Scientists and environmentalists say a spring release of water has reversed a 13-year trend of decline in plant and wildlife in the Colorado River Delta, south of the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Arizona Daily Star reports that federal researchers from Tucson say that an artificial release of water into the Colorado River between March and mid-May has led to an increase of vegetation and bird populations.
Scientists used satellite imagery and monitoring equipment to track the release of water and its impact on the delta.
The water was released from the Morelos Dam at the Arizona-Mexico border as well as points farther south. The release was supposed to mimic natural floods of the Colorado River that have stopped because of the dams along the river, including Hoover Dam.
There have been similar releases at Hoover Dam to help improve the health of the river downstream from the structure.
The release is part of an agreement between U.S. and Mexico that covers how much water will flow from the U.S. into Mexico from the Colorado River.
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