Upcoming Projects
HQ Ponds Rehabilitation (B/C/D Ponds) – Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge
Status: planned project awaiting funding. Updated October 13, 2026.
The refuge’s HQ Pond complex supports migratory waterfowl and other wetland-dependent wildlife. Reliable water delivery and drawdown control are important to maintaining this managed wetland habitat.
Our planned rehabilitation priorities address the needs identified through discussions with refuge officials:
Broken or undersized water control structures that limit water delivery and drawdown.
Silt buildup in D Pond that reduces open-water depth.
Cattail expansion requiring mechanical management.
Elevated selenium in B Pond surface soils requiring targeted soil removal and re-contouring.
Funding has not yet been secured. We intend to develop this work with refuge coordination, appropriate technical review, and required approvals before implementation. The next priority is securing resources and defining a funded work plan.
Startup Stage
Restoration of Fencing of Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Status: planned project awaiting funding. Updated October 13, 2026.
Salton Sea Conservation Coalition plans to help restore dune habitat damaged by unauthorized off-highway vehicle use at Coachella Valley National Wildlife Refuge, part of the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The refuge protects 3,709 acres of dunes supporting sensitive native wildlife and plants, including the Coachella Valley fringe-toed lizard and Coachella Valley milk-vetch.
Our intended work includes repairing and strengthening boundary fencing, removing invasive Sahara mustard along damaged corridors, and reducing vehicle-driven seed spread. Protecting natural sand movement is central to maintaining dune habitat.
Funding has not yet been secured. The proposed implementation approach includes refuge oversight, invasive plant monitoring and fence upkeep support from the Urban Conservation Corps, and wildlife monitoring support from the University of California, Riverside. Specific roles and timing will be confirmed as the funded work plan develops.
This remains a conservation priority. We welcome conversations with potential funders and partners to help move it toward implementation.
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501(c)(3) nonprofit • EIN: 39-4136877
California charitable registration: CT0304529