The Salton Sea, California’s largest inland body of water and an important stop on the Pacific Flyway, is struggling ecologically and shrinking as water is transferred from surrounding desert farms to urban San Diego County.

On our Lower Colorado River Tour, Feb. 27-March 1, we will visit this fragile ecosystem that harbors 400 bird species and hear from several stakeholders working to address challenges facing the sea, including managers of the Imperial Irrigation District, the Salton Sea Authority and California’s appointed “Sea Czar,” assistant secretary on Salton Sea policy Bruce Wilcox.

They will discuss the ag-to-urban water transfer made necessary for California to reduce its over-reliance on Colorado River water and efforts to create wetlands to maintain bird habitat and prevent air pollution created by the exposed lake bed.

In addition, the tour will stop at Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge to learn about efficiency-based conservation measures and the bird species living at and migrating to the sea.

This three-day, two-night tour begins in Las Vegas on Feb. 27 and ends at California’s Ontario International Airport on March 1. You also have the option of starting the tour Feb. 26 in Ontario, where you can catch a ride on the tour bus to Las Vegas.

Click here to register for the Lower Colorado River Tour, which is supported in part by the Bureau of Reclamation – Lower Colorado Region. Take advantage of our “early bird” discount and register by January 28! Early bird pricing is available for all 2019 tours up to one month before the tour start date.

Contact Programs Manager Nick Gray via email or at 916-444-6240 with any questions.