Photo: Brian Baer
By SDCN Staff
California State Parks is preparing a general plan for Salton Sea State Recreation Area and invites the public to participate in the planning process with in-person and virtual workshops this month.
The General Plan will serve as the park’s primary and long-term management document. It will include goals and guidelines for future recreation opportunities, resource protection and facility development, as well as park improvements, services and programs.
“California State Parks encourages park visitors, local residents, tribal representatives and other stakeholders to participate in the planning process,” said Enrique Arroyo, Ocotillo Wells District superintendent. “The feedback we receive is instrumental in helping shape the park’s future for decades to come.”
California State Parks will host a series of public workshops to share information about the General Plan process and gather feedback that will help shape the future of Salton Sea SRA. Community input is a vital part of this effort and to maximize opportunities for public involvement, two in-person workshops and one virtual workshop will be held. Each workshop will cover the same material.
Workshop dates, times and locations:
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6–7:30 p.m.
Bombay Beach Community Center
9590 Avenue C, Niland, CA
Thursday, Feb. 19, 6–7:30 p.m.
North Shore Beach and Yacht Club
99155 Sea View Drive, Mecca, CA
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual Workshop via Zoom; register here
The workshops will provide opportunities for the public to learn more about the General Plan, review issues and current conditions, and share comments and concerns. Feedback received will help guide the development of the General Plan and inform future planning decisions for the park.
Registration for the meetings is not required but is appreciated. Information on how to attend the in-person and virtual meetings, including Zoom access details, is available on the project website (saltonseasragp.com). The public is encouraged to visit the website for updates and additional opportunities to provide input throughout the planning process.
Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore of the sea in Imperial and Riverside counties. It is one of the world’s largest inland seas and one of the lowest spots on earth, at 236 feet below sea level. The park has long been a popular site for campers. In recent decades, reduced inflows into the sea have caused declining water levels and increasing salinity levels, creating a host of ecological challenges and adverse impacts to surrounding communities. Despite these challenges, Salton Sea continues to offer many recreational opportunities, including camping, birdwatching, picnicking, photography, nature appreciation and hiking.
California State Parks supports equal access. If anyone needs reasonable modification or special accommodation for the meeting, contact OcotilloWellsDistrict@parks.ca.gov.
