Important Colorado River Agreement Reached but More Work Remains, Says Audubon

BOULDER — Today after the seven Colorado River Basin states announced that an agreement about a Drought Contingency Plan is ready for approvals, Jennifer Pitt, National Audubon Society’s Colorado River program director, issued the following statement:

“This news puts us closer than we’ve ever been to a more secure water future for the Colorado River— but we are cautiously optimistic. Arizona is the last piece of the puzzle before the Drought Contingency Plan is a done deal,” said Jennifer Pitt, Audubon’s Colorado River program director.

“The DCP will set important groundwork that improves supply reliability for all Colorado River water users, and importantly, this will also trigger Mexico’s efforts—under Minute 323—to store more water in Lake Mead. More water in Lake Mead means reduced risk of severe water shortage declarations. Having the DCP in place means that we can focus on programs that increase water supply for the Colorado River Delta, break more ground on projects to mitigate and restore the Salton Sea, and protect groundwater-dependent rivers and other important habitats that birds need.”

To learn more about Audubon's work in the Colorado River Basin and Delta, please visit www.audubon.org/conservation/project/colorado-river-basin-and-delta.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using, science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more how to help at www.audubon.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @audubonsociety.

Contact: Nicolas Gonzalez, ngonzalez@audubon.org, (212) 979-3068.