Flood Control Districts were founded to protect life and property from flooding. In Blaine County, Flood Control District #9 (FCD9) works along the Big Wood River to help prevent flooding to the neighborhoods along the river, and to protect public infrastructure.  FCD9 also oversees the levees along the Big Wood River and works with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that the levees meet quality standards. Flood Control districts are funded by local taxes from within their boundaries.

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FCD9 has three commissioners that work with other local organizations such as Project Bigwood and The Wood Wood River Land Trust, to prioritize projects and provide work along the river in order to protect infrastructure through restoration. Projects can involve removing debris from the river, opening side channels to help with the river's flow, and repairing and stabilizing river banks. In the case of a flooding emergency, the flood control district has the authority to declare an emergency and help fight floods.​