Can California’s Wetlands Revival Save the Shrinking Salton Sea?

In a bold move to combat environmental decline, California has initiated a major project to restore wetlands at the Salton Sea, aiming to protect wildlife and improve air quality for nearby communities. This effort highlights the state's commitment to addressing the challenges of a shrinking lake that has long threatened both ecology and public health.

The Salton Sea, once a thriving inland lake in Southern California's Imperial and Riverside counties, has been receding for years due to reduced water inflows and increasing salinity. Officials recently turned on water flows to create new wetlands, marking a significant milestone in the Species Conservation Habitat Project. California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot described the moment as water cascading into the basins as "proof positive that difficult projects are possible," emphasizing its role in suppressing harmful dust and providing habitat for birds along the Pacific Flyway.

This initiative, originally planned for 4,100 acres at a cost of $200 million, has expanded to over 9,000 acres thanks to an additional $245 million in federal funding secured in 2022. The project involves constructing ponds, berms, and water delivery systems to sustain fish and bird populations, countering the lake's evaporation-driven salt buildup. As the sea's water has become twice as salty as the ocean, it has led to drastic declines in species like tilapia and migratory birds, including American white pelicans. Environmental experts, such as Michael Cohen from the Pacific Institute, view this as remediation rather than full restoration, adapting to the lake's natural cycles while creating viable habitats.

Adding to the momentum, the East Pond area received its first water in April, with the latest efforts bringing about 2,000 acres online. This is crucial for communities in the Imperial Valley, where windblown dust from exposed lakebeds exacerbates respiratory illnesses. Eric Montoya Reyes of Los Amigos de la Comunidad noted the project's overdue status but praised it as a vital step, calling for accelerated action to prioritize human health amid pollution challenges.

Parallel efforts include a $5.2 million grant to Audubon California for a 564-acre wetland enhancement near Bombay Beach. Andrea Jones, Audubon's director of bird conservation, highlighted how this will safeguard endangered species like the Yuma Ridgway's Rail and provide refuge for migrants facing climate change. These projects collectively underscore California's evolving strategy, blending state, federal, and nonprofit resources to transform the Salton Sea from a liability into an asset, as stated by State Water Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel.

In summary, these restoration milestones represent a promising shift in environmental policy, balancing ecological recovery with community needs. Will these efforts be enough to secure the Salton Sea's future? As California pushes forward, the outcomes could inspire similar initiatives nationwide. We invite readers to share your thoughts in the comments below—how do you think this impacts local communities and wildlife?

• California Restoration
• Imperial Valley
• Salton Sea