6/18/2026 – A new study published in the journal “Nature Water” on June 1, 2026 shows that wetland conservation is a potentially effective but undervalued strategy in managing growing flood risk. The authors, Jesse D. Gourevitch, Adam C. Gold & Helena M. Garcia found a statistical link between wetland loss and rising flood insurance claims since 1985.
Economic Value of Wetlands in Reducing Flood Losses
The estimated increase in flood insurance claims due to wetland loss totals $10.1 billion.
That’s equal to about 9% of insured riverine flood losses. And according to a blog post by the authors in the Environmental Defense Fund website, “The highest added costs were concentrated in the Houston metropolitan area, southeastern Louisiana, and coastal Florida.”
Scarborough wetlands between Spring Creek and San Jacinto West Fork, west of Kingwood. The study estimates that each acre of Scarborough wetlands reduces downstream flood losses by approximately $90,000.
The authors say that because the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, covers only a fraction of total flood losses to homes, the full costs of wetland loss are likely even higher.
These numbers help quantify a value of land-use decisions for policy makers.
USGS shows hundreds of acres of wetlands on the Scarborough property between the West Fork and Spring Creek like those shown in the photograph above.
The authors caution that their study measures only one part of wetlands’ value: reducing insured riverine flood losses to residential properties.
However, they point out that wetlands also provide many other benefits. They include improving water quality, storing carbon, supporting wildlife habitat and creating recreational opportunities.
The study did not include many other categories of flood damage, such as losses to commercial or government property, business interruption, uninsured losses or flooding from coastal storm surge, etc. So, while the core estimate is significant, it is also conservative.
Local Interactive Map
The study also provides an interactive map that shows the value of wetlands in particular watersheds in terms of reducing downstream flood losses.
An acre of wetlands in the Bens Branch watershed, for instance, reduces downstream flood losses by $146,756 per acre.
Many of the remaining undeveloped tracts in the Lake Houston Area are flush with wetlands.
Under- and Unvalued Assets
Adam Gold, senior manager of coasts and watersheds science at EDF and co-author of the study, said, “Wetlands act like natural sponges during heavy rain, storing floodwater and slowing runoff before it moves downstream. Yet wetlands continue to disappear, in part because the value of the services they provide is often overlooked. Our analysis helps fill that information gap.”
Gold concludes his article by saying, “Wetlands are not just open space waiting to be developed. They are part of the infrastructure that helps reduce flood damage. And when they disappear, households and communities bear the burden, and the costs, every time a storm hits.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/18/2026
3215 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC_2654.jpg?fit=1100%2C733&ssl=17331100adminadmin2026-06-18 19:53:352026-06-18 19:53:36Study Documents Link Between Wetland Loss, Downstream Flood Damage
6/17/26 – Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey PE addressed the Kingwood Executive Group this morning about flooding and infrastructure as the season’s first tropical storm formed less than a hundred miles away from Houston. Local business owners comprise the group. Many had flooded badly during Hurricane Harvey.
Kingwood Executive Group with Ramsey and State Rep. Charles Cunningham in blue blazers, center/front row.
They came eager to learn more about the status of flood-mitigation efforts in the area, turmoil at the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), and a new, 5,300-acre proposed floodplain development just upstream from Kingwood. And true to form, Ramsey addressed each issue head on. But first…
Tropical Storm Arthur
Ironically, just as Tropical Storm Arthur formed, the rain started to end in the Lake Houston Area. That’s because of the lopsided nature of Arthur. See the infrared water-vapor satellite image below. Most of the rain is falling offshore and to the east of Galveston Bay.
NHC expects Arthur to dump torrential rains on East Texas and Louisiana as it moves inland – up to 20 inches in places. Freeport received 9 inches this morning. However, totals dropped off farther inland with much of SE Harris County receiving only 2-4 inches. My rain gage in Kingwood recorded less than a half inch between midnight and 11 AM.
Arthur has affected primarily coastal counties as it tracked NE parallel to the coast. It should make landfall near High Island late this afternoon or early this evening.
