Report Prepared by Association of State Floodplain Managers for
Montana Department of Environmental Quality Contract #210144
Funded by US EPA Wetland Program Development Grant #CD97854301
July 15, 2011

Includes Bibliographic References

Executive Summary--Problem Statement--Challenges to protecting floodplains in Montana--Methods used for the Assessment--Montana Floodplain Management Program--Recommendations to Enhance Montana Floodplain Management--Recommendation 1: Implement a Montana Floodplain Mapping Program--Recommendation 2: Enhance Montana's DNRC's Existing Internal Process--Recommendation 3: Leverage Existing Program Capabilities and Authorities--Recommendation 4: Incorporate No Adverse Impact (NAI) concepts into Montana's statutes, Administrative Rules and Model Floodplain Management Ordinance--Recommendation 5. Enhance Floodplain Outreach and Education--Benefits of Implementing These Recommendations--References and Resources

The purpose of this report is to evaluate tools (laws, policies, programs, and practices) that the State of Montana and local governments could use to reduce flood damages and protect the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains. These tools were evaluated and compared to best management practices, "No Adverse Impact" floodplain management, and highly effective programs from other states and local governments. Attention was paid to any existing regulations, rules, standards, and guidelines or other policies, programs, and practices that inadvertently incentivize development in floodplains or allow adverse impacts to the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains.