A task force created to identify ways for local towns to avoid flooding from the Delaware River has recommended the removal of homes from the low-lying areas.

Many residents say the area in Trenton near the river has seen the worst flooding in the past three years. Officials say the water rises over a flood wall to hit neighboring homes.

In addition to razing homes in areas likely to see flooding, the task force also suggested flood-proofing homes.

Jeff Tittel, of the New Jersey Sierra Club, says those recommendations are a good first step. However, Tittel says the task force has not addressed the core of the flooding problems ? too much pavement and two few trees.

?People don?t realize soft soil in forests can soak up three inches of rain,? Tittel said. ?Once you put in parking lots, [the water] runs off.?