California Projects

Bombay Beach Wetland Restoration Project

Our Goals
Supporting the growth of healthy, sustainable wetlands near Bombay Beach to benefit both wildlife and local communities.
What We’re Doing
Restoring and stabilizing emerging wetlands to promote long-term ecological health and resilience in the Salton Sea region.
Aerial view of Bombay Beach Wetland showing patches of water surrounded by dense marsh vegetation. The horizon is hazy with distant mountains faintly visible under a pale blue sky.
Bombay Beach Wetlands. Photo: Mike Fernandez/Audubon

Audubon California is working with partners to preserve and enhance these wetlands by:

  • Protecting existing vegetation, wetland, and aquatic habitat areas from damaging stormwater inflows. 

  • Reinforcing shoreline berms to stabilize the area and prevent erosion. 

  • Optimizing water use to divert excess water to the adjacent playa, promoting vegetation for dust control. 

  • Maintaining salinity in wetland areas for optimal species productivity. 

  • Expanding and promoting new wetland habitat to support bird populations and biodiversity. 

The first phase of the project is currently underway, focusing on habitat expansion, dust control project design, scientific monitoring, data collection, and community engagement.

The Salton Sea is critical for more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, and the surrounding area is home to approximately 650,000 people. Stabilizing these wetlands will serve a dual purpose: creating vital habitat for migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway and improving public health by reducing harmful dust pollution.  

Project Timeline

The project team aims to complete a 100% project design and secure necessary permits by December 2025. Due to restrictions on construction activities during endangered species nesting seasons, on-the-ground work is expected to begin early 2026. 

 

Exciting Project Highlights & Community Support

Stabilizing and enhancing 122 acres of existing wetlands to support endangered and at-risk species, including Ridgway’s Rail, Desert Pupfish, Western Snowy Plover, California Gull, and Black-tailed Gnatcatcher. 

Establishing 200 acres of new wetland and vegetation on adjacent playa, improving habitat and mitigating dust pollution for the 200+ residents of Bombay Beach and the broader Salton Sea region.

Collaborating with over 100 Bombay Beach residents to develop public access components, such as hiking trails, interpretive signage, and shade structures. 

Partnering with local high schools and colleges to create educational programs focused on Salton Sea restoration, wildlife, renewable energy, and policy. 

Funding Needs
A Snowy Plover stands on the shore of the Salton Sea with a blurred foreground and water in the background. The bird has a light brown back, white underparts, and a distinctive black facial pattern. The warm light suggests early morning or late afternoon.
A small Western Snowy Plover stands on the shoreline of the Salton Sea. Photo: Alecia Smith/Audubon California

The Bombay Beach Wetland Project is currently funded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to achieve a shovel-ready level project with necessary permits. Audubon is working with partners and actively seeking additional funding from the California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) and private funders to support project implementation, including: 

  • Habitat restoration and wetland expansion efforts. 

  • Public access infrastructure such as trails, interpretive signage, and shade structures. 

  • Scientific monitoring to track ecosystem changes and project effectiveness. 

Contact: For more information, contact Camila Bautista at camila.bautista@audubon.org 

Partners: California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Water Resources, Imperial Irrigation District, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and California State Parks. 

Family
Sandpipers
Family
Plovers