When open spaces are protected, excess water has a place to go,
which means a community is less likely to flood.
[ship bell clanging]
NOAA Office for Coastal Management
FEMA encourages open space preservation through their Community Rating System.
The more a community does to reduce flood risk, the higher the rating.
And the higher the rating, the greater the flood insurance discount
for home and business owners.
Open space preservation can earn substantial points in the program.
Earning this credit involves a lot of mapping and calculations,
but this online resource, “How to Map Open Space,” can help.
The instructions provided will walk you through the process. Here you will
Calculate your community’s special flood hazard area, commonly known as the 100-year floodplain.
Map eligible open space within this flood area.
Points can be acquired for different types, including parks, recreation fields, and natural areas.
Calculate potential Community Rating System points.
Using the data collected, and this process, you’ll be able to make these important calculations.
And finally, you’ll get a chance to explore additional point opportunities.
For example, eligible open space may qualify for extra credit
if it is protected by deed restrictions or provides natural functions.
Use this resource to help your community earn the most points possible.
The information is provided in two components:
a planning guide for community planners and CRS coordinators;
and a workflow designed for the technical audience, the GIS analysts.
Ready to get started? Your community will thank you for it.
coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/crs.html