VIRGINIA BEACH — City Councilwoman Barbara Henley is leading an effort to examine how forests could help prevent flooding and where those trees would provide the most benefits.
It’s an idea Henley hopes will control flooding on southern side of the city.
The study will identify which existing forests are integral to prevent flooding and where strategic reforestation would provide the most benefits. City leaders say more foliage won’t eliminate the issue, but it could be part of the solution.
Last summer, southern Virginia Beach faced two major flooding events, which longtime residents said was the worst they’d ever seen. Prior to City Council elections, flooding was the major issue.
Virginia Tech’s Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation will conduct the analysis.
