Working Together for the Salton Sea and Salton Sea Communities: A Message from the New Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy
Hi everyone — as we begin a new year, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and affirm my commitment to continue delivering on SSMP obligations and accelerating the progress of our work at the sea.
My name is Joe Shea, and I was recently appointed as Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency by Governor Newsom. I have been in this role since December of 2024, and previously spent the past seven years working for Governor Newsom – where I saw firsthand the incredible work the SSMP team has led to advance our Salton Sea commitments.
I am both proud of what the SSMP team has accomplished in recent years and clear-eyed about the fact that much work remains. As we continue to expand the impact of our program to protect public health and restore key ecological functions at the sea, I want you to know that our team is working with a keen sense of urgency to improve conditions at the Salton Sea for the benefit of communities who call this region home.
Progress and Commitments:
Environmental Restoration Projects: We continue to deploy funding for dust suppression and aquatic habitat restoration projects to help protect air quality and restore wildlife habitat to meet our commitment of 29,800 total acres around the Sea. These projects address impacts of the shrinking sea and create environmental benefits.
Health and Community Wellbeing: Last year, the SSMP’s parent agency – the California Natural Resources Agency – commissioned the release of the Salton Sea Community Needs Report, which details actions and recommendations for advancing health and community wellbeing for Salton Sea communities. Our team will continue to seek opportunities and partnerships to advance this work.
Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration: Achieving meaningful progress at the Salton Sea requires both coordination across the organizations working to realize a brighter future for the Salton Sea and a commitment to ongoing outreach and public engagement. We will continue to foster strong partnerships through a robust outreach and engagement schedule in 2025 that we will have more detail on soon.
Looking Forward:
We are focused on making progress on a number of critical workstreams this year:
East Pond 1: As we continue to build out our largest project at the sea, the Species Conservation Habitat project, we aim to complete the expansion of a key component of this project — East Pond 1 — this summer. Filling East Pond 1 is a critical step towards advancing our aquatic habitat projects that suppress dust and create fish habitat.
Vegetation Enhancement: Vegetation enhancement work at the Clubhouse, Tule Wash, and West Bombay Beach sites also continues at a rapid pace. With seeding and planting ongoing for these sites, we expect establishing more vegetation in exposed lakebed as we progress through the year – another critical tool for suppressing dust consistent with our program’s Dust Suppression Action Plan.
Salton Sea Conservancy: This Spring, we also anticipate releasing our proposal to create the Salton Sea Conservancy – the State’s first new conservancy in 15 years. This conservancy was advanced by last year’s Senate Bill 583 and the Climate Bond passed by voters in November. The Salton Sea Conservancy will complement the SSMP’s project delivery efforts by taking on operation and maintenance roles for completed SSMP projects. By assuming this role, the Conservancy stands to ensure SSMP projects deliver benefits for Salton Sea communities and environmental ecosystems long into the future.
Annual Report: In March, we will deliver our Annual Report, which will detail the year-over-year work our team has done to advance our commitments at the sea. We anticipate having multiple engagement opportunities to talk with community members and interested parties about the work we’re doing and hear their input.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment.
I am here to work alongside you to advance our next phase of work at the Salton Sea. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me or the rest of the SSMP team with questions or ideas about how we can continue to work together.
Onward,
Joe
Governor’s January Budget Recap
This month, Governor Newsom released his January budget proposal, which includes $147.6 million for Salton Sea Restoration projects. This funding was made available by the Climate Bond, which California voters passed in November 2024. If this funding proposal is approved by the Legislature later this year, the SSMP team will put this funding to work immediately to advance our critical, high-priority projects at the sea that deliver public health and environmental benefits.
Engagement Opportunities
Save the Date for the Annual State Water Board Salton Sea Workshop
The State Water Resources Control Board will hold its annual workshop on the status of Phase 1 of the Salton Sea Management Program on May 21, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. – ~6:00 p.m. The one-day workshop will be hosted in a in-person location in Coachella Valley (exact location will be announced at a later time), and a virtual participation option through Zoom. Public comment is welcomed and encouraged.
Spanish interpretation will be provided as well as materials translated into Spanish.
Additional meeting information will be uploaded as it becomes available into the Water Board Salton Sea page at waterboards.ca.gov/saltonsea/.
SSMP Partners in the Community
Growing in Community
In November, The EcoMedia Compass led the Tree for All Planting event in the community of Desert Shores. An enthusiastic group of local volunteers, joined by others that heard about this event on social media and traveling longer distances, came together to plant 36 mesquites, 2 palo verde, and 1 desert willow tree. The site hosted by The EcoMedia Compass had an irrigation system ready to be deployed as trees began to be planted ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth.
The SSMP team joined this community event at the Sea. Public Affairs Officer, Miguel Hernández provided updates on SSMP restoration projects and joined the group to support the tree planting effort. We are thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this important community-driven event.
