Protect Natural Floodplain Functions

Floodplains play a valuable role in providing natural and beneficial functions in areas around and within Story County. Floodplains that are relatively undisturbed provide a wide range of benefits to both human and natural systems. These benefits provide aesthetic pleasure as well as function to provide active processes such as filtering nutrients.

Our floodplains contain historic and archaeological sites that provide opportunities for education and study. They enhance waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife habitats and provide feeding/breeding grounds. Floodplains also provide natural erosion control and open space so that further flooding damage does not occur.

Protection of Natural Resources

Story County adopted a comprehensive plan called the C2C Plan - From Cornerstone to Capstone. One of the elements addressed in the plan includes environmental and natural resources. Currently, Story County Conservation (SCC) manages over 3,500 acres of parks and natural areas for outdoor recreation and takes an active role in developing and managing wildlife habitats throughout the county, including assistance to private landowners. SCC also oversees the Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program. Please visit SCC's website for more information about their programs and opportunities for involvement.

Watershed Assessments

In early 2017, the Board of Supervisors brought on a consulting firm to develop countywide watershed assessments throughout Story County. Looking at watersheds at the smaller level – technically, the Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 10 and 12 watershed levels – we are developing a comprehensive assessment that identifies watershed-specific goals and develops implementation strategies addressing education, outreach, and water quality improvement goals.

Story County is leading the state as the first county to look at watersheds at the county-wide level. We hope this project helps define the health of our watersheds. The final report for the Watershed Assessments can be viewed here (PDF).

Map Tool Links:

Protection/Restoration

ACPF (Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework) Analysis

Resources and Publications

Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Position Paper: Natural and Beneficial Floodplain Functions: Floodplain Management—More than Flood Loss Reduction (PDF)

You can find more information on the FloodSmart website, the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program.