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Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plans

Preparation of Coastal Regional Sediment Management Plans ("Coastal RSM Plans") for the various regions across coastal California culminates CSMWs Sediment Master Plan. Based on stakeholder input from CSMWs outreach program, significant differences between regions require region-specific strategies to holistically resolve sediment imbalance issues; CSMW therefore began working with regional partners to complete Coastal RSM Plans for specific portions of the coast, using littoral cells as the minimum planning unit to address sediment imbalance issues. Local and regional government sponsorship is essential to this effort in order to develop consensus on how best to address coastal erosion through beneficial reuse of excess sediment, and to maintain that regional focus during Plan implementation.

The Coastal RSM Plan program is intended to formulate regional sediment management policy and guidance in order to: restore, preserve and maintain coastal beaches and other critical areas of sediment deficit; sustain recreation and tourism; enhance public safety and access; restore coastal sandy habitats; and Identify cost-effective solutions for restoration of areas impacted by excess sediment.

Each Coastal RSM Plan includes Governance, Outreach, Physical, Economic and Environmental elements. To date, CSMW and their various regional partners have completed three Coastal RSM Plans, using general criteria prepared by CSMW as a starting point. Coastal RSM Plans are currently being developed for six additional segments of the California coastline, with a few more under consideration if funds and regional partners become available. These coastal segments, CSMWs regional partners and Plan status include:

  • Southern Monterey Bay Littoral Cell (24MB) - The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) completed CSMWs first Coastal RSM Plan, extending from Moss Landing south to Point Pinos, in November 2008
  • Santa Barbara Littoral Cell (3.5MB) - Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment (BEACON) completed their Plan, covering Point Conception south to Point Mugu, in January 2009
  • San Diego County (7.4MB) - San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) completed their Plan, covering Oceanside south to the Mexico border, in April 2009
  • Orange County - The County of Orange, Parks Department is currently preparing their Plan, covering the littoral cells within Orange County
  • Eureka Littoral Cell - The Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District is currently preparing their Plan, covering the area from Trinidad Head south to False Cape
  • San Francisco Littoral Cell - CSMW is working with the Association of Bay Area Governments to develop the governance and outreach components, while consultant experts assess the physical, economic and environmental components covering the coastline from the Golden Gate to Pacifica
  • Los Angeles County (18MB) - CSMW is working with a consultant to gather data and help assemble the governance structure for the coastal area within LA County
  • San Francisco Central Bay – CSMW is working with the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) to develop a Coastal RSM Plan for the central SF Bay to the Golden Gate
  • Santa Cruz Littoral Cell – CSMW is exploring the option of having the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary conduct governance and outreach activities for the stretch of coast extending from Half Moon Bay to Moss Landing, while the physical, economic and environmental elements are being compiled by USACE in-house subject experts. Plan may be completed by December 2014.