Salton Sea Management Program Community Workshop, April 20, 2023

April 20, 2023 Presentation Slides

Equipo del SSMP

Bienvenida a un nuevo miembro del equipo SSMP

Samantha (Sam) Przeklasa se ha reincorporado recientemente al programa Salton Sea del CDFW como científica medioambiental (bióloga aviar) con un entusiasmo renovado por la región y el trabajo de conservación que se realiza.

Sam es licenciada por la Universidad de California en Davis en biología de la conservación y la pesca de especies silvestres y tiene un máster en sistemas de información geográfica por el American River College. Ha trabajado para agencias como el USGS, el Servicio Forestal de EE.UU. y el CDFW, centrándose en especies de aves como el azor norteño, el búho moteado, el urogallo común, el faisán de cuello anillado y otras aves de montaña y acuáticas. Está deseando seguir colaborando en las tareas de seguimiento y conservación de las aves en el Salton Sea.

Le encanta observar aves, sobre todo de oído, y disfruta con la jardinería autóctona (¡para los pájaros, claro!). Su próximo amor es el café, y recomienda a todo el mundo que busque café respetuoso con los pájaros, una certificación del Instituto Smithsonian que apoya una mayor biodiversidad en la producción de café. Para ella, la mejor manera de aprender algo es experimentarlo sobre el terreno, preferiblemente con sus perros. Está deseando poner en práctica estas pasiones en el campo y fomentar la conservación de las aves.

Próximas Oportunidades de Participación en el SSMP y Eventos en el Salton Sea

RECORDATORIO: Participe MAÑANA en el taller comunitario del SSMP

El equipo del SSMP le invita a participar en su próximo Taller Comunitario del SSMP el 20 de abril a las 5:30 p.m. Los asistentes pueden participar en persona o virtualmente y aprender sobre los proyectos en curso y los esfuerzos actuales de planificación en el Mar; obtener una visión en profundidad del Informe Anual del SSMP 2023 recientemente publicado; y reunirse con miembros del equipo del Estado del Salton Sea para hacer preguntas y aprender más sobre los progresos realizados en el Salton Sea durante 2022.

Por favor, únase a nosotros en persona en Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians Tameka Gym, 66725 Martinez Road, Thermal, CA 92274. Las puertas abren a las 5:00 p.m.

También puede participar virtualmente haciendo clic aquí:Y http://bit.ly/SaltonSeaWorkshop  o marcando (305) 226-1968.

También se retransmitirá Facebook Live en español en la página de “Salton Sea COEE”

SSMP Community Workshop on Annual Report – April 20, 5:30 p.m.

Ubicación en persona: Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians Tameka Gym, 66725 Martinez Road, Thermal, CA 92274.

Zoom Link: http://bit.ly/SaltonSeaWorkshop
Marque: (305) 226-1968.
Facebook Live en español: “Salton Sea COEE”

Spanish Interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación en español. Esta reunión se grabará y se subirá a la página web del SSMP.

RECORDATORIO: Taller sobre el Salton Sea de la Junta Estatal del Agua los días 16 y 17 de mayo

La Junta Estatal del Agua celebrará su taller anual sobre el estado de la Fase 1 del Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea el 16 de mayo de 2023, de 12:00 p.m. a 4:00 p.m., y el 17 de mayo de 2023, de 5:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m.

La reunión tendrá lugar durante dos días y ofrecerá interpretación en directo en español, con múltiples opciones de participación: 1) en persona en el Imperial Valley College, 2) a distancia en el North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, y 3) virtualmente a través de Zoom (para hacer comentarios) o webcast (sólo para ver).

Cada año, la Agencia de Recursos Naturales de California proporciona una actualización a la Junta Estatal del Agua y a las partes interesadas sobre el progreso que se ha hecho en el Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea. El taller es una oportunidad para que los participantes proporcionen información a la Junta Estatal del Agua sobre el estado del Programa de Gestión del Salton Sea. Se pueden hacer comentarios por escrito con anticipación o comentarios orales en cualquiera de los dos días del taller.

Lea el anuncio público y obtenga más información sobre el Salton Sea y sobre cómo participar en el taller en waterboards.ca.gov/saltonsea. Si tiene preguntas sobre el taller, póngase en contacto con Stephanie Holstege en Stephanie.Holstege@waterboards.ca.gov.

