Lessons Learned from 2018, Understanding the DNR Approval Process, and Using Technology to Ease the Flood Management Burden

As the weather patterns from last summer and this spring have demonstrated, effective floodplain management is a vital component to making a community a great place to live, work, and play. Properly managed drainage systems, flood storage areas, and floodplains can promote economic development and be attractive public amenities. Poorly managed systems operate in an opposite manner, posing safety hazards and causing significant hardships to local residents and business owners.

Join experts from Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. as we discuss what we learned from the 2018 floods, how to efficiently navigate DNR’s floodplain approval process, and how to utilize technology to more efficiently manage this critical infrastructure.

Topics Include:

• Floodplain management and mitigation – lessons learned from Wisconsin’s 2018 flooding (Katie Sommers, Michelle Staff).

• Efficiently navigating the WDNR flood study approval process (Chris Olds).

• How to utilize technology to efficiently manage your storm water & flood control management system (Steven Wurster).

Presenters:

Katie Sommers
Hazard Mitigation Section Supervisor, Wisconsin Emergency Management

Michelle Staff 
Floodplain Management Policy Coordinator, WDNR

Chris Olds
State Floodplain Engineer, WDNR

Steven Wurster, P.E.
COO, Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.