American Rivers Applauds Army Corps for Natural Flood Management Proposal

American Rivers today praised the Army Corps of Engineers for choosing a 21st century flood management solution in the Jackson Brook watershed. The Corps' decision not to build a 20-foot dam at Hedden Park, and instead focus on watershed restoration solutions will reduce flood risk and improve community safety.

Stephanie Lindloff, senior director of river restoration for American Rivers, made the following statement:

"The Corps is making the right decision by pursuing watershed restoration over dam construction. This is the kind of 21st century flood management strategy we need on rivers and streams across New Jersey and the country."

"The best way to protect communities from floods is by working with nature, not against it. Healthy rivers, floodplains and wetlands act like sponges, absorbing floodwaters that may otherwise race downstream, threatening people and property."

"Engineered solutions like dams are costly today and over the long-term - and can create a false sense of security, encouraging unwise floodplain development that only increases flood damage costs. Dams and levees also destroy a river's natural ability to absorb floodwaters, and cut off wildlife habitat and recreation access."