Benefits

Reduced Flood Damages

• Stormwater storage projects to hold back stormwater during flood events
• Floodplain conservation to protect natural flood storage and conveyance areas
• Public-private partnerships to increase flood storage.

Improving Water Quality

• Preservation and enhancements of stream buffers to filter stormwater
• Protection of streams and lakes through use of wetlands to filter sediments and pollutants
• Projects to restore degraded stream channels
• Grasslands and buffer strips in upland parks or open space to help filter pollutants from stormwater runoff

Recreation and Education

• Playing fields in low-lying areas that double as flood storage areas during large storms
• Water-oriented recreation opportunities
• Trails within stream buffers to connect parks and neighborhoods
• "Outdoor classrooms" and environmental education opportunities
• Bird watching and other passive recreation opportunities

Natural Areas and Greenspace

• Conservation of greenspaces that contribute to a high quality of life
• Protection of habitat