Water Transactions to Support Riparian Ecosystems in the Isleta Reach of the Rio Grande

Since 2016, Audubon New Mexico has engaged in innovative environmental water transactions with four Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, a private golf club, several private water rights holders, and municipalities to support riparian habitats in the Isleta Reach during the driest time of the year. Project partners donated a total of around 1,800 acre-feet of water to be released as in-stream flow in 2016 and 2018. The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District manages the water diversions and rotations through the system to make sure that water was effectively delivered. The water helped sustained wetland habitat for birds and wildlife in the Isleta Reach during dry season.