A study used to determine whether it is feasible for the Department of Natural Resources to establish, acquire, develop and manage a new property. The study considers the physical and biological environment and its capability, the view of the landowners and general public, and the availability of funding and staff to adequately accomplish the project purpose. The flood frequency of the regional flood is once in every 100 years. Wetlands dominated by deciduous hardwood trees that grow on mineral soil adjacent to streams. The soils are inundated during flood events but are usually well drained for much of the growing season.
Common trees are silver maple, green ash, cottonwood, elm, black willow and box elder.
The frequent flooding typically keeps shrubs from growing and the ground cover is commonly jewelweed and nettles. Floodplain forests are important for flood storage and have a high diversity of animal species since they are migration corridors. Animals commonly found are wood ducks, barred owls, herons, songbirds and amphibians. The FCL was available from 1928 to 1986. The last contracts expire December 31, 2035.