NNC’s “Forum Project” kicked-off in January and February in Lower Mount Bethel Township, a rural community north of Easton that has experienced severe flooding along the Delaware River. Lower Mt. Bethel is arguably the most flood-affected community in the region, with more than $7 million in flood insurance claims since 1978.

To reach the residents, the project director, Kate Brandes, engaged with the fire department, the township board of supervisors, the Environmental Advisory Council, and distributed 300 flyers to residences and businesses in the community.

Participation in three focus groups in late January was excellent and enthusiastic, and provided NNC with data for the flood forums as well as ideas and feedback from the community about what they might like to see in our developing flood science center. The focus groups were followed by two forums held on February 18 and February 20.

The forums began with a science presentation about flooding by Lafayette College professor Dr. Dru Germanoski, and were followed by four discussion questions, including one question in which residents deliberated about the best resolution to a community-specific flooding scenario.

A summary report of the focus groups and forum events can be found at:

Lower Mount Bethel Forums Summary Report

Lower Mount Bethel Focus Groups Summary Report

A summary of the residents’ concerns, attitudes and priorities about flooding will be included in a report that will be delivered to legislators, community decision-makers and organizations whose policies and programs concern the river and smaller waterways. A draft of this report will be presented at the September Flood forums to get decision-maker feedback. The final report will be made available on this website following the September 23 flood forums.