DCNR: Using Natural Solutions, Engineering Upgrades And Technology-Based Mapping To Prevent Flooding

This article first appeared on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Linkedin webpage July 15, 2025--

The terrible tragedy caused by recent catastrophic flooding across central Texas, and recent rain events here in Pennsylvania, are a reminder of how flash floods can overwhelm communities with little warning. 

We need to work to prevent flooding as much as possible.

At the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) we are leading on natural solutions like tree planting, engineering upgrades, and science-based planning.

Planting Trees Along Streams: Nature as Flood Armor

One cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s approach is the widespread restoration of riparian buffers – trees and shrubs along the banks of streams. 

Through DCNR and partners, thousands of acres of native trees and shrubs have been planted along creeks, rivers, and streams.

These living buffers work in several ways:

-- Slow runoff: Foliage and leaf litter reduce surface flow speed, allowing more time for water to soak into the soil.

-- Stabilize banks: Deep root systems reduce erosion and channel widening during floods.

-- Store water: Riparian zones act like natural sponges, retaining water and releasing it slowly.

These corridors absorb a significant volume of peak flows, acting as an early line of defense.

DCNR collaborates with landowners by offering technical support, planting resources, and funding to restore buffers.

Like to help the cause? Support the Keystone Tree Fund. 

Since 2021, grants from the Keystone Tree Fund have helped plant almost a quarter of a million trees along streams and in communities.

Upsizing Culverts: Engineering Streams to Flow Safely

Undersized culverts and bridges frequently bottle up stream flows, leading to backflow, road washouts, and unintended consequences during heavy rain events. 

Recognizing this, DCNR is replacing these bottlenecks with larger, ecologically sensitive structures.

DCNR’s Bureau of Facility Design and Construction is designing new culverts using contemporary hydrologic models that account for both past and projected increases in storm intensity. 

Benefits include:

-- More capacity, reducing road overtopping and bridge scour.

-- Improved fish and wildlife passage, mimicking natural stream flow conditions.

-- Greater resilience, as infrastructure is built for larger flood events, not outdated historical norms.

As it builds and restores infrastructure, DCNR has constructed 100 improved culverts and bridges on state park and forest lands during the past six years.

Water Mapping: Pennsylvania Geological Survey’s Strategic Toolkit

Understanding where water flows is essential—and that’s where DCNR’s Pennsylvania Geological Survey comes in. 

They can use computer models and elevation data to predict where water will flow. These predictions are used to create hydrography, or “water maps.”

Planners, engineers, and emergency managers can use these maps to:

-- Identify vulnerable infrastructure

-- Design more effective stormwater systems

-- Predict how land use changes will affect runoff and flooding

-- Prioritize where to place natural buffers or structural reinforcements

In recent years the Pennsylvania Geological Survey has added staff with expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) and hydrogeology and is using elevation data to produce an updated hydrography dataset for the Commonwealth.

Employing these strategies for flood prevention and public safety helps in many other ways -- enhancing water quality, improving wildlife habitat, supporting recreation, and creating long-term resilience in a changing climate.

Floods are a test of preparedness, planning, and stewardship. 

Pennsylvania’s riparian buffer efforts, upgraded culverts, and hydrologic mapping offer inspiration and a blueprint. 

A well-placed tree, a better-designed culvert, or a smarter map can help keep the water where it belongs—and out of our homes, schools, and streets.

We can help communities everywhere be safer when a deluge arrives.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website.

NewsClips:

-- MCall: Flash Flooding Prompts Water Rescues Around Lehigh Valley As Storms Dump Torrential Rain Across Region

-- Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader: Storm Damages Luzerne County-Owned Infrastructure

-- WNEP: Swift Floodwaters Cause Chaos For Campers, Animals In Luzerne County

-- WNEP: Flooded Roads Disrupt Sullivan, Lycoming Counties, Closes Roads

-- LancasterOnline: Dozens Of Water Rescues, Flooded Homes Report In Lancaster County Monday

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: The Real Reason Four Mile Run Is Still A Flood Trap In Pittsburgh [Local Politicians Opposed Green Solutions & Offered None Of Their Own] 

-- WESA - Rachel McDevitt: PA Could Foot More Of The Bill For Disaster Response Under Proposed FEMA Cuts 

-- Republican Herald: PEMA Urges FEMA To Reconsider Cuts, Changes That Would Impact Communities 

-- TribLive Editorial: Faith In 911 System Needs To Be Maintained

[Posted: July 15, 2025]  PA Environment Digest