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Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains
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Undeveloped floodplain land provides many natural resources and functions of considerable economic, social, and environmental value. The coastal floodplains in and around Hampton often contain wetlands and other important ecological areas that directly impact water quality and the habitat of various flora and fauna. Resources in Hampton's valuable floodplains are both cultural and ecological in nature, including: wetlands, fertile soils, rare plants and animals, and sites of archaeological and historical significance One of the most significant undeveloped floodplains within Hampton is the Grandview Nature Preserve, located in the northeast corner of the City at the entrance to Back River. This pristine preserve covers 475 acres of salt marsh, tidal creeks, and 2 1/2 miles of secluded Chesapeake Bay beachfront. It is a great place to beach comb, observe migratory birds, swim, hike and discover the wonders of the wetlands and coastal floodplains. Not only does the preserve provide an important recreational function by connecting Hampton citizens to the water, but the coastal dune system functions naturally to accumulate marine sand transported to the coast by waves and currents. The accumulated sand buffers inland areas from the effects of storm waves, and acts to stem flooding. Much of Grandview has been Federally-designated as part of the Coastal Barrier Resource System to protect the land from further development. The beaches along Buckroe and Fort Monroe act as barrier islands. The land-water interface is fragile, highly dynamic, subject to storm actions, and very desirable for residential development. All of these factors can change the nature of the beaches dramatically from year to year, and century to century. Yet, the naturally changing ecosystems are important for coastal geology and ecology. And like Grandview, the beaches provide important storm protection for the interior shorelines along Salt Ponds and Mill Creek. These coastal barrier beaches are refuges for wildlife, and the salt marsh ecosystem provides habitat for distinct animal and plant life. For hundreds of years, Hampton's economy has been supported by the thriving estuarine fishery found at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. This distinctive ecosystem of floodplains, wetlands and water bodies, large and small, is marked by a diverse population of plants and animals that provide habitat and critical sources of energy and nutrients for organisms in adjacent terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Undisturbed estuarine wetlands, such as those found in the planned Newmarket Creek Park, the Air Power Park, Bluebird Gap Farm, and Gosnold's Hope Park, serve as breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for estuarine and marine fisheries, including the iconic blue crab. Hampton's natural coastal floodplains are extremely important to waterfowl, furbearers, and other wildlife species, providing critical habitat for migratory birds, hunting grounds for predators, and a place for humans to see nature in action. Surface water, ground water, floodplains, wetlands and other features do not function as separate and isolated components of the local watersheds, but rather as a single, integrated natural system. Disruption of any one part of this system can have long-term and far-reaching consequences on the functioning of the entire system. For Hampton, the protection of water resources, biologic resources, and societal resources traces back to the Native Americans who lived and hunted here long before European colonists settled the area in the 1600s. To our good fortune, Hampton's forefathers have had the insight to protect hundreds of acres of undeveloped natural floodplain throughout the City's unique collection of coastal watersheds. How can you help to protect Hampton's natural floodplains and wetlands? Consider the following:
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