In recent years, the District has identified new challenges in managing sediment. In particular, the wildfires occurring in 2007 and 2009 burned a large portion of the County and have led to an increased inflow of sediment and debris within District facilities. This has put pressure on the remaining capacity of existing sediment placement sites, where the Flood Control District has traditionally placed sediment. As a result, the District has developed a 20-year Sediment Management Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan) for years 2012-2032 that pursues new alternatives which can reduce the environmental and social impacts of sediment management.

The Strategic Plan represents the results of a continuing dialogue about sediment management between the District and numerous stakeholders in the region. The Strategic Plan provides an overview of sediment management issues, evaluates various strategies to help identify optimal solutions for sediment management, and identifies general steps that should be pursued to meet the District’s mission. The Strategic Plan is guided by the following key objectives:

• Maintaining flood risk management and water conservation
• Recognizing opportunities for increased environmental stewardship
• Reducing social impacts related to sediment management
• Identifying ways to use sediment as a resource
• Ensuring the District is fiscally responsible in decision-making