Miguel Hernández and Tom Sephton digging to plant a new mesquite tree. — The EcoMedia Compass Photo
More Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles in Imperial Valley
Comite Civico del Valle Board members cut the ceremonial ribbon at the unveiling of new EV fast charging stations on Wednesday, Jan. 22 in Brawley. — CCV Photo
As part of the Lithium Valley EV Equity Charger Initiative, Comite Civico Del Valle (CCV) recently celebrated the installation of new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations at the El Centro Public Library and CCV’s headquarters in Brawley. This initiative is a community owned non-profit model to construct and operate an EV charging station network in the Imperial Valley.
In Brawley, the ceremony’s program included the participation from California Energy Commissioner Noemi Gallardo, local elected officials, UAW Region 6, and staff representatives from the State Assembly and Senate. The event was hosted by Luis Olmedo, CCV’s Executive Director.
Filling the air with vibrant music and joy, Mariachi Acero del Valle made this celebration even more special. Honoring the regional culture and celebratory traditions.
Through this initiative, CCV has installed 16 fast-charging publicly accessible charging stations across the Imperial Valley. CCV has successfully installed other fast charging stations in the City of Calexico and City of Calipatria. The Lithium Valley EV Equity Charger Initiative is partly funded through the California Energy Commission’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Project.
EV charging station at El Centro Public Library, 1198 North Imperial Ave., El Centro, CA. — CCV Photo
SSMP e-Newsletter December
SSMP Project Updates
More Restoration Projects at the Salton Sea Cleared for Implementation
Since the last publication of this newsletter, the SSMP has taken a major step forward in its efforts to permit additional restoration projects. On November 27, the US Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) issued a permit to the State of California that establishes a framework for the SSMP to efficiently scale up its Phase 1: 10-Year Plan projects. This permit, the framework (letter of permission (LOP) procedures), and the corresponding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document are an essential piece of the SSMP’s work because they collectively provide expedited pathways for the restoration projects to meet federal environmental permitting standards. The LOP procedures may be used for SSMP projects that require federal Clean Water Act Section 404 compliance, and support expedited consultation and compliance procedures for biological, water quality, and historic properties and resources (i.e., the federal Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act Section 401, and the National Historic Preservation Act). You can read more about the finalized documents on the Corps’ website: https://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Projects-Programs/Salton-Sea-Management-Plan/.
This permit approval complements SSMP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination with the federal government, which owns a significant amount of the land in the Salton Sea, including land that is planned for SSMP restoration projects. In 2024, the SSMP team developed and finalized a programmatic land access agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) to expedite access to land owned by Reclamation for implementation of Phase I: 10-Year Plan projects. With the NEPA document being issued, federal agency partners can use the analysis for their funding and land access decisions.
Expansion of Restoration Project at the Salton Sea is Moving Full Steam
In October, the SSMP announced that the Species Conservation Habitat Project is expanding its past 4,100-acre footprint by an additional 750 acres, utilizing the first major investment of Federal funds. The State’s Salton Sea Management Program received an initial $70 million in federal funding at the end of 2023 and now the SSMP has broken ground, and construction is ongoing at the SCH Expansion.
Work on the additional 750 acres at the SCH Expansion area continues to progress expeditiously into the new year. Work at the SCH Project is now pushing into the Salton Sea shoreline, getting ahead of the Sea’s expected recession. This expansion reflects a significant acceleration in the State’s project delivery.
Heavy machinery is actively working on the construction of a new berm at the north end of the project area. Construction of a 1.9-mile berm is the primary focus of the SCH Expansion work.
The 750-acre SCH Expansion is obtaining and utilizing materials from within the existing project area to build a new berm that encompasses the expansion area. This approach has allowed the SSMP to work more efficiently to deliver on the construction of the berm. Work on the new berm is expected to continue into 2025. The existing ponds within the SCH footprint are planned to be filled with water in a phased approach as expansion areas are constructed and become ready to come online. With the addition of this expansion area, the project footprint currently stands at nearly 5,000 acres.
Help Us Understand and Learn More About Research, Monitoring, and Projects at the Sea
The SSMP is now updating the inventory for the 2025 Monitoring Implementation Plan (MIP) Work Plan and is inviting you to help us update information on ongoing and planned monitoring and research projects that are taking place at the Salton Sea region. We kindly request that you submit updates and new projects using this voluntary submission form.
You can refer to the 2024 MIP Annual Work Plan for monitoring elements and past projects. You can fill out a separate form for each monitoring element or study that you are involved with. Please note that the SSMP is not requesting or compiling datasets. We are seeking new information about all the different efforts happening at the Sea by other organizations and entities. To note, form submissions will be summarized in the MIP 2025 Annual Work Plan and will not include contact information.
On November 19, the SSMP held a virtual meeting to provide an overview of the 2025 MIP Workplan and answer questions, as well as a going over the voluntary submission form. Click here to view a recording of the virtual meeting or visit the SSMP website.
Proposition 4 Passes with More Investment for Habitat Restoration
Last month, California voters approved the $10 billion Climate Bond (Proposition 4), which includes $160 million for Salton Sea Restoration projects, as well as additional funding to create the Salton Sea Conservancy. This new conservancy will support Salton Sea restoration by focusing on operating and maintaining dust suppression and habitat management projects at the Salton Sea.
