In 2003, the District formed a workgroup that identified a need to expand the resource management program to further address the challenges of managing and restoring complex ecosystems as the system of open space preserves continues to grow. The workgroup determined that a Five-Year Resource Management Strategic Plan should be used to guide the near-term growth of the resource management program by:

• Outlining the District’s highest priority goals and objectives related to resource protection;


• Establishing priorities for new projects, policies, and procedures;


• Guiding the development of annual work programs and budgets; and


• Identifying staffing needs necessary to achieve the District’s resource management.

The Resource Management Strategic Plan is primarily implemented through the District's Planning and Operations Departments. The Planning Department is responsible for gathering the initial information and developing project documents, overall preserve plans, and District-wide activities. The Operations Department is responsible for implementing specific plans and initiating projects in the field. The Strategic Plan prioritized the goals and specific projects to implement and established a timeline for implementation over the next five years.