SSMP eNewsletter — August

SSMP Projects Update

Pelicans are Back! More Bird Species Flocking to the Salton Sea

*American white pelicans, black-necked stilts and american avocets at the southern end of the Salton Sea.*

The recently filled ponds at the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) project are showing promising ecological benefits, particularly for local and migratory bird populations. Multiple bird species are now actively utilizing these restored wetland environments, signaling a positive shift in the region’s biodiversity. Notably, the return of key species such as the brown pelican and white pelican—both important indicators of environmental health—highlights the promising success of this restoration project.

*Neotropic cormorants, a black-necked stilt and a ruddy duck in the back by the wood pile*

*Wilson’s phalaropes at the recently filled East Pond.*

*A sanderling and three western sandpipers behind it.*

The SCH project aims to provide vital conditions for birds foraging, resting, and nesting within its 9,000-acre footprint by restoring and creating deep and shallow water habitat areas, all while suppressing dust on exposed lakebed. Currently, about 2,000 acres — little over three square miles — have been covered with a combination of New River and Salton Sea water, where shorebirds and waterfowl have been observed interacting across the filled ponds and the New River Diversion Structure.

SSMP Partners

Highlighting A New Community Initiative for the Salton Sea Led by Regional Leaders

A group of community leaders from the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley, led by Alianza Coachella Valley, is collaborating and organizing to uplift regional needs and help accelerate collective action. This initiative is called the Campaign for Thriving Salton Sea Communities, and it focuses on improving quality of life outcomes and identifying economic opportunities for residents of the Salton Sea region.

The campaign brings together community members, non-profits, researchers, and government entities to work towards a shared vision to uplift community priorities and increase investment to support thriving Salton Sea communities. Through this campaign, the group is identifying strategic collective actions to align priorities, strengthen partnerships, and continue to grow organizational capacity.

Over the years, including through the development of its Community Needs Report, the Salton Sea Management Program team has learned that needs of local communities go far beyond improving physical conditions at the Sea. We have learned that residents envision a range of changes that can improve their lives and communities. Better understanding these needs and opportunities will help us shape our SSMP projects, identify synergies, and when possible, deliver multi-benefits. The Salton Sea Management Program team is an active participant in the Thriving Salton Sea Communities Roundtable and looks forward to a continued collaboration towards this shared vision.

The group will reconvene at a future roundtable during the fall. Visit www.thrivingsaltonsea.com for more information.

Celebrating Audubon California’s Camila Bautista’s Master’s Degree

The SSMP team is proud to celebrate a major milestone for our colleague and partner, Camila Bautista, from Audubon California, who has recently completed her master’s degree in environmental science from California State University, Los Angeles. Her thesis research explored how groundwater helps sustain the Bombay Beach wetlands, providing new insights into how these important habitats function and persist around the Salton Sea. Camila’s academic achievement is a reflection of her deep dedication to environmental justice, science-based solutions, and community-centered advocacy. In her role with Audubon California, Camila has been a tireless advocate for both ecological restoration and the health of communities surrounding the Salton Sea.

Camila has contributed to advancing projects at the Sea that not only support habitat restoration for birds and other wildlife but also prioritize the well-being of communities across the region. Her work on the Bombay Beach Wetlands Enhancement project has included facilitating local engagement, supporting education and outreach efforts, and helping shape restoration strategies that reflect the needs of both people and nature. Her scientific expertise, community insights, and collaborative spirit make her an invaluable contributor to the state’s long-term vision for a healthier and more sustainable Salton Sea.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Camila Bautista on this achievement and look forward to all the important work ahead.

Felicidades!

Jessica Humes: Focused on Protecting the Valley’s Health

Jessica Humes, Environmental Compliance Supervisor for Imperial Irrigation District, has been featured in a recent article posted at the Imperial-San Diego Currents. The piece was authored by SSMP partner, Darren Simon.

In the article, Darren describes how Jessica leads IID’s Salton Sea mitigation efforts, along with her team. She carries out a number of critical programs, including an air quality mitigation program that to date has addressed 2,700 acres of exposed playa at the sea with thousands of additional acres in development.

The SSMP team has also acknowledged how she has been a key partner to the SSMP. Click here to read the full article: Jessica Humes: Focused On Protecting the Valley’s Health | Imperial-San Diego Currents