CALIFORNIA’S EVERGLADES
The Salton Sea is California’s largest lake at 367 square miles. It supports natural resources found nowhere else in the United States.
PELICANS, GREBE & CLAPPER – OH MY!
More than 2/3 of all species of birds in the continental United States have been recorded at the Salton Sea. With the loss of over 90% of California’s wetlands, the Salton Sea is a critical stopover for millions of migrating birds. The Salton Sea used to contain one of the world’s most productive sport fisheries. In recent years, the fishery has diminished significantly.
ALL COULD BE LOST
The Salton Sea’s important resources are threatened by rising salinity, excessive nutrient run-off from agriculture, pending agricultural to urban water transfers – and politics. One thing is certain, within 15 years the Salton Sea will lose 300,000 acre feet of water from its total inflow. Restoration efforts must be well underway within that 15 year timeframe in order to avoid the beginning of the end for the Salton Sea.
DIRE CONSEQUENCES
• A 300,000 reduction in water flows to the Sea would lower the lake by 19 feet exposing 54,900 acres (86 square miles) of seabed.
• The reduced lake results in increased levels of salt concentrations.
• The prospect of 200 million fish dying within a few years from salinity toxicosis.
• The loss of the fishery spells disaster for many populations of fish eating birds.
• The shoreline drawdown would immediately threaten existing wildlife habitat.
• Recreational oriented businesses would be severely impacted due to a decline in facilities and loss of resources.
• A dead Sea would represent a $1.5 billion loss to the region & Southern California. (link to Rose Report)
• Prevailing winds are likely to deposit salt and sediments on prime agricultural land in the Imperial Valley creating a severe agricultural hazard.
• Very fine lake bottom sediments may become airborne creating dust storms, impairing already threatened air quality and impacting human health.
• An increased number and severity of asthma attacks, nosebleeds and aggravated bronchitis and other health problems are likely to occur.
• Another Owens Valley Dry Lake (Owens Lake report).
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RESTORATION IS POSSIBLE |
