The Cocopah Indian Tribe is embarking on the ambitious Cocopah Water Habitat Restoration Project, aimed at rejuvenating two vital sections of the Colorado River's floodplain within their reservation. Leveraging their water rights and collaborating with partners like Audubon, the Tribe is dedicated to restoring 431 acres of this precious floodplain. Currently in the initiation and planning phase, the project is actively seeking essential funding to proceed with on-the-ground restoration activities.

This visionary project promises a multitude of benefits, extending well beyond floodplain restoration:

• Habitat Restoration: By reviving these floodplain areas, the Cocopah Tribe aims to provide a quality habitat for endangered bird species, including the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo and Yuma Ridgway's Rail, as well as other wildlife. The project seeks to increase both the quantity and connectivity of high-quality habitat in the Lower Colorado River Delta.
• Cultural Significance: The Cocopah Tribe's historical and traditional connection to the Colorado River will be strengthened through this endeavor, fostering a deeper bond with their ancestral lands. The project also contributes to the preservation of native vegetation, which will be used in ceremonial and other tribal activities. This eliminates the need for off-reservation procurement, promoting cultural sustainability.
• Water Quality: Importantly, the project aims to enhance water quality by rerouting an adjacent municipal wastewater effluent stream before it is discharged into the Colorado River, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

In addition to these ecological and cultural benefits, the project includes a comprehensive water re-allocation plan:

Water Re-Allocation Plan:

• First 5 Years (Establishment Phase): During the initial five years of the project, a total of 1,773 acre-feet (AF) of water per year will be allocated for establishing and nurturing the restoration sites. This allocation comprises 1,276 AF/year for the West site and 497 AF/year for the North site.
• Restoration Maintenance (Year 6 and Beyond): From the sixth year onward, an annual allocation of 1,095 AF/year will be dedicated to restoration maintenance. This includes 623 AF/year for the West site and 472 AF/year for the North site, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the restored habitat.

These significant benefits will materialize upon the project's full implementation and the complete restoration of the designated sites. The Tribe would seek to expand restoration project sites in the future as funding and resources allow.

The lessons learned from this project could help other Colorado River Basin Tribes implement habitat restoration projects on their reservations, particularly those with riparian lands. While federal and state agencies in the United States and Mexico implement habitat restoration programs on the Lower Colorado River, including the Colorado River Delta, these efforts are limited. Partnerships that include Tribes, non-governmental organizations, and others, with funding from both public and private donors, could increase the extent of native habitats and the wildlife and cultural benefits they provide.

The collaborators on this project include the Cocopah Tribe and the National Audubon Society.