On March 1, join the Salton Sea Management Program Team (SSMP) for a virtual community meeting on the Draft Salton Sea Long-Range Plan. At the meeting, the SSMP Team will provide an overview of the draft plan, answer questions, and receive community input as part of the 45-day public comment period that ends on March 17, 2023. We will also discuss next steps as the long-range plan becomes part of a feasibility study led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Join the conversation and ask your questions. Your voice is important to the success of the Salton Sea Long-Range Plan!
SSMP Community Meeting on Long Range Plan – March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023, 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Zoom Link: [deleted]
Teleconference Dial In: 360-209-5623 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: [deleted]
Facebook Live in Spanish: “Salton Sea COEE” page
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Habrá interpretación al español.
Comments on the draft Long-Range Plan may be sent via email to SaltonSeaLRP@resources.ca.gov, or via regular mail to the California Natural Resources Agency, Attn: Salton Sea Long-Range Plan Review, 715 P Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814. Please send your comments on or before March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Continúan las labores en los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación alrededor del Salton Sea
Se colocó una mezcla de semillas de plantas nativas entre las filas de pacas de hierba que se colocaron durante la fase-1 de los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación en los sitios de Clubhouse y West Bombay Beach.
El SSMP está llevando a cabo los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación en colaboración con la Oficina de Recuperación de los Estados Unidos (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation) cerca de las comunidades que rodean el Salton Sea. Los proyectos abarcan aproximadamente 1,700 acres y están situados cerca de las comunidades de Salton City y Bombay Beach. El objetivo de los proyectos es establecer y mejorar la vegetación nativa en el lecho expuesto del lago para reducir el polvo arrastrado por el viento y mejorar el valor del hábitat para la fauna del desierto. Entre las plantas nativas que se están estableciendo en los lugares del proyecto figuran el arbusto del yodo, el gran arbusto salado, el pasto salado, el mezquite de miel y el palo verde, entre otras que aún se están considerando.
La fase 1 de los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación consiste en la nivelación, la colocación de pacas de hierba y modificaciones del terreno en las zonas del proyecto. Las pacas de hierba ayudarán a proteger las plantas y la vegetación que se incorporarán a los proyectos como parte de la fase 2, que incluye la plantación y/o siembra e irrigación. Hasta que se planten las zonas, las pacas crearán una forma diseñada de rugosidad en la superficie para la supresión provisional del polvo, importante para las comunidades cercanas.
El equipo del SSMP consiguió sembrar aproximadamente 290 acres dentro de las filas de pacas de hierba existentes en los emplazamientos de Clubhouse y West Bombay Beach. Este trabajo se realizó como parte de la segunda fase de estos proyectos durante los meses de noviembre y diciembre. A petición de los residentes en nuestras reuniones públicas, vamos a añadir árboles nativos para complementar nuestra mezcla de arbustos nativos en todo el sitio, donde sea factible.
Un total de 1,085 acres de proyectos de mejora de la vegetación comenzaron a ejecutarse en 2022. El equipo está trabajando con viveros locales para cultivar decenas de miles de plantas que se colocarán durante la temporada de invierno/primavera. La siembra y plantación continuará en los próximos meses.
Empleado destacado del Equipo del SSMP
La Agencia de Recursos Naturales de California, el Departamento de Recursos del Agua de California y el Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de California están implementando el Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea para hacer frente a la calidad del aire y a las amenazas ecológicas en el Salton Sea. Estas agencias se conocen colectivamente como el equipo del SSMP.
En esta edición, ponemos a Steven García en el centro de atención para compartir más sobre su importante trabajo, como parte del Equipo SSMP.
García es ingeniero senior en el Departamento de Recursos Hídricos de California para el Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea. Supervisa el diseño de ingeniería y la ejecución de proyectos de mejora de la vegetación y supresión del polvo.
- Hola Steven, ¿puedes contarnos algo más sobre tu papel en el SSMP?
Hola, soy un Ingeniero Senior en el SSMP, y mi función principal es coordinar el diseño de ingeniería y la implementación de Proyectos de Mejora de la Vegetación y Supresión de Polvo. Trabajo con biólogos, ecologistas, geólogos y otros ingenieros para desarrollar diseños de proyectos que den lugar a vegetación en el lecho expuesto del Salton Sea. Mis tareas diarias incluyen la planificación y el diseño, el desarrollo de paquetes de licitación y la coordinación de las actividades de construcción para los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación. Estos proyectos de dos fases se diseñaron para reducir inmediatamente las emisiones de polvo dentro de los límites del proyecto mediante el uso de pacas, y actualmente se están plantando con vegetación nativa que seguirá limitando las emisiones de polvo en el futuro.
- ¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de tu trabajo?
Lo que más me gusta de mi trabajo es colaborar con un grupo diverso de profesionales para diseñar proyectos en un entorno difícil. Intentar establecer miles de plantas tiene sus retos, pero hacerlo en un entorno remoto, árido y extremadamente caluroso es aún más difícil. Las zonas del proyecto no sólo son remotas, sino que tampoco son fácilmente accesibles con los equipos habituales. Hemos tenido que idear soluciones de ingeniería innovadoras, adaptándonos a limitaciones imprevistas, para construir con éxito proyectos de supresión de polvo y suministrar agua a plantas y semillas.
- ¿Qué le inspiró a buscar una carrera en la ejecución y gestión de proyectos de restauración ecológica?
Empecé mi carrera en el DWR como estudiante ayudante en la Oficina Regional Centro-Sur, trabajando en el Proyecto de Restauración del Río San Joaquín (SJRRP). Como estudiante, trabajé con biólogos, ingenieros y geólogos para estudiar y controlar el río desde la presa de Friant hasta la derivación de Chowchilla. Era la primera vez que veía un río seco. Me resultaba inconcebible que el río San Joaquín se secara y se acabara. El Bureau of Reclamation de EE.UU. liberó caudales de pulso como parte de este programa para que pudiéramos controlar la movilidad del lecho de grava. Durante los tres (3) años que trabajé como estudiante en el SJRRP, vi cómo el río pasaba de ser un ecosistema moribundo a uno floreciente gracias a las liberaciones de pulso. Ver cómo el río volvía a la vida con sólo añadir agua me dio la esperanza de que todavía hay una oportunidad de restaurar o mejorar el entorno natural. Antes de trabajar en la SJRRP, quería ser ingeniero de estructuras para diseñar edificios altos y puentes. Después de mi experiencia trabajando en el SJRRP, decidí centrarme en la ingeniería medioambiental y de recursos hídricos, para aportar mi granito de arena y hacer posible que los ecosistemas naturales y humanos coexistan y prosperen.
- ¿Cuál es su visión del futuro del Salton Sea?
Veo el Salton Sea dividido en estanques salobres que albergarán peces para mantener a los millones de aves migratorias de la ruta migratoria del Pacífico, y otros estanques de agua salobre/salada para recreo. Los proyectos de mejora de la vegetación cubrirán el lecho expuesto del Salton Sea y protegerán a la comunidad reduciendo las emisiones de polvo. La vegetación también proporcionará un hábitat para la fauna local. Me encantaría ver un sendero para peatones y bicicletas alrededor del Salton Sea que conectara todos los proyectos para que la gente pudiera disfrutar del Salton Sea en su totalidad.
En general, me imagino el Salton Sea como un lugar donde personas de todo el mundo puedan venir a recrearse y disfrutar del hermoso ecosistema que se ha conservado. Potencialmente se inspirarán para crear bellas obras de arte o para conversar sobre el entorno natural desde su lugar de residencia.
Bienvenida a un nuevo miembro del equipo SSMP
AnaLisa Saldaña es una nueva Analista de Servicios de Personal en el Departamento de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de California, como parte del equipo SSMP. Está ocupando un puesto que quedó vacante el año pasado y trabaja en la oficina de Bermuda Dunes. Ella está apoyando con tareas administrativas necesarias para que el programa funcione sin problemas.