The SSMP team is working on implementation planning for the new resources provided by the Climate Bond, which will require approval from the California State Legislature, and looks forward to public engagement opportunities in the new year to further inform and advance this work.
SSMP Engagement Opportunities
Meaningful and Stronger Communications: The Completion of the SSMP Outreach and Engagement Plan
The SSMP team, in collaboration with the Community Engagement Committee, developed the Salton Sea Community Outreach and Engagement Plan. The Plan outlines the approach and roadmap for outreach and engagement with frontline communities around the Salton Sea and the broader Coachella and Imperial Valley region. The Plan aims to enhance our outreach and engagement efforts to create stronger relationships with Salton Sea Communities, enhance overall communications, build trust and credibility, help measure outreach outcomes, and continue advancing equity and inclusion in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities of the Salton Sea region.
The goal of the Plan is for the SSMP team to work with local leaders, community members, and other interested parties to build and nurture a long-term and respectful approach to engage with Salton Sea communities. The SSMP is committed to early, often, and meaningful consultation with all California Native American tribes with ancestral ties to the Salton Sea and embraces the Engagement Committee’s charge to incorporate EJ principles into its outreach and engagement efforts. Public input and participation are critical to ensuring that community values and perspectives are considered throughout and beyond the implementation of the SSMP.
The SSMP Community Engagement Committee has worked and supported the SSMP by providing recommendations and guidance on how to best connect and meaningfully engage with communities around the Sea and has worked on this plan since 2018. The result is a Plan that demonstrates transparency, recognizes the demographics, language access challenges, and other unique challenges faced in communities around the Sea.
The Salton Sea Community Outreach and Engagement Plan can be found on the SSMP website by clicking here, the plan is also available in Spanish. The SSMP is grateful to all partners and community members who have helped this Plan after years in the making and looks forward to a continued collaboration to continually work to update the Plan to ensure a proactive, inclusive, and transparent engagement process.
SSMP Team
The Team Continues to Grow: SSMP Welcomes New Team Members
Megan Giglini has joined the DWR’s Salton Sea Restoration Office as a Program Manager I. For the SSMP, Megan will be leading regulatory and California Environmental Quality Act compliance efforts and supporting Tribal consultation and engagement.
For the past 3 years, while at the Central Valley Flood Protection Board, Megan served in a variety of roles to support the Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Partnership (16 agencies), the Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Master Plan, and related efforts, including Tribal Engagement and technical workgroups.
Prior to State Service, Megan was an environmental consultant for 17 years. During that time, Megan served as project manager and/or a technical subject matter expert for numerous projects and their environmental compliance needs throughout California, including river restorations, municipal water plans and facility upgrades, transportation and utilities upgrades, and the state’s cannabis cultivation regulations. She enjoys being part of a hard-working team on projects of regional or statewide importance.
Katie Burnworth is the new Program Manager I for the Salton Sea Restoration Office at the Department of Water Resources. Katie Burnworth leads the Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan for the SCH Project, overseeing water quality monitoring and developing a framework to evaluate project success and guide adaptive management decisions. She also manages project planning and land access for other SSMP initiatives and supports air quality projects to mitigate dust emissions from the exposed playa.
She has built a career addressing some of Imperial County’s most pressing environmental challenges, from the Salton Sea to cross-border air pollution and on-farm air quality issues. With a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry from Northern Arizona University, she combines her strong academic foundation with extensive hands-on experience in the field. A true local, Katie was born and raised in Imperial County, where she now raises her two kids.
Katie has a natural ability for building partnerships that span government entities, NGOs, and the private sector, allowing her to bring projects from planning stages to successful implementation. In her past role with the Imperial Irrigation District, she played a crucial role in launching the first 1,000 acres of air quality mitigation pilot projects on the Salton Sea playa. As well as being a key player at the Imperial County Air Pollution Control District in the implementation of the community air monitoring program, under Assembly Bill 617. In her spare time, she’s likely off-roading or chasing her next adventure.
Celebrating Partnerships This Holiday Season: A Heartfelt Thanks for Your Continuous Involvement and Commitment to the Salton Sea
As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support, collaboration, and dedication. Together, we have made significant strides in advancing shared goals for the Salton Sea and your contributions and support have been vital in achieving important milestones this 2024. This year has been one of progress, perseverance, and meaningful partnerships. From overcoming challenges to celebrating milestones. With more work ahead, the SSMP team wishes you the best this holiday season.
The SSMP has made substantial progress towards project implementation, project reporting, and continues to support disadvantaged communities in the region. The SSMP team developed an online Project Tracker to provide a comprehensive public platform with updated information on Salton Sea Management Program projects. Additionally, completing the SSMP and Community Needs Report that provides a better understanding for opportunities to incorporate the identified community needs and enhance SSMP projects. We also worked in coordination with the SSMP Community Engagement Committee to develop the Salton Sea Outreach and Engagement Plan to outline the approach and roadmap for outreach and engagement, helping the SSMP to better serve and connect with the communities in the Salton Sea region.
