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California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space

John Carlon of River Partners says restoring floodplains can help take pressure off downstream levees by storing floodwaters, as well as providing much-needed wildlife habitat. Lauren Sommer/NPR hide caption

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Lauren Sommer/NPR

Climate

California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space

To prevent flooding, communities often raise levees next to rivers higher and higher. Now, a new approach is about backing off, moving levees away from rivers to create floodplains.

California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space

John Carlon of River Partners says restoring floodplains can help take pressure off downstream levees by storing floodwaters, as well as providing much-needed wildlife habitat. Lauren Sommer/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Lauren Sommer/NPR

Climate

California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space

California is still at risk of flooding. Maybe rivers just need some space

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Weekend Edition SundayWeekend Edition Sunday

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