“The Salton Sea Can’t Wait”—Inaugural Salton Sea Conservancy Board Meeting Spotlights Community Engagement and the Urgent Need for Progress

(Could 14, 2026, La Quinta, CA) Thursday marked the primary board assembly of the brand new Salton Sea Conservancy, the primary conservancy established in California in over fifteen years and a recognition of the significance of the state’s largest lake. Convened by Joe Shea, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Coverage on the California Pure Sources Company (CNRA), the session launched board members to the general public, outlined its finances and construction, and highlighted the significance of group engagement.

“I left the assembly looking forward to accelerated progress and strengthened partnerships, optimistic in regards to the dedication of our numerous board, and excited to sort out the challenges forward,” stated Camila Bautista, Audubon California’s Salton Sea & Deserts Program Supervisor and CNRA’s appointee to the Board. “As Joe stated in the beginning, the Salton Sea can’t wait. It’s too necessary for the communities and wildlife that rely upon it.”

On the assembly, Camila introduced on the necessity for intentional and constant group engagement, sharing Audubon’s on-the-ground survey for the Salton Sea Public Access Community study, community-centered planning conferences for the Bombay Beach Wetland Enhancement Project, and her workforce’s many training and management applications.

“For this to actually succeed, we want our communities to see themselves mirrored on this work, and to really feel empowered to take part,” stated Camila. “A lot of my work has been bringing folks to expertise the Salton Sea and see it by means of a unique lens – serving to them perceive the problems, but additionally envision what it may be and the way they could be a a part of that future.”

The Salton Sea Partnership, a coalition of main conservation and group teams, together with Audubon, that has labored for greater than a decade to guard public and ecological well being within the area, expressed help for the launch of the Conservancy.

“The Salton Sea Conservancy’s first assembly is one other necessary step towards guaranteeing a long-term state dedication to revitalize the Salton Sea ecosystem and defend the folks within the area,” stated Michael Cohen, Senior Fellow with the Pacific Institute, member of the Partnership, and long-time Salton Sea advocate. “Particular because of Senator Padilla and Governor Newsom and his workers for selling the inter-agency coordination and native illustration vital to make sure the well being of the area.”

The Conservancy was signed into legislation in September 2024 by means of the passage of Senate Invoice 583 and is at present funded by means of an allocation from Proposition 4, the local weather bond accredited by a majority of California voters in 2024. In keeping with the CNRA, it’s distinctive in its cost with two predominant capabilities: guaranteeing the operations and upkeep of initiatives which might be constructed underneath the Salton Sea Administration Plan; and buying and holding land and water rights.

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Media contact: Shineh Rhee, Communications Director, Audubon California  

shineh.rhee@audubon.org  

415.644.4605  

Audubon California is a regional workplace of the Nationwide Audubon Society. Study extra at audubon.org/california and observe us on Instagram, Fb, and Twitter @AudubonCA.    

The Nationwide Audubon Society is a number one nonprofit conservation group with 120 years of science-based, community-driven affect, devoted to defending birds and the locations they want, at this time and tomorrow. Birds are highly effective indicators of our planet’s well being, appearing as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and encourage motion. Audubon works throughout the Western Hemisphere, pushed by the understanding that what is sweet for birds is sweet for the planet. Via a collaborative, bipartisan strategy throughout habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives significant and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 workers and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing power dedicated to making sure a greater planet for each birds and other people for generations to come back.