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Colorado River Basin

Videos of the Colorado River Basin

From incredible wildlife to agricultural innovation to partnerships with Tribal Nations, watch a video below to learn more about the Colorado River.

A beaver swimming in a lake.
Biodiversity The Colorado River Basin supports a tremendous diversity of wildlife, plants and communities. © Edward Episcopo/TNC Photo Contest 2021

From incredible wildlife to agricultural innovation to partnerships with Tribal Nations, The Nature Conservancy is working in many different pockets of the Colorado River Basin to preserve this critical resource that so many communities and ecosystems depend on.

Take a few minutes to watch a video and learn about one of the many projects we're working on!

Stand with Us to Protect the Colorado River (2:46) More than 40 million people rely on the Colorado River for water, food, recreation and energy. Stand with The Nature Conservancy to protect it.
Preserving Wildlife of the CO River Basin (7:57) From amazing mammals to migratory birds to fish species found nowhere else on Earth, the vast array of wildlife in the Colorado River Basin represents the wonders of the West. To sustain this river in the face of climate change, we must find solutions that work for both people and wildlife.
Win-Win-Win Solution for the Colorado River (3:54) In January 2022, The Jicarilla Apache Nation, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, and TNC signed a first-of-its-kind agreement that allows the ISC to lease up to 20,000-acre feet of water per year from the Nation to benefit threatened and endangered fish and increase water security for NM.
The Maybell Diversion Project (3:19) The Maybell Diversion provides irrigation water to 18 agricultural producers on the Lower Yampa River, a tributary to the Green and Colorado Rivers. This reach of the Yampa also supports recreation and is home to abundant wildlife, including four threatened and endangered fish species.
Restoring Habitat for the Razorback Sucker (2:02) In the perfect spot on the Colorado River in Utah, TNC is blending science and engineering to give the threatened razorback sucker a fighting chance.
Balancing Water Needs for the West (10:21) Learn how The Nature Conservancy is working with partners to conserve water for nature and people while meeting the needs of Colorado’s agricultural community.

Support our work

The Colorado River is one of the hardest working rivers in the West. The Nature Conservancy is working hard across the entire Colorado River Basin to protect this amazing river and resource.

Donate today

Stories in the Basin

Aerial view of a wide river flowing between a forest.

Colorado River Basin

The Nature Conservancy is working to protect the Colorado River Basin, which provides water, food, recreation and energy for more than 40 million people.

A wide river is flowing on a landscape with green shrubs and mesas in the background.

A Win-Win-Win Solution for the Colorado River

Learn how the Jicarilla Apache Nation, TNC and New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission are working together to address water-scarcity issues throughout the Colorado River Basin.

Aerial view of low water levels in a reservoir.

Charting a Future for the Colorado River

The Colorado River Basin—which supplies 80% of the water that Coloradans use—is ground zero for climate change in the United States. Learn how Colorado can help improve water security.

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