. Results for Question 71 – Are the following floodplain functions or resources the focus of protection or enhancement programs in your state?
Questions 75-76. State promotion of green infrastructure
- A strong majority (75%) of respondents promoted some form of green infrastructure in their state or territory (Question 75. This was down from 83% in 2017.
- In a follow-up question, nearly all responding states (96%) shared that they provide technical assistance or guidance on green infrastructure (Figure P4.5).
Figure P4.5. Results for Question 76 – How does your state promote green infrastructure?
Question 77. Tax incentives for floodplain land conservation/preservation or restoration
- Farmland preservation tax breaks (48% of responding states) and forest preservation tax breaks (43%) are the most common tax incentives states offer to conserve, preserve, or restore floodplain lands (Question 77, Table P4.1).
- The least common is a tax return check-off for endangered resource protection (15%).
Table P4.1. Results for Question 77 – Does your state have the following tax incentives to conserve, preserve or restore floodplain lands, including coastal and lakeshore areas, to their natural state or to donate them to public open space use?
Question 78. Legal techniques applied to flood-prone lands
- The most commonly used legal techniques by responding states (Question 78, Figure P4.6) since 2017 to conserve, preserve, or restore natural floodplain functions or resources are land acquisitions (70%) and easements (64%).
Figure P4.6. Results for Question 78 – Since 2017, besides tax incentives, has your state used the following legal techniques to conserve, preserve or restore natural floodplain functions or resources?
Continue to Principle 5 Highlights
Principle 1 | Principle 2 | Principle 3 | Principle 4 | Principle 5
Principle 6 | Principle 7 | Principle 8 | Principle 9 | Principle 10