Community Members and Decision-Makers Discuss Flooding During September 23, 2010 Flood Forum

Nurture Nature Foundation hosted a series of focus groups and forums on flooding in the cities of Allentown and Easton, and Lower Mount Bethel Township, three communities at high risk for flooding. This programming was funded by the National Science Foundation and was conducted to help NNF develop the Flood Project by providing an opportunity for discussion about community specific issues related to flooding. The focus groups and forums included young people, first responders to flood events, and residents at the greatest risk for flood loss. 

The project concluded with two final forums that were held on September 23, 2010.  Past participants, community decision makers and Lehigh Valley residents were invited to the final forums to hear a summary of the residents’ concerns, attitudes and priorities about flooding.  These concerns were documented in a report, and during the final forums, the report was delivered to legislators, community decision-makers and organizations whose policies and programs concern the river and smaller waterways. This report is available here.

These final forums also featured an exhibit developed by NNC using stories collected during the flood forum project, as well as keynote speaker, Marshall Frech, an award-winning filmmaker who specializes in films about flooding. Decision makers participated in a short forum with community members and guest scientists were on hand for the discussion.

Work on the project began on August 1, 2009 and continued through December 1, 2010. NNF worked with RMC Research to complete the final report for this project that was submitted to the National Science Foundation.  To see the report, click here.

For more information on the focus groups and forums held in the community of Lower Mount Bethel please click here, and for Easton and Allentown, please click here.