Water is Now Filling a Major Aquatic Restoration Project at the Salton Sea!
As we continue to expand the largest restoration project at the Salton Sea, the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project, this month marks a critical milestone: for the first time, water is flowing into the first pond (“East Pond”) of the project! The East Pond is now receiving mixture of Salton Sea and New River water. Once the East Pond is filled by the end of May, water will be directed into the next pond at the project (“East Pond 1 Expansion Pond”). Together, these ponds will provide about 2,000 acres of habitat restoration – a little over three square miles. This achievement marks an important step towards meeting the goals to improve conditions at 29,800 acres of aquatic and dust suppression projects around the Salton Sea.
Picture taken on April 2. Looking east of the New River Diversion Structure, a berm was breached to allow water to flow by gravity from the east sedimentation basin into the east pond.Satelite Imagery of the SCH Project as the East Pond is being filled with water. Pictures taken April 9 and 21.
Implementation of the SCH Project was initiated in 2021. With the East Pond 1 Expansion, the project footprint has now expanded to cover nearly 5,000 acres at the south end of the Sea. Further expansion on the Center and West Ponds is envisioned, to add an additional 4,500 acres to the project — raising the total SCH footprint to over 9,000 acres. The SCH Project aims to restore deep and shallow water habitats lost as a result of the Salton Sea’s increasing salinity and recession, while providing an important dust suppression benefit to surrounding communities at the south end of the Sea.
SSMP Engagement Opportunities
JOIN US TODAY! Community Meeting on the 2025 SSMP Annual Report
The SSMP team is hosting an in-person meeting and a virtual Zoom meeting on its 2025 Annual Report. Join us at one of the upcoming community meetings to learn more about what’s happening at Salton Sea
Receive an overview of the recently released 2025 SSMP Annual Report, learn about the restoration projects at the Sea and current planning efforts, and meet with members of the State’s Salton Sea team to ask questions and provide feedback.
Spanish interpretation will be provided. Habrá interpretación al español.
All community members are welcome!
Wednesday, April 30 at 5:30 pm, in person. West Shores Community Center, 3389 Sea View Avenue, Thermal, CA 92274
Thursday, May 1, at 12:00 pm Virtual Meeting on Zoom bit.ly/SSMP2025meeting or dial: +1 (669) 444-9171
Imperial Valley Salton Sea Conference Set for May 9
SSMP partners, Los Amigos de la Comunidad and the Pacific Institute are bringing a full-day conference at Imperial Valley College. This event is being offered for free for participants to hear more about community and public health; the Colorado River and Water; an update on the 2025 SSMP Annual Report; and an update on lithium.
Friday, May 9, in-person Imperial Valley College 380 E Aten Rd, Imperial, CA 92251
REMINDER: Annual Salton Sea Workshop by the State Water Board
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 21, 2025.
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. to ~6:00 p.m. The one-day workshop will be hosted at the Coachella Valley Unified School District Board Room 87-225 Church Street, Thermal, CA 92274, and a virtual participation option through Zoom. Public comments are 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 on the Water Board Salton Sea page at waterboards.ca.gov/saltonsea/.
2025 SSMP Annual Report Submitted to State Water Board
The California Natural Resources Agency has submitted its 2025 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 2024 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 home page of the SSMP website, www.saltonsea.ca.gov under the Featured Documents heading.
The State’s Salton Sea restoration and management efforts continued to show significant, demonstrable progress in 2024 — achieving key milestones and accelerating the pace of critical project delivery functions. Completing major construction at the first 4,100 acres of the largest restoration project at the Sea and with new federal funding, the SSMP broke ground to expand it by an additional 750 acres. Further expansion is being initiated to suppress dust and restore habitat on up to 9,000 acres at the south end of the Sea.
In other areas along the Sea, over 1,300 acres – spanning roughly five miles of shoreline – now host native vegetation recently planted to suppress dust over the coming decades.
