The decline of the reservoir threatens the water and electricity for 40 million people, but is resurfacing vast canyons and lush riversides that the aquatic rodents engineer into robust habitats for many species.By Alex Hager, KUNCTo hike up this narrow canyon, Eric Balken pushed through dense thickets of green. In the shadow of towering red rock walls, his route along a muddy creekbed was lined with bushes and the subtle hum of life. The canyon echoed the buzzing and chirping of bugs and toads. But not long ago, this exact spot was at the bottom of a reservoir.

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