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Lifeblood of the West: The , Its Value and Future Glen Canyon Institute by Dave Wegner President I n 1992, Professor Charles Wilkinson published a book entitled Crossing the Next Richard Ingebretsen Meridian: Land, Water and the Future of the West. Wilkinson put forth a premise that the people of the West were grappling with the legacy of the “lords of yesterday” Board of Trustees who divided up, developed, and created empires surrounding water, minerals, graz- Mikhail Davis ing, and timber. The criteria and logic used by these lords of yesterday were based Ed Dobson largely on a static, unchanging system of water supply and climate. Today we know Wade Graham that the system is changing—and fast. Margaret Hoffman Nancy Jacques Water supply and climate have a direct effect on many of the things we need and Rick Ridder cherish about the West—the forests, the rivers, the lakes, the species, recreation, Lea Rudee water to drink, and farming and ranching communities. In order to continue to Dave Wegner enjoy and protect these valuable resources we must evaluate the potential impacts from our changing global climate. Development Director Since 1996, Glen Canyon Institute has championed the protection and restoration Amy Collins of Glen Canyon, described variously as The Place No One Knew (Elliot Porter) to an Earthstone Drum and Crystal Wave (Katie Lee). Mention the word Glen Canyon to Advisory Committee anyone in the West and you are likely to get a response ranging from a shaking of the Dan Beard head in disbelief as to what has been lost to a jumping up and down in giddy pleas- Steve Black ure by water users. It is a place that elicits a response and perhaps that is why it is Philmer Bluehouse Ryan Brown important that we not forget it. Niklas Christensen Agustin Garza Setting the Stage for the Conference Michael Kellett Peter Lavigne Beginning in the late 1800s, the Colorado River was lusted over, divided up by the Katie Lee seven Colorado River Basin States, and put to work—providing water for irrigation Daniel McCool and development, creating hydropower, and serving as an economic engine for the Francis McDermott Bruce Mouro American Southwest. Somewhere along the way of so-called progress, the nature and Tom Myers value of the water as a river were forgotten. Forgotten until Katie Lee, David Brower, Page Stegner Martin Litton, , Ed Abbey, Ken Sleight and others began to raise our con- Flake Wells sciousness. Bill Wolverton Glen Canyon Institute organized this conference around two themes: one dealing with the likely impact of climate change on the water resources of the Colorado River 1520 Sunnydale Lane system, a system that is going to see massive change in terms of the quantity, quality Salt Lake City, Utah 84108 and timing of the water supply. The second theme of the conference is to highlight tel (801) 363-4450 and discuss efforts by people to help keep the essence of the Colorado Plateau alive fax (801) 363-4451 in all of us. What we cannot forget is the hard work and vision that others have had [email protected] to lay the path for the next generation of conservationists. www.glencanyon.org

Hidden Passage In the 1990s, the term “global climate change” began to gain traction, predomi- Issue XVI Fall Conference 2008 nantly as concerns regarding the ozone hole over Antarctica and the loss of glaciers in South and North America began to hit the public press. Scientists had been talk- Editor ing about this but lacked hard data to support a scientifically rigorous review of the Wade Graham potential and possibility. With advances in computer analysis, and the ability to han- [email protected] dle large amounts of data, scientists with inquiring minds began seeing trends and relationships between climate and ocean currents and temperatures, atmospheric printed on 100% recycled paper conditions, and responses of vegetation communities, aquatic and terrestrial habitats Cover: with 145-foot tall “bathtub ring,” April 12, 2005. Photo by page 2 Jim Kay — jameskay.com HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 3

and species, and water supplies. should be interpreted and potentially used by water managers.

