Watershed Wildfire Management

WATERSHED WILDFIRE MANAGEMENT TARGETS

MReduce fire-contributing species in riparian areas by 2,900 acres N Metric: Acres of riparian areas that have undergone at least one invasive special removal program

Reduce ignitions in municipal corridors by 50%

Metric: Count of fire ignitions in wildlands and the urban-wildland interface

OMaintain a minimum of 75% of available capacity in all debris basins and 80% of available capacity in reservoirs P Metric: Percent of available capacity in debris basins and percent of available capacity in reservoirs

Confirm 100% of water management agencies within the wildland-urban interface are implementing a wildfire resilience or mitigation plan

Metric: Percent of agencies that have implemented fire prevention measures and percent of agencies that have alternative or backup energy supply

Wildfire frequency, intensity, and rate of spread have increased within the wildland-urban interfaces in Los Angeles County. These events create direct impacts to local water resources through destruction or impairment of water supply and wastewater infrastructure, as well as indirect effects on surface water quality and watershed functionality. In addition, post-wildfire impacts of erosion and debris flows on watershed lands can create flood management emergencies as well as long-term reduction in debris basin functionality and reservoir storage and groundwater recharge potential. Reducing wildfire ignition sources and fire-contributing species that exacerbate wildfire impact are key areas to target for enhanced resilience. In addition, the ability to effectively manage existing flood control debris basins and reservoirs to their highest potential is critical to protecting the environment and communities as well as our ability to maximize stormwater capture during precipitation events. Water management agencies within wildland-urban interfaces need to be prepared for wildfire events and have plans in place for them to mitigate wildfire damage, respond during wildfire events, and minimize post-wildfire impacts.