[Water_news] 3. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: WATERSHEDS - 12/2/08

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment

 

December 2, 2008

 

3. Watersheds –

Editorial: Speak Up on Salton Sea

The Desert Sun – 12/2/2008

 

For many months, we have urged local leaders and residents to get involved in the future of the Salton Sea by contacting elected officials in Sacramento to help them understand that the demise of California's largest lake will have a negative impact on the entire region — not just the Coachella and Imperial valleys. On Thursday, state officials will be in Palm Desert to update valley residents. This is an opportunity to not only learn about what is happening with the Salton Sea, but also let officials of the state departments of Water Resources and Fish and Game know that the valley remains committed to a restoration plan that makes sense, is well-funded, gets going in a meaningful way and continues to be a priority for years to come.

 

We urge residents to attend this informational program.

 

The sea is shrinking. Because of the water's high levels of salinity, the area is in danger of becoming a dust bowl that will release harmful toxins into the air. It will recede considerably by 2018, when water transfers will halt most agricultural runoff.

 

Part of the problem is that it will take millions of dollars to restore the Salton Sea. Its distance from more populated areas also works against the effort. But this area is important to the state. Negative impact from the dying Salton Sea will stretch far and wide. Its demise will not only harm wildlife and our health, but it will hurt the statewide economy when tourists stop visiting.

 

The Department of Fish and Game has made some progress. Work is ongoing, as are plans to develop environmental monitoring of air, water and wildlife. Residents should know what exactly is being done. The program also will include a legislative update.

 

A bill that earmarks money from voter- approved Proposition 84 provides funding for initial restoration efforts at the sea. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Denise Ducheny, a San Diego Democrat, whose district includes parts of the Coachella Valley, sets the ground rules for $47 million of the bond funds for the Salton Sea. It was signed into law in September.

 

But a $9 billion plan to restore the sea over more than 70 years remains stalled in the Legislature. We understand that the state is facing difficult budgetary times, but what is happening to the sea threatens our health, environment and economy. It can't wait.

 

The state Legislature, in our view, has not made the Salton Sea a priority, and its members should. Showing that we are interested and involved — at every opportunity — will help get the point across.

 

Officials of the state departments of Water Resources and Fish and Game will be available to discuss the sea with residents at 1 p.m. at the University of California, Riverside's Palm Desert campus Graduate Center, 75-080 Frank Sinatra Drive. Again, we urge you to attend and remain involved in the restoration of the Salton Sea.#

 

http://www.mydesert.com/article/20081202/OPINION01/812020301/-1/newsfront

 

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DWR’s California Water News is distributed to California Department of Water Resources management and staff,  for information purposes, by the SWR Public Affairs Office. For reader’s services, including new subscriptions, temporary cancellations and address changes, please use the online page: http://listhost2.water.ca.gov/mailman/listinfo/water_news . DWR operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Inclusion of materials is not to be construed as an endorsement of any programs, projects, or viewpoints by the Department or the State of California