Natural Resources University

At the River's Edge: Agriculture, Flood Risk and Conservation | Wild Ag #617

October 5, 2026·1h 7m
Episode Description from the Publisher

What happens when floods, fish and farms all connect? Flooding is a natural process, but it can cause major problems for farms and residential areas alike. Joining us this week is Mitch Paine, Flood Risk Policy and Planning Specialist with the Washington Department of Ecology and lecturer for University of Washington's Urban Planning program, to walk us through how conservation, agriculture and flooding can all work together. From the history of flood policy in the US to modern approaches, we discuss a collective move away from trying to strictly control rivers to a more integrated and holistic flood management strategy. To showcase this approach, we look to the Snoqualmie Valley in Washington, where a collaborative effort has helped reduce flood damage while also recovering vital salmon habitat.    Resources: Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) American Flood Coalition (AFC) USDA Climate Hubs   Mitch Paine [website, LinkedIn, Instagram] Dr. Andrew Little [academic profile, @awesmlabdoc] Nathan Pflueger [website] AWESM Lab [website, @awesmlab] Nebraska Pheasants Forever [website, @pheasants_quailforever_of_ne]   Watch these podcasts on YouTube If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and review so others can find us!   We are dedicated to bringing important information and new ideas to listeners just like you. Help us keep WildAg going by donating to the podcast: https://nufoundation.org/fund/01155570/ Or, learn more about how your organization can sponsor episodes: https://awesmlab.unl.edu/wildag-sponsorship/   Music by Humans Win Produced and edited by Iris McFarlin

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