A crucial river that millions of birds and people rely on is at risk. If we don’t act soon, entire ecosystems, economies, and communities will crash. 

The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the American West. The wetlands and riverside forests along its banks provide essential habitat for hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds—from Yellow-breasted Chats to Tree Swallows—and dozens of endangered species, like California Condors and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers.  

Submit a comment before May 30 urging the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to protect all of the habitats, birds, and people who rely on the Colorado River. 

Today, more water is taken out of the Colorado River than comes in, and water use reductions have not kept up with drought worsened by climate change. The reservoirs built to deliver water to communities are so diminished that the U.S. government has warned of “system collapse.”  

To prevent this collapse, the Bureau of Reclamation plans to reduce water releases from its reservoirs as soon as next year. But not all of the Colorado River’s essential habitats have a guaranteed source of water if this happens, and they’re in danger of being overlooked and disappearing completely. 

A bad plan will place at risk more than forty million people who rely on Colorado River water—not to mention the hundreds of bird species and every other living thing that depends on the river and its habitats. Take action today to ensure the Bureau of Reclamation protects birds and people when deciding the future of the Colorado River.