Southern California’s Salton Sea has long struggled with environmental issues, but wetlands have been springing up and nurturing diverse ecosystems.

At the Salton Sea in California, new wetlands areas are forming where freshwater runoff is pooling. "These unmanaged flows, scientists say, are flushing salinity out of the soil and forming freshwater ponds on the lake’s margins, which are attracting cattails and grasses. They, in turn, are attracting insects, which are enticing federally endangered desert pupfish and birds such as the Yuma Ridgway’s rail," writes Louis Sahagun.
The wetlands are an unexpected development for the ecologically challenged area, where water levels continue to drop and salinity levels are extremely high. But, the marshlands might also complicate planned restoration projects, particularly in places that contain endangered wildlife. In addition, high selenium concentrations in the soil in these areas could threaten wildlife.
While delays in the past have frustrated environmentalists, activists, and local officials, the state has attributed the issues to logistics and administration. "But patience is wearing thin in a region where critics say dust containing heavy metals, agricultural chemicals and powdery-fine particulates linked to asthma, respiratory diseases and cancer rises from the newly exposed playa," says Sahagun.
FULL STORY: Amid the wasteland of the Salton Sea, a miraculous but challenging oasis is born

Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.

Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.

Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.

California Air Regulators to Crack Down on Warehouses
Truck traffic to and from Southern California warehouses accounts for as much pollution as refineries, power plants, and other industrial polluters combined.

FEMA Climate Resilience Loans Target Small Communities
A new loan program reduces the bureaucratic hurdles to implementing small-scale climate adaptation projects.

D.C. Delays Bus Lane Enforcement
The program using cameras to ticket drivers who block bus lanes was scheduled to begin this week.
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