AnaLisa trabajó anteriormente en el Departamento de Servicios de Desarrollo-Canyon Springs como Técnico de Oficina. Tiene una licenciatura en Artes Liberales y otra en Estudios Generales, ambas por el Palo Verde College. Aunque AnaLisa es nativa de los desiertos bajos de California, ha residido en el Valle de Coachella desde 2004. AnaLisa disfruta asistiendo a actividades al aire libre en el Valle de Coachella y pasar tiempo con su familia y amigos.
Comparta su opinión sobre el borrador del plan a largo plazo del Salton Sea
El Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea ha publicado el borrador del Plan a Largo Plazo del Salton Sea para su revisión pública. Este borrador del plan se ha desarrollado con el apoyo de los líderes tribales, las organizaciones comunitarias y las partes interesadas. Los conceptos propuestos en el plan tienen por objeto proteger o mejorar la calidad del aire, la calidad del agua y el hábitat de la fauna silvestre para reducir las consecuencias sanitarias y ambientales previstas de la recesión a largo plazo del Salton Sea.
Visite SaltonSea.ca.gov para consultar el borrador del plan y hacernos llegar sus comentarios. También puede encontrar aquí una versión en inglés de este borrador del plan.
Los comentarios pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a SaltonSeaLRP@resources.ca.gov, o por correo ordinario a California Natural Resources Agency, Attn: Salton Sea Long-Range Plan Review, 715 P Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814. Por favor, envíe sus comentarios antes del 17 de marzo a las 11:59 p.m. hora del pacífico.
Tras la recepción de comentarios el 17 de marzo, el esfuerzo de planificación a largo plazo pasará a formar parte de un estudio de viabilidad dirigido por el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos. El SSMP colaborará con el Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de EE.UU. y la Autoridad de Salton Sea para llevar a cabo este estudio de viabilidad. El título oficial del estudio de viabilidad es: Imperial Streams Salton Sea and Tributaries Feasibility Study. Durante este proceso, el público tendrá la oportunidad de realizar aportaciones adicionales para dar forma y mejorar el plan de acciones futuras en el Salton Sea.
¡Gracias por apoyar el futuro del Salton Sea!
Taller comunitario sobre el SSMP programado para
el 1 de marzo
Únase al equipo del SSMP en un taller comunitario virtual el 1 de marzo, a las 5:30 p.m. Durante el taller, el equipo proporcionará actualizaciones del programa y buscará su opinión para ayudar a seguir dando forma al futuro del Salton Sea. Habrá interpretación al español.
Los detalles de la reunión, el enlace Zoom, los materiales y otros documentos se publicarán próximamente en el sitio web del SSMP a medida que estén disponibles. Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, póngase en contacto con cnra-saltonsea@resources.ca.gov.
Work Continues at Vegetation Enhancement Projects Around the Salton Sea
A mixture of native plant seed was placed between the rows of grass bales that were placed during phase-1 of the Vegetation Enhancement Projects at Clubhouse and West Bombay Beach sites.
The SSMP is implementing the vegetation enhancement projects in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation near communities around the Salton Sea. The projects cover approximately 1,700 acres and are located near the communities of Salton City and Bombay Beach. The projects aim to establish and enhance native vegetation on the exposed lakebed to reduce wind-blown dust and improve habitat value for desert wildlife. Native plants being established at the project sites include iodine bush, big saltbush, salt grass, honey mesquite, palo verde, among others still being considered.
Phase 1 of the Vegetation Enhancement Projects consists of grading, grass bale placement, and site modifications in the project areas. Grass bales will help protect plants and vegetation that will be coming into the projects as part of the phase 2, which includes planting and/or seeding and irrigation. Until sites get planted, the bales create a form engineered surface roughening for interim dust suppression, important to the nearby communities.
The SSMP team was successful in getting approximately 290 acres seeded within the existing rows of grass bales at Clubhouse and West Bombay Beach sites. This work was done as part of the second phase of these projects during the months of November and December. At the request of residents at our public meetings, we will be adding native trees to complement our native shrub mix throughout all sites, where feasible.
