Ep #18-- Fork in The Road: Ron Enzweiler --The History and Future of the Salton Sea: A Forgotten Refuge

It you’ve ever driven the Hwy between Palm Springs and San Felipe you will have passed a very large body of water called the Salton Sea.  And, I wonder if you have wondered, as I have, about its history and its future.  In this Podcast, Tricia and Cal will be talking to a local San Felipe Resident who is quite an expert on this.  Listen and learn about the Salton Sea’s fascinating history and its future.  From the once, resort and recreation destination, where Sonny Bono used to water ski, and what was once a refuge to many, many migratory birds that stopped and rested on their journey’s North and South; we’ve watch the water level drop and the saline level increase.  Wildlife can no longer survive in its current environment and recreation and fishing have disappeared.  What does the future hold, will it be rescued or will it go back to its natural state?  Listen, as Ron Enzweiler share’s his expertise and first hand knowledge of the Salton Sea and the Imperial Irrigation District.  There may be a bright future ahead for the Salton Sea that involves supporting our transition to Electric Vehicles.  The Salton Sea may be a ‘gold mine’ of sorts, in natural resources that can be used to support our future. About Ron. Ron is an MIT graduate with an MBA in Engineering. He is also a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He has worked as a project developer and water resource manager at the private, state, and federal levels both in the United States and abroad. Beginning in 2004 he served as the Executive Director of the Salton Sea Authority. He also acted as the Infrastructure Advisor with A.I.D. in Afghanistan before retiring. He is the author of many articles dealing with United State foreign policies. If you are enjoying our podcast, we would sure appreciate knowing about it! Please leave us a like on our FB page, on Spotify or Apple. And, even better, subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast channel! This is a labor of love for us. However, if you REALLY want to encourage us to continue, please BUY US A MARGARITA! (or, BEER, or SHOT!) You have NO idea how much THAT would be appreciated. Just click on the link below to BUY US A MARGARITA! https://ko-fi.com/turnleftatthecactus THANKS for listening!! ;-) The History and Future of the Salton Sea: A Forgotten Refuge Summary This transcript explores the decline of the Salton Sea, once a popular resort and haven for migratory birds. It delves into the challenges faced in sustaining its ecosystem, including water scarcity, disputes over water rights, and political influences. The conversation also delves into the future potential of the Salton Sea as a source of natural resources for supporting the transition to electric vehicles.   Key Points 1. The construction of the Hoover Dam and the All-American Canal affected the flow of water into the Salton Sea.   2. Water scarcity in urban development: As cities expanded along the Colorado River, water resources became scarcer, leading to over appropriation and disputes over water rights.   3. The area around the Salton Sea is being developed for photovoltaic electrical fields, providing jobs but not solving the water problem.   4. Geothermal power plants exist on the southeast side of the Salton Sea, creating 400 megawatts of electricity.   5.The use of lithium batteries can help self-supply the battery resources for the American electric vehicle fleet.   6.. Innovative methods are needed to capture runoff water from the delta without harming endangered species.   7. The oversubscribed water rights system and water use in the Colorado River water system need to be addressed. *The opinions expressed on this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of the producer or the host.