Governor Gavin Newsom Establishes Salton Sea Conservancy, First New Conservancy in 15 Years

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state’s first new conservancy in more than 15 years, aimed at accelerating long-term restoration work while balancing ecological, public health, and regional development priorities.

The Salton Sea Conservancy was established through Senate Bill 583, introduced by state Sen. Steve Padilla, and is intended to strengthen habitat restoration, improve public health protections, and support the long-term maintenance of major environmental projects.

Newsom said the conservancy will focus on cleaner air, ecosystem recovery, and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

The Salton Sea has shrunk in recent years due to declining water inflows, exposing more of its lakebed and raising air quality concerns. Fine dust particles from the exposed lakebed can be carried into nearby communities, worsening respiratory conditions such as asthma.

At the same time, rising salinity levels have disrupted the ecosystem, putting pressure on wildlife, including migratory birds that rely on the Pacific Flyway.

The conservancy will oversee long-term restoration efforts, including maintaining completed projects, supporting new habitat development, and helping reduce dust emissions, according to Newsom’s office. It will also work to expand public access and involve local communities more directly in planning and decision-making.

NEW: California just launched its first conservancy in 15 years at the Salton Sea to support habitat restoration, improve air quality, and deliver lasting benefits to Salton Sea communities. @CAGovernor Gavin Newsom: “For too long, communities around the Salton Sea have carried… pic.twitter.com/jzpehngJxu

— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) April 10, 2026

According to the California Natural Resources Agency, the Salton Sea Conservancy will hold its first meeting on May 14, 2026, as work on the project continues.

The state reached a major milestone in May 2025 with the completion of the first East Pond expansion project, covering about three square miles. Within a short period, fish and bird populations began returning to the area, highlighting early signs of ecological recovery.

The effort is part of the broader Species Conservation Habitat Project, one of the largest restoration projects in the country. Combined with earlier phases, about 2,000 acres are expected to be operational soon. The full restoration effort is projected to cover nearly 14 square miles.

The project is expected to span roughly 9,400 acres, with plans to build a network of ponds, berms, nesting islands, and water delivery systems.

Funding has played a key role in advancing these efforts. Since 2019, more than $500 million in state and federal funds has been invested. 

Additional allocations totaling $245 million between 2023 and 2025 have allowed the project to expand well beyond its original scope.

The project also aligns with California’s broader conservation goals, including its 30×30 initiative to protect natural resources while improving public access.