A total of 1,085 acres of vegetation enhancement projects began implementation in 2022. The team is working with local nurseries to grow out tens of thousands of plants for placement during this winter/spring season. Seeding and planting will continue over the next couple of months.
SSMP Team Employee Spotlight
The California Natural Resources Agency, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are implementing the Salton
Sea Management Program to address air quality and ecological threats at the Salton Sea. These agencies are collectively known as the SSMP team.
In this edition, we are putting Steven Garcia in the spotlight to share more about his important work, as part of the SSMP Team.
Garcia is a Senior Engineer at the California Department of Water Resources for the for the Salton Sea Management Program. He oversees the engineering design and implementation of Vegetation Enhancement and Dust Suppression Projects.
- Hi Steven, can you tell us a bit more about your role at the SSMP?
Hello, I am a Senior Engineer with the SSMP, and my main role is to coordinate the engineering design and implementation of Vegetation Enhancement and Dust Suppression Projects. I work with biologist, ecologist, geologist, and other engineers to develop project designs that will result in vegetation on Salton Sea exposed lakebed. My day-to-day duties include planning and designing, developing bid packages, and coordinating construction activities for vegetation enhancement projects. These 2-phased projects were designed to immediately reduce dust emitting from within the project limits, by using bales, and are currently being planted with native vegetation that will continue to limit dust emissions into the future.
- What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The part about my job that I enjoy most is working with a diverse group of professionals to come up with project designs in a difficult environment to work in. Trying to establish thousands of plants has its challenges, but doing so in a remote, arid, and extremely hot environment is even more difficult. The project areas are not just remote but are also not easily accessible with typical equipment. We’ve had to come up with innovative engineering solutions, adapting to unforeseen constraints, to successfully construct dust suppression projects, and provide water to plants and seeds.
- What inspired you to seek a career in implementing and managing ecological restoration projects?
I started my career with DWR as a student assistant with the South-Central Regional Office, working on the San Joaquin River Restoration Project (SJRRP). As a student, I worked with biologist, engineers, and geologist to survey and monitor the river from Friant Dam to the Chowchilla bypass. This was the first time I ever saw a river run dry. It was unconceivable to me that the San Joaquin River could just run dry and end. The US Bureau of Reclamation released pulse flows as part of this program so that we could monitor gravel bed mobility. Over the three (3) years I worked as a student on the SJRRP, I saw the river go from a dying ecosystem to one that was thriving due to the pulse releases. Seeing the River come back to life by just adding water gave me hope that there is still a chance to restore or enhance the natural environment. Before my time in the SJRRP, I wanted to be a structural engineer who designs tall buildings and bridges. After my experience working on the SJRRP, I decided to focus on environmental and water resources engineering, to do my part, and make it possible for the natural and human ecosystems to co-exist and thrive.
- What is your vision for the future of the Salton Sea?
I see the Salton Sea being divided into brackish ponds that will host fish to support the millions of migrating birds of the pacific flyway, and other brackish/saltwater ponds for recreation. Fully established vegetation enhancement projects will cover the exposed lakebed of the Salton Sea and will be protecting the community by reducing dust emissions from it. The vegetation will also provide habitat for local wildlife. I would love to see a rim trail, for pedestrians and bicycles, around the Sea that would connect all projects so people may experience the Sea in its entirety.
Overall, I envision the Salton Sea as place where we people from around the world will be able to come recreate and enjoy the beautiful ecosystem that has been conserved. Potentially being inspired to create beautiful art or to converse the natural environment from where they reside.
Welcome a New SSMP Team Member
AnaLisa Saldaña is a new Staff Services Analyst in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the SSMP team. She is filling a position that became vacant last year and is based out of the Bermuda Dunes office. She is supporting with administrative tasks needed to make the program run smoothly.
