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"During the period 1965 -69 flood losses in Minnesota ex- ceeded $170 million" (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Division of Waters, Soils and Minerals; Use of Experienced Flood Data in Floodplain Regulations, Technical 'Report #4, November 1971). All people are affected by the problems created from flooding because clean -up costs, flood control costs, and reconstruction of streets and public utilities are all paid with public funds. In order to stop the continued escalation of public cost related to flooding, the emphasis in floodplain management was shifted from flood controls (dikes, channelization, etc.) to regulatory controls (zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations). The regulatory approach establishes guide- lines requiring that the part of the floodplain which is most susceptible to flooding (floodway) prohibit develop- ment entirely, and that in the areas less susceptible to flooding (flood fringe), a broader range of land use ac -. tivities can be permitted. (Map 1, Surface Hydrology) FLOODPLAINS There are areas along both the Rum and Mississippi that are b. Plan subject to flooding, however, there is no existing develop- ment within the floodway. The Cityof Ramsey has adopted floodplain regulations which were approved by the Department of Natural Resources. This ordinance should help minimize the risk of any future flood damage in the City. SLOPES a. Inventory 6. SLOPES Regulating development on hillsides has not been a major concern of the northern suburbs of the Twin City area because of the availability of flat land which is cheap and easy to develop. Although the magnitude of the problem is not as great as in other parts of the region or country, as people seek out choice residential sites, and as land becomes more scarce, there will be increasing pressure for hillside development. The slope, soil, vege- tation and underlying geological formation of the hillsides determine the stability and susceptibility of erosion. Removal of vegetation from slope alters the soil stability and increases erosion and siltation which affects water quality. Erosion is also caused by rain, wave - action, and changes in the water elevation or level. 11