The State Water Resources Control Board convened on May 21, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) and its ongoing efforts to address public health and environmental concerns. The meeting focused on the adoption of a stipulated order that outlines specific annual acreage milestones for habitat and dust suppression projects from 2018 to 2028.

Key highlights from the meeting included the establishment of annual acreage milestones, with a target of 2,700 acres for 2024, contributing to a cumulative total of 14,200 acres by this year. By the end of 2028, the cumulative goal is set at 29,800 acres, with at least 50% of these acres designated to benefit fish and wildlife species dependent on the Salton Sea ecosystem.

The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is tasked with developing subsequent phases of the SSMP and was required to complete a long-term plan by December 31, 2022. A draft of this plan was released in December 2022, followed by a public comment period, with the final version published in March 2024.

The board emphasized the importance of transparency and public engagement, as it is responsible for holding annual workshops to review progress on restoration efforts. This year’s workshop was delayed to allow for thorough public review of the annual report, which CNRA submitted on March 28, 2025. The report, available in both English and Spanish, covers completed projects, financial resources, and any anticipated deviations from the established milestones.

During the workshop, written comments were solicited, with two letters submitted for consideration. The ongoing efforts and milestones set forth in the stipulated order reflect a commitment to restoring the Salton Sea and addressing the environmental challenges it faces.