All state parks are required to have an approved general plan to provide thoughtful and consistent guidance on the management and development of the park. Great Valley Grasslands does not currently have a general plan and will need one to build future park facilities and amenities. A general plan will provide an opportunity to consider opportunities to improve the visitor experience, identify priority resource management and infrastructure needs, and allow members of the public to provide input on the management of the park.

You can sign up for our email list to stay in the loop about public engagement such as an interactive map, online survey, public workshops, and public review of the draft Salton Sea State Recreation Area General Plan and EIR.

No, the planning process will not affect how parkgoers access Salton Sea State Recreation Area or the facilities or activities available. Any changes that affect the use of the park would happen gradually after the plan is adopted. The planning process will take place over a three-year period, and during that time no major changes will be implemented.

The implementation of individual 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 in late 2028, California State Parks will begin prioritizing 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.

An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is a required environmental analysis document under the California Environmental Quality Act. It includes analysis of various environmental impacts, such as air quality, biological resources, noise, water quality, transportation, wildfire, and recreation. The EIR process ensures that implementation of the general plan does not have adverse impacts on the park’s natural environment and cultural resources.

The general plan kicked off in February 2024 and will be completed over a three-year period. The EIR process will begin in early 2026. Both the Salton Sea State Recreation Area General Plan and EIR aim to be completed in early 2027.