California Natural Resources Agency

Salton Sea — On May 22, leaders from local, state, federal, tribal, and nonprofit organizations gathered to mark a pivotal achievement at the Salton Sea — the filling of the first expansion pond in the State’s flagship restoration effort. Known as the East Pond Expansion, this area is a key component of the Species Conservation Habitat Project, which is set to restore approximately 14 square miles of vital habitat when fully built out. 

This milestone is just the latest example of Governor Gavin Newsom’s prioritization of delivering large-scale projects at the Salton Sea that create environmental habitat and provide benefits to nearby communities.  Previously envisioned as a 4,100-acre project funded primarily through the State’s bond funds at a cost of approximately $200 million, the State secured commitments from the federal government in 2023, 2024, and 2025 totaling $245 million in additional funding, which will allow the Species Conservation Habitat Project to more than double in size.

The total Species Conservation Habitat Project footprint is now envisioned to span over 9,000 acres – enough space to fit roughly 7,500 football fields. It will create a network of ponds, berms, nesting and loafing islands, and water delivery systems engineered to sustain fish and bird populations — restoring ecosystem function and protecting air quality by reducing dust at a key area of previously exposed lakebed at the Salton Sea. The filling of the East Pond Expansion, combined with the filling of the original East Pond in early April, means that roughly 2,000 acres of the project will be operational in the coming weeks. Additional work continues to complete the remaining expansion components of the project.

The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland water body, has shrunk in recent years due to reduced inflows, resulting in an exposed lakebed that has the potential to releases small dust particles in certain areas around the sea that further impact the already-poor air quality in the Imperial Valley. The reduced water levels and increased salinity also negatively impact habitat for wildlife, including birds traveling the Pacific flyway.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: 

• “This marks a major step in California’s environmental leadership – breathing life into critical ecosystems while creating cleaner air for communities around the Salton Sea. Thanks to the support of our local and federal partners, we’re making real the first major restoration project the Salton Sea has ever seen.” — Governor Gavin Newsom
• “Filling the East Pond Expansion shows meaningful progress in our commitment to the Salton Sea region. Today’s action is proof that with strong partnerships and persistence, we can continue to make real progress that benefits both people and wildlife at the Sea.” — California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot
• “This is a moment to celebrate. The East Pond Expansion represents real, tangible progress at the Salton Sea. The strong coordination and partnership between the State and the Salton Sea region is delivering on the promise to create critical habitat while protecting the health of local communities.” — JB Hamby, Vice Chair of Imperial Irrigation District and Chair of the Colorado River Board
• “We are proud to celebrate this pivotal milestone at the Salton Sea, a reflection of years of tireless community advocacy and collaborative work. The filling of the Species Conservation Habitat ponds brings renewed hope for the region’s environment and public health. This progress, paired with the critical investment secured through the California Climate Bond passed by voters in November 2024, ensures the Salton Sea Management Program has the resources it needs to deliver real, lasting change for our communities and ecosystems.” — Silvia Paz, Executive Director of Alianza Coachella Valley
• “What a great day! We congratulate the many, many people who’ve worked for years to plan and construct and test and now run this huge wetland. We’re delighted to see the time and money and effort converted into so much water on the ground and can’t wait to see all the birds that show up.” — Michael Cohen, Senior Fellow at the Pacific Institute 

The State is committed to advancing this project and others through its Salton Sea Management Program, comprising the California Natural Resources Agency, Department of Water Resources, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information about the Salton Sea Management Program and its restoration initiatives, visit https://saltonsea.ca.gov/.