We also worked on enhancing our presence in the community at different spaces by participating in more than 50 opportunities at multiple locations across the region. Providing presentations, program updates, and bringing partners and community members to visit the active project areas, as well as participating at partner-led meetings. We are thankful for the ongoing interest to visit the SSMP projects and for opening your doors to share updates and important program information.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities to build on this progress to continue delivering on our commitments and advance equity and environmental justice. With your continued partnership, we are confident that we can achieve even greater successes and further elevate the well-being of the communities of the Salton Sea region.
Thank you once again for your dedication and partnership. Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with peace and happiness, and a new year of continued success, growth, and positive change.
Onward,
Salton Sea Management Program Team
More Funding, More Habitat Improvement through Expanded Salton Sea Restoration Project
SALTON SEA –Today, the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) announced the expansion of a restoration project at the south end of the Salton Sea that will help protect regional air quality and support wildlife. Secretary for Natural Resources, Wade Crowfoot and Deputy Secretary Samantha Arthur alongside state and federal officials held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) project site.
The expansion of the SCH Project represents a multi-agency collaboration to address the ecological challenges facing the Salton Sea. The commitments made by the federal and state government, as well as from regional agencies, enabled the addition of 750 acres to the project’s footprint. This unprecedented support helps set the current project footprint at nearly 5,000 acres with the potential to expand to around 8,000 acres.
In December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation granted the State $70 million to begin the expansion of the SCH Project through the Inflation Reduction Act. The funding is a portion of the $250 million in federal funding commitments announced in 2022. In August, action to facilitate land access for project implementation and provide $175 million of the federal funding was announced to accelerate the State’s Salton Sea restoration efforts. The SSMP Team is planning to direct this additional federal funding towards further expansion of the SCH Project and other projects in planning. To date, California has committed over $500 million in state funding for Salton Sea planning and projects.
Located at the south end of the Salton Sea, near the community of Westmorland, the Project aims to restore ecological value at the Salton Sea and help protect regional air quality by: Creating a network of ponds and wetlands; Providing habitat for fish and birds that visit the Salton Sea; Suppressing dust within the project area.
“Our largest project at the Salton Sea to suppress dust and restore habitat is getting bigger,” said Wade Crowfoot, Secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency. “The Biden-Harris Administration and our Congressional delegation delivered major funding to get this done, and it’s another step forward at the Sea. I’m proud of our partnerships and progress, while we all know much more work lies ahead.” The groundbreaking ceremony was followed by a tour of the SCH Project, where invitees had the opportunity to see the expansion area and major project features.
“For years, my constituents have shared their concerns about the harmful impacts of the Salton Sea. As a physician in Congress, I have been committed to addressing this ongoing public health and environmental crisis,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D.(CA-25). “Thanks to our partnership with the Biden-Harris administration and the $4 billion secured through the Inflation Reduction Act to stabilize the Colorado River Basin, we are bringing vital resources to our communities that will protect the health, environment, and economy of our region.”
“The Species Conservation Habitat Expansion is a critical component in addressing the environmental and air quality challenges of the Salton Sea. By expanding what is one of the largest conservations engineering projects in the Country, this project will continue to play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of the receding sea by expanding habitat for fish and birds while also suppressing dust emission so as to protect the surrounding communities,” said State Senator Steve Padilla. “This is a testament of what is possible when we put the resources needed for conservation efforts at the Salton Sea and with the passage of SB 583, to create a Salton Sea Conservancy, we can now sustain and accelerate California’s conservation efforts with local input as to how future funding should be prioritized and spent.”
“As the Salton Sea lakebed recedes, toxic dust is contaminating air quality and threatening the stability of the local ecosystem,” said U.S. Senator Alex Padilla. “The $250 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding we secured for the Salton Sea Management Program is essential not only to protect public health in surrounding communities, but to restore the habitat of the abundant aquatic and avian wildlife in the region. Today’s exciting groundbreaking of the Species Conservation Habitat Project expansion will expand critical wetland habitat and improve air quality around the hazardous exposed lakebed.”
“With the State of California’s leadership, we have delivered historic investments to protect our Salton Sea communities. With over $500 million in state funding secured and the possibility of more soon on the horizon, we welcome Biden-Harris support and applaud this opportunity to break ground on a project with our federal partners. We celebrate this milestone and look forward to continued opportunities to collaborate and accelerate the actions needed to bring environmental, ecological, economic, and public health relief to the Salton Sea region,” said Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella).
“California’s commitment to protecting the Colorado River by conserving 1.6 million acre-feet under the Lower Basin Plan would not have been possible without the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration and Commissioner Touton,” said JB Hamby, Chairman for the Colorado River Board of California. “Their historic $250 million investment in California’s Species Conservation Habitat — the largest ever for Salton Sea restoration — marks a turning point. Together, these efforts protect both the Colorado River and the Salton Sea.”
