IID Joins New State Salton Sea Conservancy

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - The Imperial Irrigation District is officially joining California’s newly formed Salton Sea Conservancy, a move that shifts long-term restoration and air-quality responsibilities to a state-run agency.

IID is transitioning away from the Salton Sea Authority, the regional group of cities and water agencies that has coordinated local efforts since the 1990s. Under the new structure, the district will work directly with the conservancy, which brings state, federal, tribal, and local partners into one coordinated system.

IID leaders say the change is intended to speed up project delivery and strengthen collaboration.

IID Board Chair Gina Dockstader said the move represents a shift from advocacy to action.

“I think this should give people hope that we’re moving away from advocacy more to those projects on the ground,” Dockstader said. “It’s just a natural transition.”

The new conservancy will oversee major long-term work including habitat restoration, dust-control projects, and community engagement around the Sea.

Residents can track current and upcoming projects at the state’s project portal: projects.saltonsea.ca.gov.