Arthur formed a timely and ironic backdrop for a speech about flooding to many whose homes and businesses flooded severely.
Ramsey’s Priorities
Ramsey began his talk to the Executive Group with a story about his focus compared to others on Commissioners Court. “My job is to, number one, take care of infrastructure,” he said. “That’s what I get most of my calls on. Most people don’t call me about my policies. They call me on, ‘When are you going to fix something?’ My colleagues, on the other hand, are focused more on social programs.”
Ramsey puzzling over the budget priorities of some other commissioners
He then added, “We will appoint a new director next week. And it will be an engineer, not a politician. An engineer who can deliver projects, not hold press conferences and tell you what you want to hear. It will be someone that actually understands what it takes to get projects delivered.”
Flood Bond Update
After emphasizing the need to speed up project delivery, Ramsey gave a brief update on the 2018 Flood Bond. The $2.5 billion approved by voters attracted another $2.7 billion in matching funds for a total of $5.2 billion available. But the county has only spent about $1.5 billion of that since 2018.
“So, we have a lot to do,” said Ramsey. “Probably another $3+ billion in the next four years. You better have someone who understands construction, who can deal with the things that happen during construction. My concern is that the easiest part is done. Design work is the easy part. Go actually build $3.5 billion worth of improvements! That’s a huge deal.”
Kingwood Flood-Mitigation Projects
Ramsey noted that the Taylor Gully/Woodridge project has started construction, but that the Kingwood Diversion Ditch project is still being studied. He wants to put the pedal to the metal on that one too. HCFCD spent 4 years doing a preliminary engineering review on the Diversion Ditch that was supposed to have taken 300 days. The latest Flood Bond Update shows the project may start construction in 2030, after HCFCD completes another study.
“You must have other projects queued up ready for construction,” Ramsey said. “I don’t know that we have all the money lined out for that construction, but you have to get the design work done. I’d rather have a whole lot of projects sitting on the shelf ready to build, than sit around and wait for someone to decide for us what the priorities are.”
Scarborough Floodplain Development
Ramsey next addressed the proposed 5,300-acre development north of Harris County in the floodplain at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Spring Creek. He called it “A really bad idea.”
“Some ill-advised folks are trying to do some development there.” Ramsey suggested instead that the area should become a park. “What a great park that 5,000 acres would make for this entire area. What a great location for significant flood mitigation for the entire county!”
He emphasized that every drop of rain falling north and west of the confluence funnels past Kingwood. “Sometimes we lose sight of that,” he said.
Ramsey spent much of the rest of his time discussing a series of related issues, their connections, and finding funding for them.
In regard to adding more floodgates to the Lake Houston Dam, he noted potential significant cost escalation. That led to a discussion of partnership funding, surplus toll-road income, and using money for pressing state-mandated obligations versus other issues that have no constitutional mandate.
Before becoming commissioner in 2020, Ramsey began his engineering career 50 years ago designing drainage systems in the Porter/New Caney area. So, he is thoroughly versed on infrastructure issues in the Lake Houston Area and is fighting to make us safer.
The timing of his talk as Arthur was forming in the Gulf provided an irony worthy of a Hollywood movie!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/17/2026
3214 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/DSC_5428.jpg?fit=1100%2C407&ssl=14071100adminadmin2026-06-17 13:56:532026-06-20 18:39:24Ramsey Addresses Kingwood Group as Tropical Storm Forms Offshore
6/16/2026 (updated throughout day) – At 10AM EDT today, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued Potential Tropical Cyclone Advisory #1 for the 2026 hurricane season. At 4PM, NHC predicted the center of a tropical storm would pass Galveston around mid-day on Wednesday, 6/17/26.
Infrared satellite images show a wide band of deep tropical moisture building parallel to the coast.
Infrared satellite image from NOAA as of 8:11 AM 6/16/26
According to Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist, while the chances of tropical storm formation are increasing, if one does form it will likely be weak and short lived.
However, the potential for very heavy rainfall and flash flooding remains. The National Weather Service predicts a moderate risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding today and Wednesday.
