Audubon California and partners applaud the state’s commitment to long-term conservation at the Sea and urge continued integration of local communities (May 14, 2026, La Quinta, CA) Thursday marked the first board meeting of the new Salton Sea Conservancy, the first conservancy established in California in over fifteen years and a recognition of the importance of the state’s largest lake. Convened by Joe Shea, Assistant Secretary for Salton Sea Policy at the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), the session introduced board members to the public, outlined its budget and structure, and highlighted the importance of community engagement. “I left the meeting hopeful for accelerated progress and strengthened partnerships, optimistic about the commitment of our diverse board, and excited to tackle the challenges ahead,” said Camila Bautista, Audubon California’s Salton Sea & Deserts Program Manager and CNRA’s appointee to the Board. “As Joe said at the start, the Salton Sea can’t wait.…