March 2023 Update

Samantha Arthur Appointed to Serve as Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy

The SSMP is pleased to share that Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Samantha Arthur to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the Natural Resources Agency. Arthur has served as Working Lands Director for Audubon California since 2019, and was Conservation Project Director there from 2016-2019 and Conservation Project Manager from 2014-2016. She is also a member of the California Water Commission.

Arthur is expected to officially join the team in late April.

“Samantha brings substantial experience planning and managing complex projects in California, particularly in the Central Valley, through her work with Audubon California. She understands state and federal processes and permitting agencies, and shares our passion and commitment to driving implementation of projects at the Salton Sea,” California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot said. “We look forward to integrating her into our team and continuing our work with partners to deliver on the state’s commitments at the Sea.”

SSMP Annual Report Submitted to State Water Board

The California Natural Resources Agency has submitted its 2023 Annual Report on the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) to the State Water Resources Control Board, prepared in compliance with Order WR 2017-0134.

English and Spanish versions of the report can be found at www.saltonsea.ca.gov under the Quick Links heading.

The report summarizes progress in 2022 toward reducing exposed lakebed and creating habitat at the Salton Sea. Highlights include continuous work to deliver on the SSMP’s Phase-1: 10-Year Plan projects and taking steps toward programmatic access agreements with landowners to help accelerate dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects at the Sea. The largest restoration project in the Sea’s history – the Species Conservation Habitat project – completed major milestones in 2022 and remains on track for completion by the end of 2023. The SSMP also made progress on vegetation enhancement work at three sites around the Sea.

The report highlights development of the draft Long-Range Plan (LRP) with the support of Tribal leadership, community-based organizations and state, local, and federal agencies. The draft LRP was submitted as planned to the State Water Board in late 2022. The annual report also describes the cost-share agreement signed by the SSMP, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), and the Salton Sea Authority to launch a federal feasibility study to identify and recommend projects and actions for the long-term restoration of the Sea. In June, the Corps released for public review and feedback the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Phase I: 10-Year Plan.  The EA provides a broad umbrella for environmental compliance for a variety of SSMP Phase I: 10-year Plan projects, including ponds, wetlands, and dust suppression and vegetation enhancement projects around the Sea. Following receipt of public comments, the EA is being revised and is anticipated to be finalized in Spring 2023.

Through various opportunities, the team strengthened outreach and engagement with local communities so that local input can better shape the work of the SSMP. These opportunities included multiple public-facing meetings of the Community Engagement Committee, the Long-Range Plan Committee, the Science Committee, the Independent Review Panel for water importation proposals led by the University of Santa Cruz, and community-oriented meetings throughout the year. The team also continued working towards identifying community amenities and vital community infrastructure needs by engaging directly and on the ground with residents from the Salton Sea region to help inform a strategy document that will be completed in the coming months.

The annual report and the status of the SSMP will be the focus of a public workshop convened by the State Water Board in May 16 and 17. Workshop details are available on the State Water Board’s Salton Sea program webpage.

In addition, the SSMP team plans to hold a community workshop in advance of the State Water Board’s workshop to provide an overview of the report and answer questions. This meeting will occur on April 20, participants may join in person at Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians Tameka Gym, 66725 Martinez Road, Thermal, CA 92274; participate virtually by clicking here: http://bit.lySaltonSeaWorkshop; or by dialing (305) 226-1968. More information on this meeting is found below in this edition and the SSMP website.

UPDATED: Request For Qualifications for Salton Sea Management Program Technical Support

The Department of Water Resources (DWR), Division of Regional Assistance, invites qualified firms with extensive background in engineering and environmental services to support DWR in the conceptualization, design, environmental permit acquisition, construction, and monitoring of dust suppression and habitat restoration projects to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) to support the Salton Sea Management Program.  The Contractor will provide expert technical advice and consultation in planning and project management support; environmental permitting and compliance support; agricultural and land use economic analysis; hydrodynamic, air quality, and ecological modeling; engineering design support; and environmental and design support during construction in support of DWR compliance with the California State Water Resources Control Board Order 2017-0134. Estimated Contract Amount $5,000,000 – $10,000,000.

