This erodes natural stream channels below, produces sediment, and produces a hydrologic overload on all structures below. Wetlands that would help relieve flooding by themselves flooding at high flows, are often drained and filled in the process of settlement. In clearing for development the tree canopy is reduced. Trees evaporate intercepted rain and snow, and by transpiration as tree roots take up soil moisture which tends to dry the soil. With abundant tree cover soil generally has more water storage capacity to take up the first part of a rain.
Trees thus are important in reducing flooding.
Education of the public was considered by the experts from many fields as the first, most needed, and most profitable approach to these many nonpoint source pollution problems. Education may encourage a greater concern about the environment and community which then would make regulation unnecessary or more understandable if needed. It was noted that citizen volunteer efforts are useful in defining these environmental problems as a basis for action, and as a way to educate volunteers themselves, and in turn their community. All agencies plan to increase educational efforts, especially about Non-point Source Pollution. There was much excellent literature available.