The Salton Sea is a saline lake (meaning it contains high amounts of salt) and used to be a popular tourist destination in California. This body of water once attracted visitors for its idyllic mountain views and pristine shores, allowing for relaxation. However, this place that was once an aquatic treasure has been facing challenges.

Over the past 25 years, the Salton Sea has lost a third of its water and has seen drastic changes due to pollution and drought. As the lake has dried, the concentration of both salt and chemicals has increased. This has caused a large die-off of fish, birds, and some threatened species. And as the Salton Sea has experienced this drought, its bed has released dust that has become toxic for residents living near the water.

Many researchers believe the Salton Sea is shrinking and experiencing drought due to a steady decline in the Colorado River flow. Other scientists think that the main reason for issues within the Salton Sea is global warming, and some have also stated that they are convinced that agricultural practices such as irrigation are depleting this body of water.

Despite the differing opinions, though, scientists and researchers agree that it is important to help the Salton Sea before conditions get worse than they already are. Fortunately, the U.S. has recently announced that they will spend $250 million on cleanup at the Salton Sea. The goal is to restore the lake to the state that it was once in and control the hazardous dust that it has released. Actions will be taken to accelerate environmental projects and growth around the Salton Sea with hopes to revitalize the ecosystems of the lake. I look forward to seeing this plan put into action. Hopefully, these ideas and projects will save another valuable natural area from further damage.