This opportunity opened March 6 and will close on April 13, 2022. The anticipated length of term for this agreement is five years. To learn more about this opportunity visit: https://caleprocure.ca.gov/event/3860/10185861

SSMP Team

SSMP Welcomes New Team Members

To continue delivering critical projects around the Salton Sea, the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) has filled two key vacancies at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Salton Sea Program.

In March, Maria Davydova-Flores joined the CDFW as the Salton Sea Program’s new Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist, headquartered in the Bermuda Dunes field office.

Maria has a B.S. in Biology: Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from University of Texas at Austin. She has lived and worked here in Coachella Valley for the past ten years, working at the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board. Starting as a scientific aid in 2012 and promoting to environmental scientist two years later, Maria has obtained extensive knowledge of Salton Sea water quality issues and state and federal environmental regulations. Over the past eight years, Maria has gained vast experience working with Salton Sea communities and stakeholders as the Regional Water Board’s environmental justice coordinator, outreach coordinator, Tribal coordinator, and water quality standards planning coordinator.

She has been actively involved in the Salton Sea Management Program Community Engagement Committee since its very early days in 2016, when it was known as the Outreach Committee, where she took a leading role in planning and facilitating 2016 and 2017 community workshops. Maria is very excited to continue her involvement with the Salton Sea in her new role as the Salton Sea Regulatory Specialist.

Upcoming SSMP Engagement Opportunities

SSMP Community Engagement Committee to Meet on April 3

The SSMP Community Engagement Committee will meet on April 3 at 11:00 a.m. for a virtual meeting on Zoom. Spanish Interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación en español.

SSMP Community Engagement Committee Meeting

Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88412977625

Or dial: +16694449171

Webinar ID: 884 1297 7625

Join the SSMP Community Workshop on April 20

The SSMP team invites you to participate in its next SSMP Community Workshop on April 20 at 5:30 p.m. Attendees may participate in person or virtually and learn about projects underway and current planning efforts at the Sea; get an in-depth overview of the recently released 2023 SSMP Annual Report; and meet with members of the State’s Salton Sea team to ask questions and learn more about progress made at the Salton Sea during 2022.

Please join us in person at Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians Tameka Gym, 66725 Martinez Road, Thermal, CA 92274. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

You may also participate virtually by clicking here: http://bit.ly/SaltonSeaWorkshop  or by dialing (305) 226-1968.

Facebook Live in Spanish will also be broadcasted on the “Salton Sea COEE” page.

Spanish Interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación en español. This meeting will be recorded and uploaded to the SSMP website.

April 20, 2023 Presentation Slides

State Water Board Salton Sea Workshop set for May 16 & 17

The State Water Board will be holding its annual workshop on the status of Phase 1 of the Salton Sea Management Program on May 16, 2023, from 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., and May 17, 2023, from 5:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

The meeting will take place over two days and will provide live interpretation in Spanish, with multiple options for participation: 1) in-person at Imperial Valley College, 2) remote viewing at the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club, and 3) virtually via Zoom (to provide comment) or webcast (watch-only).

Every year, the California Natural Resources Agency provides an update to the State Water Board and interested parties on the progress that has been made on the Salton Sea Management Program. The workshop is an opportunity for participants to provide input to the State Water Board regarding the status of the Salton Sea Management Program. Input can be provided by submitting written comments in advance or providing oral comments on either day of the workshop.

Read the public notice and learn more about the Salton Sea and how to participate in the workshop at waterboards.ca.gov/saltonsea. For questions about the workshop contact Stephanie Holstege at Stephanie.Holstege@waterboards.ca.gov.

Recording and Presentation Slides From March 1, 2023 Event

Presentation Slides

SSMP Community Meeting on Long Range Plan – March 1, 2023

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: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82067469497
Teleconference Dial In: 360-209-5623 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 82067469497
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.

Actualización del proyecto SSMP

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.

Equipo del SSMP

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.

• Gracias Steven!

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.

Próximas Oportunidades de Participación en el SSMP y Eventos en el Salton Sea

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.

SSMP e-Newsletter – January, 2023

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.

• Thank you Steven!

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

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.

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SSMP Team

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.

• Thank you Steven!

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.