The Bureau of Reclamation is accepting public comments on the reoperation of the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Lake Powell in particular has long been the focus of fierce opposition from environmental groups and paddlers alike. The dam covers a vast reach of the colorado river and its slot canyon tribs with Lake Powell, and has significant impacts on the Grand Canyon such as elimination of peak flows, significant cooling of the water, and reduction of natural sediment.
We encourage all paddlers that care about the Colorado River to learn more about this opportunity and file comments themselves. A group called Living Rivers (www.livingrivers.org) has formally proposed the removal of Glen Canyon Dam. You can learn more about their “One Dam Solution” at http://www.livingrivers.org/archives/article.cfm?NewsID=675.
Submit your comments by: Wednesday, August 31, 2005.
Comments can be mailed, faxed, or e-mailed to:
Mr. Bob Johnson, Regional Director
Bureau of Reclamation, Lower Colorado Region
Attention: BCOO-1000
P.O. Box 61470
Boulder City, NV 89006-1470
Fax (702) 293-8156
strategies@lc.usbr.gov
Mr. Rick Gold, Regional Director
Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region
Attention: UC-402
125 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84318-1147
Fax (801) 524-3858
strategies@uc.usbr.gov
For Additional Information:
The One Dam Solution: Preliminary report by Living Rivers to the Bureau of Reclamation on proposed reoperation strategies for Glen Canyon and Hoover Dam under low water conditions. http://www.livingrivers.org/pdfs/TheOne-DamSolution.pdf
Reclamation Seeks Public Comment on Development of Management Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead Under Low Reservoir Conditions: http://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=6061
Federal Registry Notice announcing public comment period on reoperation of the reservoirs: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/g4000/docs/strategies.pdf