The EcoMedia Compass

California’s largest lake is shrinking and migratory birds are disappearing as its water is now too salty for fish -- an environmental disaster and a health hazard for humans.

On April 23, 2016 over seventy off-road vehicles adventured across sand dunes and desert shorelines to send out the largest “SOS” for California’s drying Salton Sea. People came from out of state to explore interesting sites around the Sea and be part of an epic opportunity to help “Save Our Sea!” The EcoMedia Compass Crew and Randy Brown, from Salton Sea Walk and Notarubicon, enthusiastically led a caravan of Jeeps, trucks and adventure-mobiles through sand, mud and dirt in support of Salton Sea awareness and education. Several people along for the ride didn’t know about the problems facing the Sea and the serious impacts of the Quantification Settlement Agreement scheduled for completion at the end of 2017. “This is a perfect opportunity to share the impacts of a shrinking Sea and for people to get involved in a fun and creative way.” stated Giovanni Arechavaleta, Campaign Director of The EcoMedia Compass. “People need to know what’s at risk, how it will impact them and what they can do to help.” The crew went on to explain how anyone can make a difference by just sharing their experience and connection to the Sea. That in order for it to be saved, the Salton Sea needs significant support and involvement from the communities around it. 4x4 SOS JeepsKerry Morrison, Executive Director of The EcoMedia Compass, and his crew quickly guided groups of vehicles to form the giant letters on a section of exposed shoreline as Randy and Eric Hanscom, Board Member of The EcoMedia Compass and professional drone pilot, carefully flew drones overhead to capture the action (full video below). Everyone was in place as the striking image appeared on screens communicating with the drone aerial cameras. “It’s perfect!” Morrison shouted to the rest of the crew. Smiles, waves and cheers greeted the glimmering Sea on that day along with a message… a message to anyone who’s watching to help the Salton Sea. Not only for the birds, for our health, for our communities but for the possibility of what can be if we just work together and try. Please help us do this together! SaveOurSea.info

The worst environmental disaster in US history is quickly approaching, yet very little is being done to stop it. A casualty of the "water wars" in the Southwest, California's largest lake is disappearing. The receding Salton Sea reveals a toxic mix of fine dust and chemicals that is threatening the health of millions. The Salton Sea has reached its breaking point, and time is running out. http://www.breakingpointdoc.com/ Like us on Facebook! - https://www.facebook.com/saltonseadoc

The people of Salton Sea.

Amidst the nationwide focus on the drought in California, a major environmental and public health concern has once again been set in the shadow for the law makers of Sacramento. But for the Salton Sea - California’s largest lake and home to more than 425 bird species on the pacific flyway, time is running out. Time is ticking until 2017, when water allocations in accordance with the Quantification Settlement Agreement (2003) are significantly reduced and directly affect the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is already more than 25% saltier than the Pacific Ocean, and with reduced water and rising salinity this region will no longer be able to support environmental life. To make matters worse, as the water level reduces and exposes years of agricultural runoff, giant dust storms have the potential to plague areas as far as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Northern Mexico. This surrounding region already has some of the worst rates of asthma in the state, and the socioeconomic suppressed immigrant working communities are suffering and have nowhere to move. This issue is not just about international bird populations and the environment, its about social justice, and rights to clean air. California is running out of time after decades of political indecisiveness and costly studies, something has to be done now to “Save Our Sea”. #SAVEOURSEA A video production by Alex Cooke & Chris Norwood of Pitzer College Spring 2015.

Amidst the nationwide focus on the drought in California, a major environmental and public health concern has once again been set in the shadow for the law makers of Sacramento. But for the Salton Sea - California’s largest lake and home to more than 425 bird species on the pacific flyway, time is running out. Time is ticking until 2017, when water allocations in accordance with the Quantification Settlement Agreement (2003) are significantly reduced and directly affect the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is already more than 25% saltier than the Pacific Ocean, and with reduced water and rising salinity this region will no longer be able to support environmental life. To make matters worse, as the water level reduces and exposes years of agricultural runoff, giant dust storms have the potential to plague areas as far as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Northern Mexico. This surrounding region already has some of the worst rates of asthma in the state, and the socioeconomic suppressed immigrant working communities are suffering and have nowhere to move. This issue is not just about international bird populations and the environment, its about social justice, and rights to clean air. California is running out of time after decades of political indecisiveness and costly studies, something has to be done now to “Save Our Sea”. A video production by Alex Cooke & Chris Norwood of Pitzer College Spring 2015.

Amidst the nationwide focus on the drought in California, a major environmental and public health concern has once again been set in the shadow for the law makers of Sacramento. But for the Salton Sea - California’s largest lake and home to more than 425 bird species on the pacific flyway, time is running out. Time is ticking until 2017, when water allocations in accordance with the Quantification Settlement Agreement (2003) are significantly reduced and directly affect the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is already more than 25% saltier than the Pacific Ocean, and with reduced water and rising salinity this region will no longer be able to support environmental life. To make matters worse, as the water level reduces and exposes years of agricultural runoff, giant dust storms have the potential to plague areas as far as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Northern Mexico. This surrounding region already has some of the worst rates of asthma in the state, and the socioeconomic suppressed immigrant working communities are suffering and have nowhere to move. This issue is not just about international bird populations and the environment, its about social justice, and rights to clean air. California is running out of time after decades of political indecisiveness and costly studies, something has to be done now to “Save Our Sea”. A video production by Alex Cooke & Chris Norwood of Pitzer College Spring 2015.

Amidst the nationwide focus on the drought in California, a major environmental and public health concern has once again been set in the shadow for the law makers of Sacramento. But for the Salton Sea - California’s largest lake and home to more than 425 bird species on the pacific flyway, time is running out. Time is ticking until 2017, when water allocations in accordance with the Quantification Settlement Agreement (2003) are significantly reduced and directly affect the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea is already more than 25% saltier than the Pacific Ocean, and with reduced water and rising salinity this region will no longer be able to support environmental life. To make matters worse, as the water level reduces and exposes years of agricultural runoff, giant dust storms have the potential to plague areas as far as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Northern Mexico. This surrounding region already has some of the worst rates of asthma in the state, and the socioeconomic suppressed immigrant working communities are suffering and have nowhere to move. This issue is not just about international bird populations and the environment, its about social justice, and rights to clean air. California is running out of time after decades of political indecisiveness and costly studies, something has to be done now to “Save Our Sea”. A short film project by Alex Cooke & Chris Norwood from Pitzer College Spring 2015.