Salton Sea team outlines New River diversion and wetlands work at Holtville meeting

A representative from the Salton Sea Management program presented an update to the Holtville City Council about restoration work at the south end of the Salton Sea, including a new New River diversion structure and wetlands activities intended to improve conditions for target species.

The presentation, introduced by the mayor, said crews are taking seawater and mixing it with New River flows through a recently constructed diversion structure to reduce salinity differences and create conditions more conducive to the species the project seeks to support. "From that pound station, we traveled about 3 miles into this piece of infrastructure...this is probably referred to as the New River diversion structure," the presenter said, describing the mixing of waters with different salinity and density to create a more favorable habitat.

Councilmembers and attendees asked practical questions about public access and staging. When asked whether a causeway near the work is open to the public, the presenter replied it is not, and offered to share contact information for a planned wetlands ribbon-cutting. The presenter said planting work and cleanup of weeds along the banks were either underway or scheduled soon.

The presentation also showed project photos and a blueprint-style map of the overall work, and the presenter noted that while some elements are not fully completed, they are already making visible impacts. The representative encouraged interested residents to provide contact information to receive details about the wetlands ribbon-cutting and planting events.

The council did not take formal action on the Salton Sea items during this meeting; staff provided contact details for follow-up and said they would attempt to connect residents to wetland project coordinators and event organizers.