Sacramento, Calif. – Members of the California Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee today grilled state officials about the lack of progress on habitat restoration and dust control projects at the Salton Sea. In December, the state committed to a rigid timeline for acreage completed, and it is already clear that the state is already far behind schedule.

Below is a statement from Audubon California Director of Public Policy Mike Lynes following the hearing:

“Like members of the Water, Parks and Wildlife committee, we are concerned about the state not meeting the goals for habitat restoration and dust control that it committed to in December. For the state to instill confidence, it needs to start making good on its promises. It is of critical importance to California and the region that we manage the Salton Sea to support local communities and wildlife. Today’s hearing was a key step forward: we appreciate the committee’s interest in ensuring successful implementation of a Salton Sea management program – including a well-managed and adequately staffed program, accountability and a vision for the long-term future of the Sea.”