How should we manage the drying Colorado River? Here’s what’s at stake in negotiations for its long-term future

An announcement last week of a short-term Colorado River management plan gives those working on the next batch of long-term plans for the river a breather, experts said. Now, those with stakes in the river can focus on the next problem at hand: How will they allocate the drying river after the current guidelines expire at the end of 2026?