Guidance for the track of of any tropical storm that may develop remains uncertain due to the weak and broad structure of the system.
Today
Models predict thunderstorms will produce heavy rainfall near the coast and spread inland through the midday hours. How far inland remains in question, but areas south of I-10 look to have the best chances for heavy rainfall and flash flooding through the morning hours. Activity will likely decrease into the mid to late afternoon hours similar to yesterday.
KHGX Composite Reflectivity image from RadarScope Pro as of 8:41 AM 6/16/26. That storm over Conroe dumped 3.9 inches, and2.9 inches at the Lake Conroe Dam in a few hours this morning.
Wednesday-Thursday
According to NHC, a tropical system will move ENE/NE parallel to the coast. And according to Lindner, a track near the coast or just offshore would focus the heavier rainfall south of I-10 on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, a track further inland would bring the threat for heavy rainfall into at least the I-10 corridor.
Rainfall Predictions
Lindner forecasts widespread rainfall amounts of 2-5 inches along and south of I-10 with isolated totals of 6-10 inches through early Wednesday.
Hourly rainfall rates of 2-5 inches will remain likely with the heavier storms. He believes this will lead to rapid onset flash flooding.
North of I-10 rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are most likely through today. However, grounds are saturated and any rainfall will convert to runoff quickly.
Recent rains have caused rises on rivers. Lindner says that additional rainfall during the next 48 hours will potentially bring some watersheds to flood stage by late week. Most creeks and bayous across Harris County are doing well as of this evening with the exception of areas in NW Harris County up to the Woodlands. But intense rainfall rates tomorrow could result in significant and rapid rises.
At 6 PM Lake Houston was at 42.68 feet and releasing water near maximum capacity.
Lake Conroe is still at 201.23 feet and releasing only about 500 CFS.
Tides
Vacationers should watch coastal tides and rip currents. They will increase today into Wednesday as the tropical system moves into the Houston area. Current forecasts keep water levels 1-2 feet above normal (3-4 feet above barnacle level). Minor coastal flooding remains possible during high tide into Wednesday.
Winds
Winds will increase across the coastal waters and coastal counties today into Wednesday. Expect widespread 20-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph as seas build. Marine conditions will become hazardous as the coastal tropical system moves across the region.
Study Documents Link Between Wetland Loss, Downstream Flood Damage
6/18/2026 – A new study published in the journal “Nature Water” on June 1, 2026 shows that wetland conservation is a potentially effective but undervalued strategy in managing growing flood risk. The authors, Jesse D. Gourevitch,
Adam C. Gold & Helena M. Garcia found a statistical link between wetland loss and rising flood insurance claims since 1985.
Economic Value of Wetlands in Reducing Flood Losses
The estimated increase in flood insurance claims due to wetland loss totals $10.1 billion.
That’s equal to about 9% of insured riverine flood losses. And according to a blog post by the authors in the Environmental Defense Fund website, “The highest added costs were concentrated in the Houston metropolitan area, southeastern Louisiana, and coastal Florida.”
The authors say that because the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP, covers only a fraction of total flood losses to homes, the full costs of wetland loss are likely even higher.
These numbers help quantify a value of land-use decisions for policy makers.
To help protect these wetlands and your home, please sign this petition on Change.org.
Other Savings Due to Wetlands
The authors caution that their study measures only one part of wetlands’ value: reducing insured riverine flood losses to residential properties.
However, they point out that wetlands also provide many other benefits. They include improving water quality, storing carbon, supporting wildlife habitat and creating recreational opportunities.
The study did not include many other categories of flood damage, such as losses to commercial or government property, business interruption, uninsured losses or flooding from coastal storm surge, etc. So, while the core estimate is significant, it is also conservative.
Local Interactive Map
The study also provides an interactive map that shows the value of wetlands in particular watersheds in terms of reducing downstream flood losses.
To see where the wetlands are near you, visit the USGS National Wetlands Mapper.
