We asked residents from Rio Rico to Amado for their opinions about the Santa Cruz River such as, what do you value about the river? Or, what challenges does the river face? The responses generated many… MORE ›
This collaborative research agenda for the Santa Cruz River was developed at the 10th annual Santa Cruz River Research Days. This four-page document discusses the research needs of the Santa Cruz River. Hundreds of… MORE ›
Read our case statement for more information on challenges facing the Santa Cruz River and how we plan to achieve our vision.
In the California Desert region, military missions and environmental health are intertwined. This report provides a framework to local communities, conservation organizations, and military interests on how to ensure the enduring viability of… MORE ›
Beneficios de los flujos de agua en el Rio Colorado
Las Arenitas: Humedal artifical de tratamiento de aguas rediduales
This annual report is dedicated to the next generation. It focuses on the future, not just for the Sonoran Institute and all of us who support this work, but for those who will inherit it from us.
The Living River reports were developed to annually gauge conditions of this valuable ecosystem, the Santa Cruz River, and track the impacts of our community investment. This supplementary report summarizes data from the 2013, 2014, and 2015 water years. The report provides details on the water context and data for 16 indicators of river health.
Developed in conjunction with Pima County, this third report examines changes in indicators of river health along a 23-mile stretch of the Lower Santa Cruz River in Southern Arizona during the 2015 water year (October 1, 2014–September 30, 2015).
Raise the River is a unique partnership of U.S. and Mexican non-governmental organizations committed to reviving the Colorado River Delta. Sonoran Institute is one of the founding members of the partnership. This progress report focuses on the activities necessary to support environmental restoration for benefit of the people and wildlife of the Delta.
The Living River series tracks river conditions of the Santa Cruz River. This report is a special update for the Upper Santa Cruz River and provides a summary of the changes between 2008 and 2014. Separate Living River reports are available for the 2008, 2009, and 2010 water years.
For over 25 years, Sonoran Institute has been a pioneer in efforts to unite and celebrate the best of Western culture, history, nature and urban spaces by making connections, seeking practical solutions and promoting… MORE ›
This report explores the economic contribution of mining in the California Desert and assesses the impact of the proposed California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (CDCRA) of 2015 on mining activities in the region. The report concludes that the legislation will have minimal impact on mining and builds on the natural and cultural attractions that have been significant drivers of the regional economy for the past four decades.
Fact sheet to accompany California Mining Report. Research by the Sonoran Institute finds that the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (CDCRA) of 2015 will have minimal impact on mining operations in San Bernardino County. The legislation will also enhance the natural and cultural attractions that have been significant drivers of the regional economy for the past 4 decades.
A condensed version of our full California Mining Report. This report explores the economic contribution of mining in the California Desert and assesses the impact of the proposed California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (CDCRA) of 2015 on mining activities in the region.
While we can’t predict the future, we can aspire to a certain type of future, one that draws on the lessons learned through 25 years of experience shaping the future of the West.
Over the past two decades, the United States Military has paid greater attention to the management and stewardship of Arizona’s natural resources. Two primary reasons for these actions are: (1) military bases must preserve the realism of battlefield conditions on-the-ground; and (2) military bases must protect the integrity of their military mission from pressures posed by encroachment.
Water, life, and hope are returning to the Delta. In conjunction with the historic binational agreement Minute 319, we are leading efforts to 1) restore natural habitat through on-the ground restoration projects; 2) renew individual and community relationships with the river and promote long-term stewardship through community engagement; and 3) reconnect the Colorado River with the sea by developing innovative mechanisms to secure water for the Delta.
Summary of Minute 319 Science Team, tasked with monitoring impacts from the pulse flow on the Colorado River Delta, meeting to discuss preliminary findings one year after the 2014 Pulse Flow on the Colorado River.
A list of Western Lands and Communities publications including links to download or order them.