Hansen Creek Inspires a New Approach to Flood Control

By Melissa Buttin

Herrera’s Hansen Creek Alluvial Fan Restoration is the latest feature in the Encyclopedia of Puget Sound, which covers the latest science from the 2014 Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference and beyond. This 2009 project is shaping new approaches to restoration.

Every year, winter rains bring the threat of millions of dollars in property damage, or even the loss of life, from floods. Rivers have historically been channeled and tamed to protect towns and farms in low-lying floodplains, but research shows that this approach may actually be making flooding worse while at the same time threatening Puget Sound’s salmon. At Hansen Creek in the Skagit Valley, scientists say nature is the best engineer…Read the full article.

Posted In:
Uncategorized