Following the February 1996 flood disaster near Rufus, the SWCD led the effort to develop a Flood Hazard Mitigation Plan for Gerking Canyon Watershed to reduce vulnerability to flood disasters.

 In 1999 the SWCD obtained a Hazard Mitigation Grant from FEMA to implement mitigation measures which prompted the District to request emergency assistance from USDA through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). As a result, NRCS brought in engineering personnel to assist in design work. The SWCD generated permits and agreements, and paid for construction through EWP, and OWEB funds. A total of 51 projects were completed from March-November 1996 protecting homes, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure, at a cost of $89,800.