AnaLisa was previously employed with the Department of Development Services-Canyon Springs as an Office Technician. She holds a degree in Liberal Arts and one in General Studies, both from Palo Verde College. Although AnaLisa is a native of the California low deserts, she has resided in the Coachella Valley since 2004. AnaLisa enjoys attending outdoor activities in the Coachella Valley and spending time with family and friends.
Share Your Feedback on the Draft Salton Sea Long-Range Plan
The Salton Sea Management Program has released the Draft Salton Sea Long-Range Plan for public review. This draft plan was developed with support from Tribal leadership, community-based organizations, and interested parties. The proposed concepts within the plan intend to protect or improve air quality, water quality, and wildlife habitat to reduce health and environmental consequences anticipated from the long-term recession of the Salton Sea.
Please visit saltonsea.ca.gov to view the draft plan and provide your feedback. A Spanish version of this draft plan can also be found here.
Comments may be sent via email to SaltonSeaLRP@resources.ca.gov, or via regular mail to the California Natural Resources Agency, Attn: Salton Sea Long-Range Plan Review, 715 P Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814. Please send your comments on or before March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Following the receipt of comments on March 17, the long-range planning effort will become part of a feasibility study led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. SSMP will partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Salton Sea Authority to undertake this feasibility study. The official title of the feasibility study is: Imperial Streams Salton Sea and Tributaries Feasibility Study. Additional public input opportunities will be available during this process to shape and enhance the plan for future actions at the Sea.
Thank you for supporting the future of the Salton Sea!
SSMP Community Workshop set for March 1
Join the SSMP Team on a virtual community workshop on March 1, at 5:30 p.m. During the workshop, the team will provide program updates and seek your feedback to help continue shaping the future of the Sea. Spanish interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación al español.
Meeting details, Zoom link, materials, and other documents are forthcoming and will be uploaded to the SSMP website as they become available. For questions or comments, please contact: cnra-saltonsea@resources.ca.gov.
Follow Us on Social
@CalNatResources
Celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth on Feb. 3 at 9:30am w/“Career Pathways: Black & African Americans in State Service” where we will share resources & knowledge to plan for & achieve meaningful #statejobs. Topics: benefits, recruitment, & how 2 apply. Register👉[deleted]
SSMP Team Employee Spotlight
The California Natural Resources Agency, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are implementing the Salton
Sea Management Program to address air quality and ecological threats at the Salton Sea. These agencies are collectively known as the SSMP team.
In this edition, we are putting Steven Garcia in the spotlight to share more about his important work, as part of the SSMP Team.
Garcia is a Senior Engineer at the California Department of Water Resources for the for the Salton Sea Management Program. He oversees the engineering design and implementation of Vegetation Enhancement and Dust Suppression Projects.
- Hi Steven, can you tell us a bit more about your role at the SSMP?
Hello, I am a Senior Engineer with the SSMP, and my main role is to coordinate the engineering design and implementation of Vegetation Enhancement and Dust Suppression Projects. I work with biologist, ecologist, geologist, and other engineers to develop project designs that will result in vegetation on Salton Sea exposed lakebed. My day-to-day duties include planning and designing, developing bid packages, and coordinating construction activities for vegetation enhancement projects. These 2-phased projects were designed to immediately reduce dust emitting from within the project limits, by using bales, and are currently being planted with native vegetation that will continue to limit dust emissions into the future.
- What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
The part about my job that I enjoy most is working with a diverse group of professionals to come up with project designs in a difficult environment to work in. Trying to establish thousands of plants has its challenges, but doing so in a remote, arid, and extremely hot environment is even more difficult. The project areas are not just remote but are also not easily accessible with typical equipment. We’ve had to come up with innovative engineering solutions, adapting to unforeseen constraints, to successfully construct dust suppression projects, and provide water to plants and seeds.
- What inspired you to seek a career in implementing and managing ecological restoration projects?
