University Of Iowa Map Shows 450K Acres Of Farmland Is Under Constant Flood Threat

(Iowa City, IA)  —  A statewide map created by researchers at the University of Iowa shows nearly 450-thousand acres of farmland is under constant threat of flooding.  Lead researcher Enes Yildirim says the map was developed to help farmers compare their flood risk with crop productivity.  Four wetlands zones in Iowa have the highest risk.  They are part of four river valleys – the Middle Cedar, North Raccoon, South Skunk, and West Nishnabotna.  Cropland in those areas have a 50-percent chance of flooding each year.  Vildirim says he hopes policymakers will consider adding more flood protection there – or converting those acres into wetlands.