For more information about the SCH Project and groundbreaking ceremony, please visit www.saltonsea.ca.gov or contact Miguel Hernández at (916) 213-8616 or email Miguel.hernandez@resources.ca.gov.
###
On a mission to restore, protect and manage California’s natural, historical and cultural resources.
Federal Funding Available for More Restoration at the Sea. Existing Project is Expanding
The Salton Sea Management Program is utilizing an initial federal investment to add approximately 750 acres to the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project footprint between the New River and end of the causeway. Construction of a new berm will create a new pond, referred as East Pond 1 Expansion. Once the berm is completed, the overall East Pond area of the original SCH project and East Pond 1 Expansion can be filled with water and commissioned, covering nearly 2,000 acres of exposed lakebed. Initial work for the East Pond 1 Expansion is already underway, and construction will continue into 2025.
Implementation of the SCH Project, via a design-build contract, was initiated in 2021. The SCH Project aims to restore deep and shallow water habitats lost as a result of the Salton Sea’s increasing salinity and recession. The State of California allocated approximately $206 million in funding to implement 4,100 acres and that area it is nearly complete.
In December 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation granted the State $70 million to begin the expansion of the SCH Project to accelerate dust suppression and aquatic habitat projects at the Sea. The funding is a portion of the $250 million in federal funding commitments in the 2022 Commitment to Support Salton Sea Management Related to Water Conservation in the Lower Colorado River Basin Agreement.
Looking south, the Saline Pump Station is located at the end of the 1.25-mile Causeway. East Pond 1 will be constructed west of the Causeway and east of the New River. East Pond 1 is the focus of the SCH Expansion during 2024.
Just last month and resulting from years of work by many, actions were announced to conserve nearly 230 billion gallons of water by 2026, facilitate land access for project implementation, and provide an additional $175 million in federal funding to accelerate the State’s restoration efforts. This funding fulfills the Bureau of Reclamation’s commitment to support the State’s expanded and accelerated projects at the Salton Sea that address air quality to protect public health and restore habitat in association with the Colorado River conservation. The SSMP Team is planning to direct this additional federal funding to further expansion of the SCH Project.
The following video provides additional information about the SCH project.
Join Us in Tracking Progress at the Salton Sea
The SSMP Project Tracker has been updated with project acreage achieved to date, additional pictures, and other important project information. Debuted in March 2024, the SSMP Project Tracker provides a comprehensive public platform with updated information on Salton Sea Management Program projects. Updates to the Project Tracker will continue to occur twice per year with the next update planned for the end of the year.
The tracker is integrated into the SSMP website and projects are viewable and sortable by project phases, activity type, and category. Click here to visit the Project Tracker to see recent updates and navigate across the tool and its different sections.
We Asked, We Listened, We Learned, Community Needs Reports Are Now Finalized
The California Natural Resources Agency recognized the need to better understand community needs and identify better pathways to achieve co-benefits while achieving the SSMP’s goals and commitments to implement nearly 30,000 acres of dust suppression and habitat restoration projects. This led to the development of the SSMP and Community Needs Report which identifies community needs related to the Salton Sea, describes the status of the SSMP efforts, and lists potential future opportunities with added funding and capacity, to address community needs while implementing restoration projects.
In addition to the SSMP Report, the California Natural Resources Agency commissioned the Salton Sea Community Needs and Recommended Actions Report to Better World Group Advisors. This report identifies community needs beyond the scope of the SSMP and recommends actions that can be taken by federal, state, and local government agencies, business organizations, philanthropy, community-based groups, and nonprofit organizations.
These reports were informed by the community, with the community. We held working group meetings, conducted community surveys and informational pop-up events with support from partnering agencies like the Salton Sea Authority and Konkuey Design Initiative. Additional to receiving comments via regular mail and email, during the 60-day public comment period, the SSMP team hosted two in-person community meetings in Mecca and Salton City. A virtual webinar on Zoom was also offered as a third opportunity to gather community feedback to help shape the final reports. The SSMP Team and Better World Group reviewed and analyzed all public comments, and the Reports were updated to reflect the feedback and recommendations received, where appropriate.
The California Natural Resources Agency is grateful to the community members, California Native American tribes, and regional partners who participated in this effort to identify community needs and detail what efforts and projects to consider as part of the SSMP. Final Reports, including the Spanish versions, are found in the SSMP website under the Featured Documents Section.
SSMP Engagement Opportunities
Join Us in the Next Community Engagement Committee Meeting
The SSMP Community Engagement Committee will meet at 10 a.m. on Sept 26 for a virtual meeting on Zoom. Spanish interpretation will be available.
“Save the Date” Upcoming Community Meeting at Bombay Beach, October 10
Audubon California and the SSMP team will be hosting a community meeting on October 10 to provide the latest information on the Audubon Wetlands Restoration Project near the community of Bombay Beach. Additional meeting details will be provided soon. Visit www.saltonsea.ca.gov for more information.
