Columbia County is a beautiful place in which to live, and the areas within or near our floodplains are an important asset. The undisturbed wetlands provide a wide range of benefits in the human and natural systems. Water quality is improved through the wetlands ability to filter nutrients and impurities from runoff and process organic wastes. These areas provide breeding and feeding grounds for fish and wildlife, create and enhance waterfowl habitat, support a high rate of plant growth and maintain biodiversity and integrity of the ecosystem. Floodplains provide green space for protection of streams from development and the forces of erosion.