Water Education Foundation
This is just one post in the Salton Sea Category
Click here to view all posts

With no large plan for Salton Sea, we’re making incremental progress, says commentary

Posted by: Maven on January 17, 2010 at 7:10 am

salton-sea-birds-red-hill-marina-1-7-09From MyDesert.com, this commentary by Kimberly Nicol, environmental program manager for the California Department of Fish and Game’s Inland Deserts Region:

“While the California Legislature has not yet taken any action to approve or reject any alternative for restoration of the Salton Sea ecosystem, the departments of Fish and Game and Water Resources have begun the Species Conservation Habitat Project.

The habitat project is being planned to provide interim habitat until a restoration alternative is implemented. This is necessary because the salinity of the sea continues to increase and eventually will no longer support fish and wildlife. The habitat project will consist of about 2,400 acres of interconnected shallow ponds up to 6 feet deep and ranging in size from 100 to 500 acres.

In addition to providing habitat, the project has the added bonus of providing air quality benefits. As the sea recedes and the playa becomes exposed, there is the potential for sediment to become wind-borne creating human health issues. By covering the exposed playa with ponds, the air quality impacts will be reduced.

The Salton Sea ecosystem is one of the most important wetlands for birds in North America and supports some of the highest levels of avian biodiversity in the southwestern United States. This extremely valuable resource for resident and migratory bird species includes a large number of threatened and endangered species, and species of concern. … “

Read more of this commentary from MyDesert.com by clicking here.

January 17, 2010 · Filed Under Salton Sea

Comments

Leave a Reply