News From Our Partners
Audubon is Hiring a Salton Sea Program Director
Audubon California is seeking a dynamic leader to step into the role of Salton Sea and Desert Program Director. The role involves leading advocacy, restoration, and engagement projects that advance the CA Salton Sea Management Plan, protect desert habitats, support responsible renewable energy projects, and promote nature-based recreation. It’s an ideal opportunity for someone with experience building relationships across desert communities and a passion for collaborative problem-solving.
The Imperial County Air Pollution Control District is accepting applications from residents at the Salton Sea to receive an In-Home Air Purifier. Visit the District website to submit an application on or before September 27. The application is also available in Spanish.
SSMP Team
SSMP Welcomes a New Team Member
To continue delivering critical projects around the Salton Sea, the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) has filled a key position at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Salton Sea Program.
Kevin Hupf is CDFW’s new Senior Environmental Specialist with the Integrated Science Team as the monitoring lead.
Kevin was previously with CDFW’s Cannabis Program working on California Environmental Quality Act, California Endangered Species Act, Lake and Streambed Alteration, Enforcement, and Compliance. Kevin started with CDFW in the Lake and Streambed Alteration Program in 2012. Prior to joining CDFW, Kevin worked as a biological monitor during concrete lining of the Coachella Canal. Kevin earned a BS in zoology from the University of Washington. He is excited to be part of this great group and to learn more about the wonders of the Salton Sea and the Inland Deserts Region.
Follow Us on Social
Communities around the #SaltonSea have shared their needs and have helped us identify opportunities to address them through the restoration projects led by the Salton Sea Management Program. The SSMP and Community Needs Report and the Salton Sea Community Needs and Recommended… pic.twitter.com/YygSwJ58lP
— California Natural Resources Agency (@CalNatResources) September 4, 2024
Community Meetings on 2024 SSMP Annual Report
SSMP Community Meetings are set for May 8, 9, and 10
The SSMP team is hosting two in-person meetings and a virtual Zoom meeting on its 2024 Annual Report. Join us at one of the upcoming community meetings to learn more about what’s happening at the Salton Sea and how you can get involved.
Get an overview of the recently released 2024 SSMP Annual Report and learn more about restoration projects underway at the Sea. Learn about the SSMP Project Tracker and connect with the SSMP team to ask your questions and provide feedback.
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Habrá interpretación al español. All community members are welcome!
May 8, in-person:
Brawley Union High School 480 N. Imperial Ave, Brawley, CA 92227 Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 9, in-person:
Coachella Library 1500 6th Street, Coachella, CA 92236 Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Partners Visit the Species Conservation Habitat and Vegetation Enhancement Projects
Over the past year, the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) team has put a strong emphasis on showcasing the restoration work being undertaken by the SSMP at the Species Conservation Habitat Project and Vegetation Enhancement Projects at the Salton Sea. The SSMP team has led numerous site visits and tours for partners, agencies from different governmental levels, and students from the Salton Sea region. The SSMP team is sharing lessons learned, challenges, and accomplishments, as well as identifying opportunities for collaboration with partner agencies.
Recently, staff from the California State Parks, Ocotillo Wells District, and State Parks Director Armando Quintero visited the SCH Project. The visit included a project presentation and a site tour. The SSMP team provided project details during the tour and received recommendations from State Parks to enhance the existing vision for the project and create cohesiveness with the Salton Sea State Recreation Area.
State Parks included a very descriptive report on this visit in their recent Weekly Digest newsletter.
Parks Staff and SSMP Team at the boat launch ramp at the end of the causeway, adjacent to the saline pump station.
At the New River diversion structure. Left to right: Ocotillo Wells District Superintendent Enrique Arroyo, State Parks Director Armando Quintero, CNRA Deputy Assistant Secretary Mario Llanos and CNRA Public Affairs Officer Miguel Hernandez.
Earlier this month, the SSMP, in collaboration with the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), welcomed staff from Federal and Utah State Agencies. The aim was to share information on restoration efforts at the Salton Sea while concurrently fostering an inter-state relationship among regions facing similar challenges.
The gathering was located at the Species Conservation Habitat Project at the southern end of the Salton Sea. Here, participants received an update from the SSMP on its ongoing restoration work. Additionally, IID provided a detailed presentation of the science behind its Salton Sea Air Quality Mitigation Program and Proactive Dust Control Plan. The presentations resulted in a robust dialogue and exchange of ideas.
SSMP team providing a project presentation to visiting group. Attendees included representatives from the US Bureau of Reclamation, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the United States Geological Survey Utah Water Science Center. They were joined by Utah State officials from The Great Salt Lake Commission, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Water Resources and the Fire and State Lands Division of Forestry.
At the saline pump station, the group was provided with more specifics on each of the project components, included the saline pump station, the New River Diversion structure, and the nesting islands.
Given the parallels between the challenges faced by the Great Salt Lake and the Salton Sea, the Utah delegation was interested in learning more about the Salton Sea’s challenges and restoration actions underway or planned. Utah officials wanted to identify how these lessons could help inform future actions at the Great Salt Lake.