2024 was the largest single year for Salton Sea restoration and management funding in program history. In the fall of 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation committed $175 million to accelerate construction of restoration projects at the Sea, in addition to $70 million previously committed, for a total of $245 million in federal funding. California voters also passed the Climate Bond (Proposition 4) in November 2024, which included $160 million for Salton Sea restoration and management projects, as well as additional funding up to $10 million to create the new Salton Sea Conservancy, which will focus on the long-term operation and maintenance of the State’s restoration projects.
Over the past year, the SSMP Team has worked to ensure that this historic level of funding can be implemented efficiently by completing critical planning milestones, securing essential permit approvals, and filling key leadership positions. This includes the SSMP’s efforts to secure a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a corresponding National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document that collectively provide expedited pathways for SSMP restoration projects to meet federal environmental permitting requirements. Additionally, the SSMP Team finalized a programmatic land access agreement with Reclamation to expedite access to land owned by Reclamation for expedited implementation of SSMP projects in 2024.
Continued partnerships play a crucial role in project delivery and to affirm our program’s commitment to partnership and the community, we released a long-planned report on community needs. This report incorporates input received directly from Salton Sea community members—with the goal of providing information the SSMP and other organizations in the region can use to implement multi-benefit projects that advance both restoration projects and broader objectives essential to community wellbeing.
While we share substantial 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.
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 21, 2025. Details for this workshop are available on the State Water Board’s Salton Sea program webpage. In addition, the SSMP team plans to hold an in-person community event at the community of West Shores in April 30 during the evening, and an online webinar on May 1 at 12:00 p.m. The SSMP team will provide an overview of the report, share project updates, and answer questions on the work completed by the SSMP during 2024. 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 — February
Engagement Opportunities
SSMP Community Engagement Committee Meeting
The SSMP Community Engagement Committee will meet at 2 p.m. on March 27 for a virtual meeting on Zoom. The Committee will convene to receive information on the 2025 SSMP Annual Report and discuss upcoming public meetings focused on the Report. An update on the recent work by the Science Committee will be provided and Staff from the State Water Resources Control Board will provide more information on their Annual Salton Sea Workshop.
Meeting agenda and materials are forthcoming. Visit www.saltonsea.ca.gov for more information.
REMINDER: 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. to ~6:00 p.m. The one-day workshop will be hosted in a in-person location in Coachella Valley (exact location will be announced), 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 on the Water Board Salton Sea page at waterboards.ca.gov/saltonsea/.
SSMP Partners in the Community
Fishing for Knowledge: SSMP Wildlife Experts Explore Fisheries for Restoration Projects
In January, members of the SSMP team visited different commercial fisheries located near the Salton Sea. The group, comprised of environmental scientists, biologists, engineers, and other wildlife experts, arrived at the fisheries early in the morning, eager to learn about their operations and fish farming techniques. They were greeted by the fisheries’ management team, who provided an overview of their operations, including the types of fish farmed, feeding techniques, breeding techniques, and harvest processes. The aquaculture staff took the members of the SSMP team on a tour of the various fish tanks and ponds, where they observed the different life cycles of the farmed fish. The aquaculture staff graciously answered the many questions that the SSMP group asked throughout the tour. The team took notes on the importance of water conditions conducive to a thriving environment for fish.
The visit offered valuable lessons about the intricacies of commercial fisheries, providing a deeper understanding of how such operations could align with broader wildlife conservation efforts. It also helped the team highlight the importance of listening to local experts who can help achieve greater success for aquatic life and Salton Sea restoration projects.
SSMP e-Newsletter — January
SSMP Updates
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
Meeting Recording: MIP Annual Work Plan — November 19, 2024
The SSMP is now updating the inventory for the 2025 Monitoring Implementation Plan (MIP) Work Plan and is inviting you to help us update existing projects or submit new projects that are currently taking place at the Salton Sea. We kindly request that you submit updates and new projects using this voluntary submission form.
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.
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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
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