A Changing Delta: Restoring the Colorado River Delta in Mexico

Now serving 25 million people, the Colorado River system has more demand placed on it than any other watershed in the world. Over the span of many decades, less and less water has made it all the way to the Colorado's delta in Mexico, where the waterway empties into the Gulf of California. At one point, 90 percent of the terminus was depleted, turned into a vast wasteland of parched earth. Filmmaker Brandon C. White's A Changing Delta recounts the astonishment of scientists and environmentalists over how swiftly parts of the region recovered during the flood years of 1997–2000, noting the quick reappearance of vegetation, and the return of birds and fish. Now the U.S. and Mexico have agreed to increase flow to the delta, while environmental groups such as the Sonoran Institute and the Nature Conservancy are working to buy water rights and return them to the Colorado. Insights from assorted experts are combined with reminiscences and observations from farmers, fishermen, and other area residents, while archival and contemporary footage provides striking images of the “before and after” story. An uplifting and inspiring documentary about the recovery of a valuable ecosystem, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)