(Might 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 price range and construction, and highlighted the significance of group engagement.
“I left the assembly eager for accelerated progress and strengthened partnerships, optimistic concerning the dedication of our various board, and excited to sort out the challenges forward,” mentioned Camila Bautista, Audubon California’s Salton Sea & Deserts Program Supervisor and CNRA’s appointee to the Board. “As Joe mentioned at first, the Salton Sea can’t wait. It’s too vital for the communities and wildlife that depend 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 Entry Neighborhood research, community-centered planning conferences for the Bombay Seaside Wetland Enhancement Challenge, and her crew’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,” mentioned Camila. “A lot of my work has been bringing folks to expertise the Salton Sea and see it by a unique lens – serving to them perceive the problems, but in addition 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 assist for the launch of the Conservancy.
“The Salton Sea Conservancy’s first assembly is one other vital step towards guaranteeing a long-term state dedication to revitalize the Salton Sea ecosystem and shield the folks within the area,” mentioned 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 needed to make sure the well being of the area.”
The Conservancy was signed into regulation in September 2024 by the passage of Senate Invoice 583 and is at present funded by an allocation from Proposition 4, the local weather bond authorised by a majority of California voters in 2024. In line with the CNRA, it’s distinctive in its cost with two predominant features: guaranteeing the operations and upkeep of initiatives which can be constructed beneath 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. Be taught extra at audubon.org/california and comply with 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 influence, devoted to defending birds and the locations they want, at present and tomorrow. Birds are highly effective indicators of our planet’s well being, performing 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. By a collaborative, bipartisan method 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 pressure dedicated to making sure a greater planet for each birds and other people for generations to come back.
