COASTAL REGIONAL SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

Abstract

Regional Sediment Management (RSM) is a planning approach that seeks to address coastal sediment processes on a broader geographic scale. It recognizes that sand, cobble, and fine sediment are important natural resources that are critical to the environmental health and economic vitality of the coastal zone. The relevant sediment processes overlap multiple geopolitical boundaries which explains why a regional planning perspective is needed. To be effective a comprehensive road map is needed to addresses how to conserve and restore the valuable sediment resources, reduce shoreline erosion and coastal storm damages, protect sensitive environmental resources, increase natural sediment supply to the coast, preserve and enhance beaches, improve water quality along the shoreline, and optimize the beneficial use of material dredged from ports, harbors, and other opportunistic sediment sources. The plan that was prepared for the diverse 144-mile long Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties coastline was developed systematically using traditional planning processes to understand the baseline science and relevant physical processes; identify the challenges that currently exist and the corresponding opportunities that can be seized to positively move forward; and formulate appropriate action plans and solutions that have unanimity of purpose. It is demonstrated that in order to be technically, environmentally, economically, and politically effective regional sediment management plans should consist of a suite of diverse study, management, policy, and capital project activities.