The visit also included a tour of the SSMP’s Vegetation Enhancement Clubhouse project site near Salton City. The event served as a platform for collaborative information sharing, fostering new and existing partnerships, meaningful conversations, and setting the stage for future beneficial exchanges.
Visiting the Vegetation Enhancement Clubhouse site near Salton City. The SSMP team provided details about the phases of the project, its current conditions, and lessons learned.
SSMP Community Meetings are set for May 8, 9, and 10. 2024 SSMP Annual Report
The SSMP team is hosting two in-person meetings and a virtual Zoom meeting on its 2024 Annual Report. Join us at one of the upcoming community meetings to learn more about what’s happening at the Salton Sea and how you can get involved.
Get an overview of the recently released 2024 SSMP Annual Report and learn more about restoration projects underway at the Sea. Learn about the SSMP Project Tracker and connect with the SSMP team to ask your questions and provide feedback.
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Habrá interpretación al español. All community members are welcome!
May 8, in-person:
Brawley Union High School 480 N. Imperial Ave, Brawley, CA 92227 Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 9, in-person:
Coachella Library 1500 6th Street, Coachella, CA 92236 Thursday, May 9, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Salton Sea Authority Sets a Community Meeting for April 30
The Salton Sea Authority and its Project Manager, Gafcon, are hosting an in-person community planning meeting for the Desert Shores Channel Restoration Project on April 30 at 6:00 p.m.
A presentation will be provided. Participate, ask your questions, and provide your ideas, thoughts, and input on the visioning, designs, and plans to restore the channels.
Tuesday, April 30 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 50 Desert Shores Drive Thermal, CA 92274
Spanish Interpretation will be provided. Habrá interpretación en español.
Programmatic Agreement is Available on Army Corps Website for Information and Review
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has been continuing to work with federal cooperating agencies, the State Historic Preservation Officer, the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the SSMP team to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. A Programmatic Agreement has been drafted and is available on the Corps website for a 30-day public review, closing on May 20, 2024. Once finalized, the Programmatic Agreement will outline the Section 106 Process related to historic properties, including cultural and archeological resources, for all SSMP Phase 1: 10-Year Plan projects within the planning area covered by the Corps’ forthcoming final Environmental Assessment.
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.
Suzy Neal is CDFW’s new Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist focusing on compliance with the Integrated Science Team.
Born in Arizona, Suzy’s education, career, and professional endeavors landed her in California. She previously worked as a lab instructor for Intro to Biology courses at California State University, San Bernardino, and most recently at the Santa Ana Regional Water Board as the coordinator for the Irrigated Lands Regulatory and Nonpoint Source Programs.
She graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a B.A. in Biology and then an M.S. in Biology with a focus on population genetics, ecology, and conservation. Suzy is excited to join the SSMP team and use her expertise and passion to continue working towards a healthier Salton Sea ecosystem.
Crystal Shore is CDFW’s new Environmental Scientist with the Integrated Science Team focusing on biological monitoring and adaptive management.
Crystal is a seasoned biologist who has worked in various ecosystems, from the grasslands of northern Montana to the deserts of New Mexico, the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and up to the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University and a minor in Fishery Biology. Currently residing in the Imperial Valley, she has developed a keen interest in exploring and learning about the desert around her. Crystal loves to take excursions into the desert to capture photographs of flowers and wildlife, and she enjoys spending quality time with her family.
Salton Sea Management Program Annual Report
2024 SSMP Annual Report Submitted to State Water Board
The California Natural Resources Agency has submitted its 2024 Annual Report on the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) to the State Water Resources Control Board, prepared in compliance with Order WR 2017-0134. The report provides specific updates on the SSMP’s activities in 2023 and planning for future projects, ongoing partnerships to help the SSMP meet its goals, community engagement, and next steps. English and Spanish versions of the report can be found at www.saltonsea.ca.gov under the Featured Documents heading.
Significant, measurable progress continued at the Salton Sea in 2023. The largest restoration project in the Sea’s history neared completion, which will suppress dust and restore habitat across thousands of acres at the south end of the Sea. In other areas along the Sea, hundreds of acres now host native vegetation recently planted to suppress dust over coming decades. These plants have taken root, are growing and are beginning to serve their purpose. This year also witnessed the first major investment by federal agencies to stabilize the Sea; the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation granted $70 million to accelerate local restoration projects. This funding is being put into action to start expanding the Species Conservation Habitat Project by an additional 1,000 acres.
Great progress also occurred to accelerate additional improvements under the current Phase 1: 10-Year Plan. Key planning and permitting advanced high priority restoration projects and key staff positions were filled on the Salton Sea Management Program to ramp up this work. Partnerships have strengthened with community groups and leaders that are helping shape our efforts at the Sea, and a long-planned Community Needs Report is nearing completion to galvanize further improvements at the Sea.
Aerial view looking north of the Species Conservation Habitat New River diversion system, the East and West Sedimentation Basins, and the New River and its riparian vegetation.
Recent plant growth at the Vegetation Enhancement Project Clubhouse site near the community of Salton City.
