Opportunities for ecological improvement along the lower Colorado River and delta

The lower Colorado River mainstem and delta have been severely damaged by a variety of human-related activities, including river impoundment, agricult ure, water diversions, introduction of exotic plants and fishes. and ground -water pumping. In some areas, the native wetland habitat that formerly dom inated this region has disappeared completely. Nevertheless, there are area s where significant wetland habitat persists as a result of incidental circ umstances or purposeful restoration actions. These areas provide important conservation and restoration opportunities. In this investigation, nine res toration efforts along the lower Colorado River from Parker Dam to the delt a region were evaluated to learn how lessons from these experiences can ben efit future ecological restoration efforts. In addition, Lye assessed the g eneral ecological condition of this reach to identify critical native wetla nd plant communities and recommend strategies for protecting these areas in the future. It is apparent that wetland ecosystems in both the delta and t he mainstem would benefit if effluent waters were allocated to support wetl ands rather than allocated to evaporative basins. Other important strategie s for improving the ecological condition of the river should include alteri ng reservoir releases, improving the effectiveness of revegetation efforts, and developing bi-national, collaborative approaches involving local commu nities and landowners to identify and carry out projects that benefit both them and the ecological condition of the river.