These photographs, taken by Jennifer Pitt at the Environmental Defense Fund, illustrate the truly dramatic changes happening near the Colorado River Delta. Until March 25th, 2014, large swaths of the river channel were just sand. Now, an entire generation is meeting its river for the first time.
Colorado River progress flows from cooperative spirit
The Colorado River is an extraordinary river whose currents flow not just in one direction, but in many directions across landscapes and borders, meeting many needs and demands.
Last month, the Colorado River began to flow once again toward the Gulf of California as part of an unprecedented agreement to improve the riparian environment of the river and the Colorado River Delta. But even more important than the riparian-area restoration and scientific studies that will result from this effort is that the action is part of a new and historic agreement between Mexico and the United States. This partnership — crafted under a 1944 treaty — demonstrates what can be achieved when neighbors work together.
Photo: Mark Henie, The Republic
We have been thrilled by the widespread coverage of the successful pulse flow in the Colorado River. That event, and the all the conservation efforts that will follow, are a direct result of a binational agreement between the United States and Mexico called Minute 319. We hope that as more of us rally around successful agreements like these, governments on both sides of the border see how much we want more Minute 319 agreements in the future.
Watershed Gear
Chances are you’ve seen Watershed, the amazing documentary about the Colorado River, it’s use, and the water ethics of the American West.
(No? That’s OK. Check it out here. It’ll be our little secret.)
We’re such big fans of the documentary that we’re excited to poke around the new Watershed store. Cool gear includes everything from Raise the River tshirts to Move The Ocean tote bags. We think it’s clear which one’s we’ll be getting.
Stop by. Show your support. Pick up something cool!
Monitoring the Pulse of the Colorado River
Now in its 14th day, the historic pulse flow coursing through the Colorado River Delta toward the sea is under the careful watch of dozens of scientists who fan out across the landscape to measure and track its vital signs – from flow rates and salinity levels to seed dispersal by native cottonwoods and willows.
The goal is to learn as much as possible from this unique experiment in large-scale ecosystem restoration so that future pulse flows – designed to mimic the spring flood that naturally occurred before large dams and diversions were built – will deliver as many benefits to river health, habitat creation and local communities as possible.
We’ve been astonished by the impact the pulse flow has had over the past two weeks. Check out this wonderful article by Sandra Postel for National Geographic to see what we mean.
Photo courtesy of Cheryl Zook, National Geographic
An Acting Legend Explains A Problem. A Hilarious Comedian Explains How To Fix It — The American Way.
An Acting Legend Explains A Problem. A Hilarious Comedian Explains How To Fix It — The American Way.
Things that matter. Pass ‘em on.
All that pulse flow success, and some folks still aren’t on board with Raising The River! But maybe Robert Redford can talk some sense into them after all.
Getting the word out on Upworthy should certainly help him make our case, right? #RaiseTheRiver!