No, the planning process will not affect how parkgoers access Salton Sea State Recreation Area or the facilities and recreational activities available.

The implementation of recommended projects that further the broad-based goals and guidelines provided for in the general plan are dependent upon funding and staffing availability. Following completion of the general plan, California State Parks will begin prioritizing recommended projects for implementation. As funding and staffing become available, a combination of project-specific planning, design, engineering, environmental review, permitting and/or approvals may be required to facilitate implementation of recommended projects.

An environmental impact report (EIR) is a document required by the California Environmental Quality Act that analyzes potential environmental impacts of certain projects, including state park general plans. The Salton Sea SRA General Plan will establish goals, guidance and recommendations for the future management, operation and development of the park. The accompanying EIR will evaluate potential environmental impacts of the general plan's recommendations.

In April 2020, community development and design nonprofit Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) received grant funding to develop a plan aimed at identifying immediate project implementation opportunities at Salton Sea SRA (SSSRA). With strong connections to Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) communities, KDI set out to develop a plan that specifically “envisions a SSSRA that is accessible, relevant and welcoming, shaped directly by ECV community residents in partnership with State Parks staff and local stakeholders.”

The end result of KDI’s effort was a 10-year vision plan for SSSRA, the Salton Sea State Recreation Area Vision Plan 2023-2033 (the Vision Plan), which was completed in January 2023.

Though California State Parks did not initiate the Vision Plan, SSSRA’s district maintenance chief and former district superintendent provided input during the planning process. However, the Vision Plan was neither considered nor approved by the California State Park Commission and is therefore not an official State Park planning document. Additionally, the Vision Plan does not include an accompanying analysis of the potential environmental impacts of its recommendations, as required by the California Environmental Quality Act.

Nevertheless, the Vision Plan, which was built on a collaborative process with ECV community members, provides critical insights that will help inform the more comprehensive, long-term general plan currently being developed by State Parks.

Whereas the Vision Plan focuses largely on the decade ending in 2033, the Salton Sea SRA General Plan will establish an indefinite, long-term vision for the park, and will serve as its primary management document.

At the conclusion of the general plan development process, in fall 2028, a draft Salton Sea SRA General Plan and Environmental Impact Report will be presented to the California State Park Commission for consideration and approval.

Following completion of the KDI Vision Plan 2023-2033 (the Vision Plan) in January 2023, State Parks’ efforts to improve operations and facilities at Salton Sea SRA include:

Increased Outreach – Increased interpretive and educational programs in the community, at North Shore Yacht Club and in elementary schools; in partnership with outside groups, including Friends of the Youth, interpretive staff are working to build a presence on social media to promote upcoming events at the park.

Increased Staff and Transportation Opportunities – Hired one full-time State Park Interpreter I for Salton Sea SRA; provided interpretive programs at the park, including stargazing and bird watching; and, through Parks California’s Route to Parks grant program, collaborated with local organizations to bring more visitors to the park.

Improved Park Facilities – Secured funding to replace a pedestrian walkway, install interpretive panels, add a restroom to the jetty area, and resurface and restripe the Visitor Center Parking Lot. Completed pedestrian walkway connecting the Visitor Center to the jetty and resurfaced more than one half of the Visitor Center Parking Lot.

Increased Park Amenities – Repaired a drinking fountain and four shade structures near the Visitor Center entrance. Working to bring accessible improvements to Mecca Beach Campground.