India, Nov. 5 -- The Bonny Reservoir in Colorado used to attract many families, fishermen, and migratory birds to the South Fork of the Republican River on the border with Kansas. Having existed for almost six decades, this reservoir was drained in 2012 so that Colorado could fulfill its part of the water treaty signed by several states. By 2021, invasive Russian olive trees had spread across portions of the former reservoir.

A 2021 report by Water Education Colorado titled Republican: Restoring Now-Dry Bonny Reservoir examines the decision and its consequences. It explains how the water management requirements in Colorado resulted in the drying up of the recreational water source, and how the invasive plants made the process of restorat...