History of Salton Sea in Timeline

The Salton Sea is a shallow, saline lake in Southern California, formed within the Salton Trough on the San Andreas Fault. Approximately 15 by 35 miles in size with a surface area around 318 square miles, it became a resort destination but suffered ecological damage starting in the 1980s. Farm runoff led to fish and bird die-offs. As the sea evaporates, it exposes the lake bed, creating toxic dust clouds, leading to environmental and health concerns for nearby communities.

1941: Races Held at Desert Beach

Beginning in 1941, races were held annually at Desert Beach on the Salton Sea, continuing through 1951.

February 1950: Salton Sea Fastest for Speedboat Racing

According to an article in the January-February 1950 issue of National Motorist magazine, the Salton Sea's low barometric pressure and greater water density made it the fastest body of water in the world for speedboat racing.

1951: Races Held at Desert Beach

Races continued annually at Desert Beach on the Salton Sea through 1951, then moved to other beaches.

1961: Salton City 500 Race

From 1961 through 1965, the Salton Sea hosted the Salton City 500, a marathon endurance race.

1965: Salton City 500 Race

In 1965, the Salton City 500, a marathon endurance race, concluded after being held at the Salton Sea since 1961. Notable drivers such as Mickey Thompson and astronaut Gordon Cooper participated in the Salton City 500.

2000: California Voters Approved Bond Measures for Projects

Since 2000, California voters have approved five bond measures for the Salton Sea projects. These measures act as a source for the states funding.

2008: Racing Returns

In 2008, after a hiatus, racing returned to the Salton Sea during the Salton Sea Speed Week, where new world records were set by a sprint boat.

2012: Destruction of Wetlands by Storm

In 2012, a massive storm destroyed the shallow wetlands along the northern edge of the Salton Sea. These wetlands were later restored through the Torres-Martinez Wetland Project.

2013: USGS Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Plan

The Salton Sea Management Program is developing an implementation plan that will prioritize and phase-in the implementation of the 2013 USGS Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Plan. The plan aims to manage the Salton Sea.

2015: Formation of the Salton Sea Task Force

In 2015, Governor Jerry Brown's administration formed the Salton Sea Task Force. The task force aimed to address the ecological and environmental challenges facing the Salton Sea.

2016: The Bad Batch Filming

In 2016, the dystopian film "The Bad Batch" used the Salton Sea area as a filming location for its surreal wasteland setting.

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March 2017: Salton Sea Management Program Released

In March 2017, the Natural Resources Agency released the Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) which proposed constructing 29,800 acres (12,100 ha) of habitat restoration and dust suppression projects by the year 2028. The program aims to improve conditions for residents and wildlife and will implement the 2013 USGS Salton Sea Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment Plan.

January 1, 2018: Reduced Water Flow into Salton Sea

On January 1, 2018, the amount of water flowing into the Salton Sea was reduced by 40% due to the end of the 15-year mitigation period defined in the 2003 water transfer agreement. This, along with a court decision impacting water distribution by the Imperial Irrigation District, caused a significant drop in the sea's water level and increased playa exposure.

April 2018: Bombay Beach Rebirth

In April 2018, news reports indicated that Bombay Beach was experiencing a "rebirth" with an influx of artists, intellectuals, and hipsters, transforming it into a bohemian playground.

April 2018: Completion of Torres-Martinez Wetland Project

In April 2018, the Torres-Martinez Wetland Project, a partnership between the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and the state, was completed. This project restored shallow wetlands along the northern edge of the Salton Sea that were destroyed by a massive storm in 2012.

August 2018: Salton Sea Management Program: Phase 1: 10 Year Plan

The Salton Sea Management Program: Phase 1: 10 Year Plan was put into place in August 2018. The Bruchard Road Dust Suppression Project was the first dust suppression project to be completed under this program.

November 2019: Emergency Declared Due to Pollution in the New River

In November 2019, an emergency was declared due to the heavily polluted New River, which empties into the Salton Sea. The Imperial County Board of Supervisors hoped that this declaration would accelerate restoration projects by enabling the state to obtain federal funding.

February 2020: Completion of Bruchard Road Dust Suppression Project

In February 2020, the California Natural Resources Agency completed the Bruchard Road Dust Suppression Project. This project, covering 112 acres (45 ha), was the first dust suppression project to be completed under the Salton Sea Management Program: Phase 1: 10 Year Plan.

June 2020: Fire in Niland

In late June 2020, a fire in Niland, located 1.5 miles from the Salton Sea, caused significant damage and displaced 112 people. By June 2020, the town's population had decreased to an estimated 500 residents.

2020: California Voters Approved Bond Measures for Projects

Since 2000, California voters have approved five bond measures as of 2020 for the Salton Sea projects. These measures act as a source for the states funding.

January 2021: Construction Begins on Species Conservation Habitat Project

In January 2021, construction began on the 4,110-acre (1,660 ha) Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project on the small delta of the New River. This project aims to build ponds and wetlands on both sides of the mouth of the river and will combine Salton Sea water with river water to control salinity.

November 2022: Federal Funding for Species Conservation Habitat Project

In November 2022, the federal government pledged to spend $250 million over four years for the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project. The project is building ponds and wetlands on both sides of the mouth of the New River.

October 2024: Expansion of Species Conservation Habitat Project

In October 2024, the expansion of the Species Conservation Habitat (SCH) Project by 750 acres (300 ha) was announced, with $70 million in federal funding allocated for improving drought infrastructure.

2028: Target Completion Year for Habitat Restoration and Dust Suppression Projects

The Salton Sea Management Program (SSMP) set a target date of 2028 to construct 29,800 acres (12,100 ha) of habitat restoration and dust suppression projects on lakebed areas that have been, or will be, exposed at the Salton Sea.