Floodplain Buyouts: An Action Guide for Local Governments on How to Maximize Community Benefits, Habitat Connectivity, and Resilience (2017)

Last modified on May 19th, 2025 at 2:10 pm

This Action Guide highlights communities across the country that have established programmatic and management structures for floodplain buyouts to make the most of acquired properties. This is a guide for thinking through various available management options that maximize the benefits of floodplain acquisition programs and for considering challenges before they arise in order to promote successful completion of projects. UNC-Guide-Maximizing Comm Bens-Habitat-and Resilience w Buyouts

Creating Flood-Resilient Landscapes: A Primer for New Jersey Communities (2023)

Last modified on May 20th, 2025 at 11:50 am

This Primer can help stakeholders plan, design, and implement flood resilience projects on Blue Acres parcels (as well as any flood-prone open space). This project is a collaboration between the Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and South Dakota State University School of Design. Funding was provided by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection through the Bureau of Climate Resilience Planning’s Resilient NJ initiative, as well as a seed grant from the Rutgers Climate and Energy Institute.

Creating Flood-Resilient Landscapes: A Primer for New Jersey Communities

Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Management Field Guide (2024)

Last modified on May 19th, 2025 at 1:52 pm

This guide is an overview of natural floodplain function, authorized uses of Blue Acres properties, and managing encroachments on State-owned lands. As regulations surrounding State-owned land use are modified, Blue Acres will provide updates. BAPostBuyoutLandMgmtFieldGuide

Concept Design Samples for Blue Acres Sites (2025)

Last modified on May 19th, 2025 at 1:54 pm

These samples were developed by Rutgers Department of Landscape Architecture in partnership with Blue Acres. The samples are not meant to serve as endorsements. Sites include Highland Park, Hillsborough, Lincoln Park, Old Bridge, Paterson, and Rahway. Concept Design Sample Rutgers CUES 2025

Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Use Considerations Handout (2025)

Last modified on May 20th, 2025 at 11:52 am

This two-page document provides an overview of permissible land uses and strategies for enhancing floodplain functions. It highlights real-world examples of repurposed properties, guidelines for maintaining open space, and nature-based solutions like native plantings and green infrastructure to improve water absorption and community resilience. Blue Acres Post-Buyout Land Use Considerations