Under- and Unvalued Assets
Adam Gold, senior manager of coasts and watersheds science at EDF and co-author of the study, said, “Wetlands act like natural sponges during heavy rain, storing floodwater and slowing runoff before it moves downstream. Yet wetlands continue to disappear, in part because the value of the services they provide is often overlooked. Our analysis helps fill that information gap.”
Gold concludes his article by saying, “Wetlands are not just open space waiting to be developed. They are part of the infrastructure that helps reduce flood damage. And when they disappear, households and communities bear the burden, and the costs, every time a storm hits.”
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/18/2026
3215 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
Ramsey Addresses Kingwood Group as Tropical Storm Forms Offshore
6/17/26 – Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey PE addressed the Kingwood Executive Group this morning about flooding and infrastructure as the season’s first tropical storm formed less than a hundred miles away from Houston. Local business owners comprise the group. Many had flooded badly during Hurricane Harvey.
They came eager to learn more about the status of flood-mitigation efforts in the area, turmoil at the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), and a new, 5,300-acre proposed floodplain development just upstream from Kingwood. And true to form, Ramsey addressed each issue head on. But first…
Tropical Storm Arthur
Ironically, just as Tropical Storm Arthur formed, the rain started to end in the Lake Houston Area. That’s because of the lopsided nature of Arthur. See the infrared water-vapor satellite image below. Most of the rain is falling offshore and to the east of Galveston Bay.
NHC expects Arthur to dump torrential rains on East Texas and Louisiana as it moves inland – up to 20 inches in places. Freeport received 9 inches this morning. However, totals dropped off farther inland with much of SE Harris County receiving only 2-4 inches. My rain gage in Kingwood recorded less than a half inch between midnight and 11 AM.
Arthur formed a timely and ironic backdrop for a speech about flooding to many whose homes and businesses flooded severely.
Ramsey’s Priorities
Ramsey began his talk to the Executive Group with a story about his focus compared to others on Commissioners Court. “My job is to, number one, take care of infrastructure,” he said. “That’s what I get most of my calls on. Most people don’t call me about my policies. They call me on, ‘When are you going to fix something?’ My colleagues, on the other hand, are focused more on social programs.”
Replacement of HCFCD Director
Ramsey then segued to the resignation of HCFCD Executive Director Dr. Tina Petersen last week. “It may have been some concern to people, but it was a necessary thing if we’re going to do what we need to get done.”
He then added, “We will appoint a new director next week. And it will be an engineer, not a politician. An engineer who can deliver projects, not hold press conferences and tell you what you want to hear. It will be someone that actually understands what it takes to get projects delivered.”
Flood Bond Update
After emphasizing the need to speed up project delivery, Ramsey gave a brief update on the 2018 Flood Bond. The $2.5 billion approved by voters attracted another $2.7 billion in matching funds for a total of $5.2 billion available. But the county has only spent about $1.5 billion of that since 2018.
“So, we have a lot to do,” said Ramsey. “Probably another $3+ billion in the next four years. You better have someone who understands construction, who can deal with the things that happen during construction. My concern is that the easiest part is done. Design work is the easy part. Go actually build $3.5 billion worth of improvements! That’s a huge deal.”
Kingwood Flood-Mitigation Projects
Ramsey noted that the Taylor Gully/Woodridge project has started construction, but that the Kingwood Diversion Ditch project is still being studied. He wants to put the pedal to the metal on that one too. HCFCD spent 4 years doing a preliminary engineering review on the Diversion Ditch that was supposed to have taken 300 days. The latest Flood Bond Update shows the project may start construction in 2030, after HCFCD completes another study.
“You must have other projects queued up ready for construction,” Ramsey said. “I don’t know that we have all the money lined out for that construction, but you have to get the design work done. I’d rather have a whole lot of projects sitting on the shelf ready to build, than sit around and wait for someone to decide for us what the priorities are.”
Scarborough Floodplain Development
Ramsey next addressed the proposed 5,300-acre development north of Harris County in the floodplain at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Spring Creek. He called it “A really bad idea.”
“Some ill-advised folks are trying to do some development there.” Ramsey suggested instead that the area should become a park. “What a great park that 5,000 acres would make for this entire area. What a great location for significant flood mitigation for the entire county!”
