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.

Melinda Dorin Bradbury is the lead manager for the Salton Sea Restoration Office, prior to her current role, she was a program manager responsible for environmental permitting and compliance for the Program. Melinda has also worked for other State agencies including the State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Energy Commission. She has also spent time working (and volunteering) for non-governmental organizations and as a consultant. Melinda also sits on the Board of the Natomas Basin Conservancy as a City of Sacramento appointee.