While we share constructive progress in this annual report, we recognize that significant work remains ahead, and we must continue to accelerate and broaden our work at the Sea. Partnerships with communities, Tribal governments, interested parties, and local, state, and federal agencies are crucial to achieving the goals of the SSMP.
The annual report and the status of the SSMP will be the focus of an all-day public workshop convened by the State Water Board on May 22, 2024. Details for this workshop are available on the State Water Board’s Salton Sea program webpage. In addition, the SSMP team plans to hold two in-person community workshops in the Salton Sea region and an online webinar in advance of the State Water Board’s workshop. The SSMP team will provide an overview of the report, share project updates, and answer questions on the work completed by the SSMP during 2023. These meetings are being planned for early May. More details on these community workshops are forthcoming and will be announced via the SSMP e-Newsletter and on the SSMP website.
SSMP e-Newsletter – January 2024
Upcoming SSMP Engagement Opportunities
Help us shape the future. Send Us Your Comments on the SSMP and Community Needs Report
The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has released a draft of the Salton Sea Management Program and Community Needs Report for a 60-day public comment period.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by community members and advocates over the past decades about the actions and inactions in the Salton Sea region, CNRA recognized the need to better understand community needs and identify better pathways to achieve co-benefits while achieving the SSMP’s goals and commitments to implement nearly 30,000 acres of dust suppression and habitat restoration projects. The Salton Sea Management Program and Community Needs Report identifies community needs related to the Salton Sea, describes the status of SSMP efforts, and lists potential opportunities for the SSMP to address community needs while implementing restoration projects.
Accompanying the release of the SSMP report is a public draft of the Salton Sea Community Needs and Recommended Actions Report by Better World Group Advisors. This document reflects the broader feedback of community members and tribes in public comment letters, interviews, and work group sessions as a part of CNRA and Better World Group’s public engagement project. This report identifies community needs and recommends actions that can be taken by federal, state, and local government agencies, business organizations, philanthropy, community-based groups, and nonprofit organizations.
The SSMP is looking forward to your review and feedback by March 26, 2024. Please send us your written comments via email to cnra-saltonsea@resources.ca.gov or via regular mail to:
Attn: Salton Sea Community Needs Report California Natural Resources Agency 715 P Street, 20th Floor Sacramento, CA, 9581475.
Finally, the SSMP team will be hosting three community meetings to share more about these documents and provide additional opportunities to gather live feedback and recommendations from those present. More information about these community meetings will be shared in the coming weeks.
CNRA is grateful to the community members, California Native American tribes, and regional partners who participated in this effort to identify community needs and detail what efforts and projects to consider as part of the SSMP.
SSMP Community Engagement Committee to Meet on February 9
The SSMP Community Engagement Committee will meet on February 9 at 1:00 p.m. for a virtual meeting on Zoom. Spanish Interpretation will be available. Habrá interpretación en español.
SSMP Community Engagement Committee Meeting Click here to join the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87898898525 Or dial: +1 669 444 9171 Webinar ID: 878 9889 8525
SSMP Team
SSMP Welcomes New Team Members
To continue delivering critical projects around the Salton Sea, the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) has filled three key vacancies at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) Salton Sea Program.
In December 2023, Barbara Barry joined the SSMP team as CDFW’s Senior Environmental Scientist Supervisor for the newly formed Integrated Science Team. Barbara started her career as a CDFW Scientific Aid for the Bermuda Dunes office in 2006. She has a B.S. in General Biology from UC San Diego and a M.S. in Soil and Water Science from UC Riverside. She conducted her graduate research on the biogeochemistry and ecology of saline shallow ponds at the south end of the Salton Sea. She then worked as a Junior Specialist at UC Riverside modeling the water quality of shallow saline ponds using different pond designs and management strategies for the Species Conservation Habitat.
Barbara is very excited to return to the Salton Sea and to CDFW as the supervisor of the Integrated Science Team, based out of the CDFW Bermuda Dunes field office.
Diego Villalobos is the new GIS Research Data Specialist I for the Salton Sea Program. Diego’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of La Verne. He also obtained a master’s degree in geographic information from the University of Redlands.
Diego’s work experience ranges from working as a laboratory technician for the University of La Verne, a biological science technician for the USDA Forest Service, and an agriculture technician for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). In addition, he worked as the GIS specialist within CDFA’s emergency preparedness and response group, which primarily dealt with foreign animal disease outbreaks and natural disasters.
He is excited to join CDFW and the SSMP team because it feels like a natural fit for his life and career.
Earlier this month, Atalie Gomez joined the SSMP team as CDFW’s Water Resource Control Engineer. She graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and then she obtained a master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in environmental engineering.
Atalie was born and raised in the Imperial Valley, and she previously worked in a private company in San Diego before deciding she missed the desert heat and wanted to move back home.
Atalie is excited to work at the Salton Sea and join the SSMP team, headquartered in the Bermuda Dunes field office.
Click here to receive Salton Sea Community Updates.