I started my career with DWR as a student assistant with the South-Central Regional Office, working on the San Joaquin River Restoration Project (SJRRP). As a student, I worked with biologist, engineers, and geologist to survey and monitor the river from Friant Dam to the Chowchilla bypass. This was the first time I ever saw a river run dry. It was unconceivable to me that the San Joaquin River could just run dry and end. The US Bureau of Reclamation released pulse flows as part of this program so that we could monitor gravel bed mobility. Over the three (3) years I worked as a student on the SJRRP, I saw the river go from a dying ecosystem to one that was thriving due to the pulse releases. Seeing the River come back to life by just adding water gave me hope that there is still a chance to restore or enhance the natural environment. Before my time in the SJRRP, I wanted to be a structural engineer who designs tall buildings and bridges. After my experience working on the SJRRP, I decided to focus on environmental and water resources engineering, to do my part, and make it possible for the natural and human ecosystems to co-exist and thrive.
- What is your vision for the future of the Salton Sea?
I see the Salton Sea being divided into brackish ponds that will host fish to support the millions of migrating birds of the pacific flyway, and other brackish/saltwater ponds for recreation. Fully established vegetation enhancement projects will cover the exposed lakebed of the Salton Sea and will be protecting the community by reducing dust emissions from it. The vegetation will also provide habitat for local wildlife. I would love to see a rim trail, for pedestrians and bicycles, around the Sea that would connect all projects so people may experience the Sea in its entirety.
Overall, I envision the Salton Sea as place where we people from around the world will be able to come recreate and enjoy the beautiful ecosystem that has been conserved. Potentially being inspired to create beautiful art or to converse the natural environment from where they reside.
Welcome a New SSMP Team Member
AnaLisa Saldaña is a new Staff Services Analyst in the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as part of the SSMP team. She is filling a position that became vacant last year and is based out of the Bermuda Dunes office. She is supporting with administrative tasks needed to make the program run smoothly.
AnaLisa was previously employed with the Department of Development Services-Canyon Springs as an Office Technician. She holds a degree in Liberal Arts and one in General Studies, both from Palo Verde College. Although AnaLisa is a native of the California low deserts, she has resided in the Coachella Valley since 2004. AnaLisa enjoys attending outdoor activities in the Coachella Valley and spending time with family and friends.
Share Your Feedback on the
Draft Salton Sea Long-Range Plan
The Salton Sea Management Program has released the Draft Salton Sea Long-Range Plan for public review. This draft plan was developed with support from Tribal leadership, community-based organizations, and interested parties. The proposed concepts within the plan intend to protect or improve air quality, water quality, and wildlife habitat to reduce health and environmental consequences anticipated from the long-term recession of the Salton Sea.
Please visit saltonsea.ca.gov to view the draft plan and provide your feedback. A Spanish version of this draft plan can also be found here.
Comments may be sent via email to SaltonSeaLRP@resources.ca.gov, or via regular mail to the California Natural Resources Agency, Attn: Salton Sea Long-Range Plan Review, 715 P Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA 95814. Please send your comments on or before March 17 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
Following the receipt of comments on March 17, the long-range planning effort will become part of a feasibility study led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. SSMP will partner with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Salton Sea Authority to undertake this feasibility study. The official title of the feasibility study is: Imperial Streams Salton Sea and Tributaries Feasibility Study. Additional public input opportunities will be available during this process to shape and enhance the plan for future actions at the Sea.
Thank you for supporting the future of the Salton Sea!
SSMP Community Workshop set for March 1
Join the SSMP Team on a virtual community workshop on March 1, at 5:30 p.m. During the workshop, the team will provide program updates and seek your feedback to help continue shaping the future of the Sea. Spanish interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación al español.
Meeting details, Zoom link, materials, and other documents are forthcoming and will be uploaded to the SSMP website as they become available. For questions or comments, please contact: cnra-saltonsea@resources.ca.gov.
Follow Us on Social
@CalNatResources
Celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth on Feb. 3 at 9:30am w/“Career Pathways: Black & African Americans in State Service” where we will share resources & knowledge to plan for & achieve meaningful #statejobs. Topics: benefits, recruitment, & how 2 apply. Register👉[deleted]
