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The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is currently engaged in developing new operating guidelines for the Colorado River, slated to be effective after 2026. A coalition of stakeholders from federal agencies, states, water users, tribes, non-governmental organizations, as well as others across the Colorado River Basin continue to convene, deliberate, and collaborate in pursuit of long-term consensus on post-2026 river operations. A draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding post-2026 operations will be released by the end of 2024, with a final EIS expected at the end of 2025, culminating in the publication of a Record of Decision in early 2026. The objective of these forthcoming guidelines is to ensure the Colorado River’s water resources remain robust and resilient in the face of ongoing drought challenges. The new guidelines will build upon, and eventually supersede the foundational measures established by the 2007 Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead and the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan, which expire at the end of 2026.2 The Colorado River Commission (Commission) is actively participating as part of the Nevada delegation in these crucial negotiations, demonstrating the Commission’s ongoing commitment to collaborative, adaptive management of Nevada’s water resources for future generations.
The Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program (LCR MSCP) is a pioneering 50-year adaptive management initiative intended to harmonize the utilization of Colorado River resources with the conservation of native species and their habitats. By managing 18 conservation areas along the lower Colorado River, the program offers protection to 27 species, demonstrating a balanced approach to environmental stewardship. Its adaptive management framework enables the program to make necessary adjustments in response to both anticipated and unanticipated environmental challenges. In conjunction with the post-2026 negotiations, the Commission, in collaboration with Reclamation, other basin states, and additional stakeholders, is dedicated to advancing the LCR MSCP. This commitment includes developing the requisite environmental compliance for endangered species to align with the forthcoming federal guideline actions set for implementation after 2026. This multi-year endeavor is anticipated to implement additional mitigation requirements, building upon those already delineated in the LCR MSCP Program documents. This further underscores the Commission's adaptive and forward-looking approach to resource management and species protection.
The Colorado River Salinity Control Program is a program established under the Salinity Control Act which focuses on improving the water quality of the Colorado River. This program is dedicated to minimizing naturally occurring salinity concentrations in the Colorado River through on-farm and off-farm irrigation improvements in the Upper Basin. Since its inception, the program has reduced the annual salt load in the Colorado River by more than 1.3 million tons.
The Glen Canyon Day Adaptive Management Program serves as a vital advisory body to the Bureau of Reclamation. It provides guidance on the operations of the Glen Canyon Dam, with a focus on protecting and managing downstream resources, as well as on monitoring and research e orts. This program is instrumental in enhancing the natural and cultural values for which the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Grand Canyon National Park were established. Through the employment of an adaptive management strategy, the program is equipped to make informed adjustments in response to environmental changes to ensure the continued efficacy and relevance of its conservation efforts.
A binational work group responsible for implementing Minute 323 under the Mexican Water Treaty collaborates through the International Water and Boundary Commission. Their joint e orts focus on devising and implementing mitigation measures along the Colorado River corridor in Mexico. In a significant commitment, both nations, along with non-governmental organizations, have dedicated resources, including funding and water, to bolster crucial conservation and mitigation initiatives. This collaborative approach highlights a mutual commitment to sustainable water management and environmental stewardship transcending borders.
The Colorado River Climate and Hydrology Work Group is a multi-stakeholder collaborative e ort to meet scientific and research needs to improve water resource management in the Colorado River Basin.
Established in 1998, the Las Vegas Wash Coordination Committee (LVWCC) plays a pivotal role in tackling erosion and water quality challenges along the Las Vegas Wash. Through concerted e orts, the Committee has successfully installed twenty-one weirs, effectively mitigating large-scale erosion. Additionally, over 630 acres of habitat have been revitalized through revegetation projects. The Colorado River Commission is a key stakeholder, consistently contributing water resources essential for construction and revegetation initiatives along the wash, underscoring its commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability.