The pulse flow – a temporary release of water designed to mimic the river’s natural spring floods – began on Sunday, March 23. The pulse flow is expected to peak at its highest flow rate today through March 30, and is expected to last nearly eight weeks total, bringing much needed relief to the habitats and communities in the delta region.
Water has already reached the bridge at San Louis Rio Colorado, 35 kilometers south of Morelos Dam.
Today, policymakers, water agencies, and conservation organizations from the United States and Mexico have gathered at Morelos Dam, which straddles the U.S.–Mexico border, to witness the pulse flow and to celebrate the culmination of years of negotiations to restore the Colorado River Delta.
Afterwards, Raise The River coalition members and journalists will take a tour of the Laguna Grande Restoration Area.
Sonoran Institute and Pronatura Noroeste began restoration in the site in 2006, and to date have restored over 150 acres of riparian habitat. The restoration area is now the largest and most dense stand of native riparian habitat along the river in Mexico. The Sonoran Institute and Pronatura’s on-the-ground restoration projects in Laguna Grande have demonstrated the feasibility and success of restoration in the region.