He emphasized that every drop of rain falling north and west of the confluence funnels past Kingwood. “Sometimes we lose sight of that,” he said.
More than 7,500 flood-weary residents from surrounding areas have signed a petition against the development.
Lake Houston Dam Gates Funding, Other Issues
Ramsey spent much of the rest of his time discussing a series of related issues, their connections, and finding funding for them.
In regard to adding more floodgates to the Lake Houston Dam, he noted potential significant cost escalation. That led to a discussion of partnership funding, surplus toll-road income, and using money for pressing state-mandated obligations versus other issues that have no constitutional mandate.
Before becoming commissioner in 2020, Ramsey began his engineering career 50 years ago designing drainage systems in the Porter/New Caney area. So, he is thoroughly versed on infrastructure issues in the Lake Houston Area and is fighting to make us safer.
The timing of his talk as Arthur was forming in the Gulf provided an irony worthy of a Hollywood movie!
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/17/2026
3214 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Tropical Storm Chances Increasing
6/16/2026 (updated throughout day) – At 10AM EDT today, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued Potential Tropical Cyclone Advisory #1 for the 2026 hurricane season. At 4PM, NHC predicted the center of a tropical storm would pass Galveston around mid-day on Wednesday, 6/17/26.
Infrared satellite images show a wide band of deep tropical moisture building parallel to the coast.
According to Jeff Lindner, Harris County’s meteorologist, while the chances of tropical storm formation are increasing, if one does form it will likely be weak and short lived.
However, the potential for very heavy rainfall and flash flooding remains. The National Weather Service predicts a moderate risk of excessive rainfall and flash flooding today and Wednesday.
Guidance for the track of of any tropical storm that may develop remains uncertain due to the weak and broad structure of the system.
Today
Models predict thunderstorms will produce heavy rainfall near the coast and spread inland through the midday hours. How far inland remains in question, but areas south of I-10 look to have the best chances for heavy rainfall and flash flooding through the morning hours. Activity will likely decrease into the mid to late afternoon hours similar to yesterday.
Wednesday-Thursday
According to NHC, a tropical system will move ENE/NE parallel to the coast. And according to Lindner, a track near the coast or just offshore would focus the heavier rainfall south of I-10 on Wednesday and Thursday. Meanwhile, a track further inland would bring the threat for heavy rainfall into at least the I-10 corridor.
Rainfall Predictions
Lindner forecasts widespread rainfall amounts of 2-5 inches along and south of I-10 with isolated totals of 6-10 inches through early Wednesday.
Hourly rainfall rates of 2-5 inches will remain likely with the heavier storms. He believes this will lead to rapid onset flash flooding.
North of I-10 rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are most likely through today. However, grounds are saturated and any rainfall will convert to runoff quickly.
River and Stream Forecast
Recent rains have caused rises on rivers. Lindner says that additional rainfall during the next 48 hours will potentially bring some watersheds to flood stage by late week. Most creeks and bayous across Harris County are doing well as of this evening with the exception of areas in NW Harris County up to the Woodlands. But intense rainfall rates tomorrow could result in significant and rapid rises.
At 6 PM Lake Houston was at 42.68 feet and releasing water near maximum capacity.
Lake Conroe is still at 201.23 feet and releasing only about 500 CFS.
Tides
Vacationers should watch coastal tides and rip currents. They will increase today into Wednesday as the tropical system moves into the Houston area. Current forecasts keep water levels 1-2 feet above normal (3-4 feet above barnacle level). Minor coastal flooding remains possible during high tide into Wednesday.
Winds
Winds will increase across the coastal waters and coastal counties today into Wednesday. Expect widespread 20-30 mph and gusts to 40 mph as seas build. Marine conditions will become hazardous as the coastal tropical system moves across the region.
Stay Weather Alert
For the latest information in fast changing situations such as this, consult the National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center and Harris County Flood Warning System. Stay alert and be prepared.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 6/16/2026
3213 Days since Harvey