The resolution HCR2046 addresses the significant decline in water availability from the Colorado River, attributing this issue primarily to forest mismanagement and the proliferation of invasive salt cedar trees. It highlights that the Colorado River has experienced a historic drought since 2000, leading to reduced annual inflow and water supplies for various sectors, including agriculture and businesses. The resolution emphasizes that overgrown forests and invasive species contribute to excessive water loss through evapotranspiration, with estimates indicating that nearly 4 million acre-feet of water are lost annually, far exceeding Arizona's share of 2.8 million acre-feet.

In response to these challenges, the resolution calls for legislative support to focus on the eradication of salt cedars and the responsible management of forests. It asserts that addressing these principal causes of water depletion is crucial for any conservation efforts to be effective. The resolution advocates for increased funding and action to combat the spread of salt cedars and improve forest management practices, positing that such measures could significantly enhance water availability in the Colorado River system.