A decade-old effort to restore the once parched Colorado River delta in northwestern Mexico appears to be succeeding. Since the United States and Mexico agreed to restore some water to the delta in 2012, populations of native birds and plants have begun to rebound after decades of decline, researchers report in two recent studies. The results highlight “what can be achieved by establishing a balance in sustainable water management for the benefit of all, including the ecosystems themselves,” says Roberto Alejandro Sánchez-Rodríguez, a climate change specialist at the College of the Northern Border who was not involved in the studies.

Related Colorado River articles:

• Summit Daily: Summit County pledges $1M toward purchase of ‘critical’ water rights for the Colorado River, local recreation economy
• Here & Now: Why a Colorado River water rights settlement could also create a new tribal reservation
• Arizona’s Family: Arizona awaits new restrictions on Colorado River water use
• Colorado Sun: Opinion: Time is now for a new Colorado River Basin process to bring together and engage  sovereigns and stakeholders