Natural Floodplain Functions

Natural & Beneficial Functions of the Floodplain

Wetland areas and buffer areas adjacent to open spaces help reduce flood damage because floodwaters in a natural floodplain are permitted to spread over a large area and open spaces provide flood water storage. It is our job to help preserve natural areas. These natural areas also filter nutrients and impurities from stormwater runoff and promote infiltration and aquifer recharge. By preserving natural areas, fish and wildlife habitats are protected to provide breeding and feeding grounds. The Village of Wellington is proud to have approximately 6,000 acres of open space in the Special Flood Hazard Area.

Water Resources

Natural Food & Erosion Control

View the purposes of the Natural Flood and Erosion Control:

• Provide flood storage and conveyance
• Reduce flood velocities
• Reduce peak flows
• Reduce sedimentation

Water Quality Maintenance

The purposes listed help with the filtering of nutrients and impurities from runoff

• Moderate temperature fluctuations
• Process organic wastes

Groundwater Recharge

• Promote infiltration and aquifer recharge
• Reduce frequency and duration of low surface flows

Biological Resources

Biological Productivity

The following lists the functions of Biological Productivity:

• Maintain biodiversity
• Maintain integrity of ecosystems
• Promote vegetative growth through rich alluvial soils

Fish & Wildlife Habitats

The following are the functions of the fish and wildlife habitats:

• Create and enhance waterfowl habitat
• Protect habitats for rare and endangered species
• Provide breeding and feeding grounds
• A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management FEMA-248 (1994)