ACCOMPLISHING 29,800 ACRES OF RESTORATION AT THE SALTON SEA IN 10-YEARS

Melinda C Dorin Bradbury; Califorina Department of Water Resources; melinda.dorin@water.ca.gov;

The State of California through the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) is responsible for 29,800 acres of restoration over a 10_year period (2018-2028) at the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea Management Program is made up of the California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Water Resources and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Department of Water Resources, as the lead implementer for the SSMP has completed approximately 5,000 acres. An additional approximately 10,000 acres are in construction, and the balance are in planning with a goal to start construction by 2028. The largest fish and wildlife project is the Species Conservation Habitat project and is approximately 9,500 acres. I will discuss how the Program has been successful in constructing projects, collaboration, permitting pathways, and how quickly species have returned to the areas that are being restored. Research and scientific collaboration are ongoing in key areas and as data is collected it will help inform how best to maintain and operate the projects.

Poster Session