In recent years, northwestern Wisconsin has faced significant challenges due to catastrophic flooding. Over the past decade, these natural disasters have reshaped local approaches to water management. In July 2016, Ashland, a city within the region, bore the brunt of severe flooding when it was inundated with up to 10 inches of rain in less than 24 hours. This deluge resulted in record-breaking river levels, the destruction of major highways, and extensive damage to infrastructure, costing over $41 million across seven counties.
The Marengo River, a waterway affected by these events, underscores a broader issue. Historically, its upper watershed would have absorbed excess rainwater, mitigating flood risks. However, extensive logging and agricultural activities have disconnected the river from its floodplain, leading to increased vulnerability. In response, state leaders initiated efforts to restore wetlands and open floodplains, showcasing how nature-based solutions can mitigate flooding.
Wetlands once played a crucial role in flood prevention, acting as natural storage systems that absorbed excessive water. Yet, as climate change exacerbates flood events, nearly half of the nation’s wetlands have been drained for agriculture and development. Environmental advocates now urge a reconsideration of wetlands’ value, emphasizing their capacity to reduce flood damage and save money for communities.
In Wisconsin, a new law, influenced by wetland restoration projects in the Marengo River watershed, aims to proactively address flood risks. This legislative move was supported unanimously and signed into law by Governor Tony Evers in April 2024. It allocated $2 million towards a grant program designed to assess flood risks and facilitate wetland restoration in vulnerable areas. The initiative has already attracted applications from 23 communities, with 11 receiving funding for their projects.
The program’s approach, which combines scientific insights and community engagement, highlights the potential of wetlands to offer economic and ecological benefits. Historically, private landowners have been wary of wetland restoration’s impact on land productivity. However, when informed about the financial advantages, skepticism often gives way to support.
Across Wisconsin, diverse wetland restoration efforts are underway. For example, in Green Bay’s Emilie Park, a project is set to create 11 acres of new wetlands to serve as both a habitat and an eco-park for the community. In rural Dane County, the restoration of a stretch of Black Earth Creek will reconnect it to its floodplain, thereby mitigating future flood risks.
The success of Wisconsin’s program has attracted attention beyond the state, with advocates suggesting it could serve as a model for flood resilience across the Mississippi River basin. As the federal government eases regulations on wetland protection, there is increasing recognition of their economic value in flood prevention. Recent analyses suggest that wetlands can save billions in flood-related costs annually.
Ultimately, as wetlands prove their cost-effectiveness in reducing flood damage, they may garner broader support. Experts believe that if upstream states embrace this approach, the benefits will extend downstream, potentially reducing flood risks across the entire Mississippi River region.
