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When disasters such as Hurricane Sandy occur, the work of conservation districts often reduces the destruction an area may otherwise face. Efforts such as the design and implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) as well as stream restoration, stream stabilization and erosion and sediment (E&S) controls are a part of districts' day-to-day operations.
"When we attend various events, we often tell people of the work of the districts," said Robert Maiden, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. "It is in times like these where we can actually 'see' the districts at work. As Hurricane Sandy hit the region this past week, various BMPs were in place which increased rain water infiltration and lessened the impact of the storm to some homes, businesses and communities throughout the commonwealth. Oftentimes, people may think 'oh, we weren't hit too hard' but they aren't making the connection between these controls and the maintenance and continued safety of their properties."
According to a recent account by Reuters, early estimates of the cost of Hurricane Sandy's damage to the northeast are roughly between $20 billion and $45 billion. A low percentage of reduced flooding equates to savings when examining flooding costs in its overall context.
Pictured, an area of Talleyrand Park in Bellefonte, PA (Centre Co). The "before" picture shows the erosion of a stone wall. The "after" shows the rebuilt wall. Because the wall was rebuilt before the Hurricane, the district was happy to report that there wasn't any erosion and sedimentation after Sandy hit.
Photos courtesy of the Centre Co. Conservation District.