Volume 18 Issue 3                                                                                                 August 2019

• FEMA Flood Insurance Campaign Launched in Wisconsin
• Critical Facilities and Higher Floodplain Management Standards
• Wisconsin’s Hazard Mitigation Goals
• Fording Flood Waters Forum , Green Bay, WI
• DNR Returns to the Wisconsin State Fair!
• Training Opportunities
• Contact Information

FEMA Flood Insurance Campaign Launched in Wisconsin

It is the one-year anniversary of the 2018 Wisconsin flood, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are urging residents to invest in a flood insurance policy so that individuals and communities can recover faster and more fully after the next flood. FEMA is currently running radio and digital media campaigns in southwest Wisconsin through September 2019. Read More....

Critical Facilities and Higher Floodplain Management Standards

Critical facilities can be a lifeline to citizens of a community. Examples of critical facilities are emergency medical services, police stations, fire stations, medical facilities, schools and day care centers, power generating stations and other public utility facilities, critical vehicle and equipment storage facilities, and emergency operations centers. A slight chance of flooding can pose a threat to the ability of critical facilities to deliver services. Read More.....

This aerial photo of downtown La Valle from June 9, 2008, shows flood waters from the Baraboo River. The village fire station is at the center of the photo.  Photo Credit: The Wisconsin State Journal

Wisconsin’s Hazard Mitigation Goals

Millions of dollars are spent each year on disaster response and recovery. By undertaking hazard mitigation – activities which will reduce the impact of future disasters – state and local governments and tribal organizations can reduce these costs and minimize the impacts of potentially disastrous events. Hazard mitigation encourages the development of disaster resilient communities. Read More...

Fording Flood Waters Forum , Green Bay, WI

Congressman Mike Gallagher held a ‘Fording Flood Waters’ forum to start a conversation about flood concerns in our communities. Presentations were given by governmental agencies and non-profit organizations such as FEMA, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Department of Natural Resources, NOAA, National Weather Service, Wisconsin Wetlands Association, Association of State Floodplain Managers and UW Sea Grant.  Topics presented ranged from weather trends and impacts, recent floods and associated economic repercussions, flood risk mapping, identifying flood risks, communities building flood resiliency, flood insurance and much more. Read More...

DNR Returns to the Wisconsin State Fair!

Michelle Staff, DNR National Flood Insurance Program Coordinator, demonstrates the value of wetlands and floodplains to onlookers at the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.   Fairgoers observing the display, learned about how natural wetlands and floodplains protect communities and drinking water.  Wetlands and intact floodplains store water during rainfall events which minimizes flood water volume, slows flood flows, and filters pollutants. The display was a hit and enjoyed by young and old fairgoers. A special thank you to the Wisconsin Association of Floodplain, Stormwater and Coastal Managers for loaning the display to the DNR.

17th Annual WAFSCM Conference

October 23 – 25, 2019

Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center, Wausau, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Association for Floodplain, Stormwater, and Coastal Management (WAFSCM) is holding its 17th Annual Conference on October 23-25 at the Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center in Wausau. This year’s lineup includes workshops, speakers, and field tour. Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Education Credits (CECs) can be earned at the workshops, main conference, and tour. Scholarship opportunities are available again this year.

The first day of the conference will include the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) exam and a workshop, a networking social hour followed by our evening reception. Thursday will be the main conference with plenary and concurrent sessions throughout the day. Friday will consist of a field tour in the Wausau area.

As always, a dynamic group of professionals are coming together to share their experience in a variety of water ‐related issues from all sectors: local government leaders, community administrators, planning agencies, public works departments, developers, consultants, environmental groups, state and federal agencies and students.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn & Suites located at 1000 Imperial Ave in Rothschild, WI. The group discount rate will be held through September 23rd.

Register on-line at  https://wafscm.org/annual-conference/

Please feel free to contact one of the Conference Co-Chairs for additional information: Laura Rozumalski at lrozumalski@freshwatereng.com or Megan Bender at megan.bender@jacobs.com for more information.

Training Opportunities

FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT Workshop/Training Opportunity

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 -- WAFSCM Conference 2019 -- Central Wisconsin Convention & Expo Center, Rothschild, Wisconsin

Workshop Space is limited so reserve your spot today!!

Registration at https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/?eventid=2565850

Floodplain management is an important component for building flood resiliency in your community. Floodplain Management workshop covers the basic tenets of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the minimum administrative requirements to successfully implement a community floodplain management program. Participants will learn the fundamentals of individual and local responsibilities for managing flood risks and loss through proper permitting and planning. Topics covered include: NFIP Basics, Maps & Flood Insurance Studies, the Floodplain Manager's Role, and NFIP Compliance. This workshop is targeted for community officials, floodplain zoning administrators, surveyors, engineers, and other development professionals with the interest in basic floodplain management.

Contact Information

Find Your Dam Safety/Floodplain Engineer

"Floodplain and Shoreland Management Notes" is published by the WDNR, Bureau of Watershed Management. The purpose of the newsletter is to inform local zoning officials and others concerned about state and federal floodplain management, flood insurance, shoreland and wetland management, and dam safety issues. Comments or contributions are welcome. Please send comments to DNRFloodplain@Wisconsin.gov.

This newsletter is supported by funding through the FEMA Cooperative Agreement EMC-2018-CA-00015 as part of the Community Assistance Program-State Support Services Element of the National Flood Insurance Program. The contents do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the federal government.