The challenges for all of us who call the Colorado River Following the scientific discussion, we will focus on the Basin home, or use the resources from it, is how to live within artists and activists who have dedicated their expertise to the our means and protect and preserve the critical elements of the Colorado Plateau and Glen Canyon: the grande dame of the Colorado Plateau. Glen Canyon Institute believes that deci- Colorado River, Katie Lee; Jim Kay and his spectacular nature sions regarding the management of water and resources in the photography; and Bill Wolverton and his decades long work to Colorado River Basin should be based on sound and credible rid Glen Canyon of invasive tamarisk and Russian olive. science. Towards that end the Institute has invited scientists who have done important work that addresses relationships Last, but certainly not least is a discussion of what we need between climate change and future water supplies of the to do to develop the conservation leaders needed to carry the Colorado River Basin. These are scientists who have produced message for our living systems. Martin Litton, protector of peer-reviewed studies that are pertinent to decision-makers and the giant Sequoias; Barbara and Kenneth today. The primary objec- Brower (daughter and son tive of this conference is to of the later Ann and David bring together key scien- Brower); and Ken Sleight, tists and advocates provid- advocate for the Colorado ing information for all Plateau, will discuss what it entities to consider and uti- takes to be an environmen- lize. tal advocate and hero. This discussion will culminate Dr. Tim Barnett will dis- in the evening presentation cuss his and David Pierce’s of the David R. Brower recent work on evaluating Conservation Award to the potential impact of Congressman George reduced water availability Miller, long an advocate and the water levels of Lake for the Colorado River and Mead. Dr. Gregory the environmental McCabe will discuss the implications of reduced water supplies resources of our country and the world. Before he passed away, and what it may mean to potential shortages in the Colorado Glen Canyon Institute co-founder David Brower was emphatic River Basin. Discussing the potential implications of these that we should make this presentation to those who are true future predictions on water supply to the Colorado River Basin advocates and believe in the value and purpose of combining will include: Brad Udall, who will focus on the broader range science, passion, and commitment to the natural resources of of issues related to reduced water supplies in the West and what this country. it means to water managers; Dr. Connie Woodhouse, who will discuss her tree-ring studies and what they tell us about past In Summary climate fluctuations; and finally, Dave Wegner, who will discuss the implications of climate change on the species and their Glen Canyon Institute is committed to bringing together the habitats in the Colorado River Basin and implications for scientific, artistic, political and decision-making expertise that resources management. will help us all protect and manage the natural, cultural and social resources of the Colorado River system. While we desire Science is an important foundation for making decisions. to protect and restore Glen Canyon, we realize that protecting Interpreting science and presenting it in formats that decision- and restoring Glen Canyon requires us to look at the big pic- makers can understand is the role of managers, academicians, ture and bring together diverse groups of people to find solu- and the public. The afternoon session focuses on discussing the tions, not more problems. We stand committed to Glen implications of the scientific results and how it is interpreted in Canyon and its resources and we invite all of you to join us in respect to legal and management implications. Robert Adler that passion. Welcome to the conference. and Dan McCool, both professors at the University of Utah will join the scientists in asking how the information presented Lower Wahweap Bay, 95 feet below full pool, April 27, 2003. Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com page 3 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 4

ADJUSTING TO LESS WATER: CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE COLORADO RIVER

A Conference Sponsored by Glen Canyon Institute Thursday, December 4, 2008 University of Utah Conference Center/Officer’s Club - Salt Lake City

Doors open 8:30 am Phone (801) 363-4450, Fax (801) 363-4451 Email [email protected]

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS

8:30-9:00 CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST

Welcome: Richard Ingebretsen, President, Glen Canyon Institute

Session Moderator: Wade Graham, Trustee, Glen Canyon Institute

9:00-9:45 Sustainability of the Colorado Water Supply: A Glimpse Ahead

• Tim Barnett, Research Marine Physicist, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego

9:45-10:30 Warming and Potential Water Supply Shortages

• Gregory McCabe, Project Chief and Physical Scientist, Geological Survey, National Research Program, Water Resources Division, Denver, Colorado

10:30-10:45 BREAK

10:45-12:00 Implications of Declining Colorado River Flows

• Bradley Udall, Director, NOAA Western Water Assessment, University of Colorado

• Connie Woodhouse, Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Regional Development and Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona

• David Wegner, Science Director and Trustee, Glen Canyon Institute

12:00-1:00 BREAK FOR LUNCH

1:00-2:00 Summary and Panel Discussion: Scientific Research Direction and Needs

Session Moderator: David Wegner, Science Director and Trustee, Glen Canyon Institute

Previous presenters will be joined on the panel by:

• Robert Adler, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and James I. Farr Chair in Law, S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah

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ARTS AND ADVOCACY

Session Moderator: Wade Graham, Trustee, Glen Canyon Institute

2:00-2:30 Documenting the Restoration of Glen Canyon, Bill Wolverton

Bill Wolverton has photographically documented Glen Canyon since 1979, including the process of recovery in previously flooded landscapes. He has served as a seasonal ranger at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Zion National Park.

2:30-3:00 Images of Glen Canyon’s Restoration, James Kay

James Kay’s photography has been published in magazines, books, and calendars around the world and his fine-art lan scape prints are currently displayed in various galleries and in private and corporate collections.

3:00-3:15 BREAK

3:15-4:00 Film: Love Song to Glen Canyon (2007), Katie Lee

Katie Lee will present this documentary film, which captures her spirit and that of Glen Canyon as it tells the story of a drowned paradise. Katie is a folk singer, writer, actress, photographer, river runner, and activist, who has made sixteen river trips through Glen Canyon and named some of the side canyons.

4:00-5:30 Panel Discussion: Environmental Leadership: An Acquired Taste of History

Moderator: David Wegner, Science Director and Trustee, Glen Canyon Institute

The session will begin with a showing of the documentary film, The Good Fight: Martin Litton and Sequoias. Following the film will be a panel discussion on the future of Glen Canyon, the Colorado River, and the conservation movement. Panelists will include:

• Barbara Brower, Professor of Geography at Portland State University and editor of the Himalayan Research Bulletin.

• Kenneth Brower, author and environmental activist, frequent contributor to The Atlantic Monthly and National Geographic, and author of The Starship and the Canoe, A Song for Satawal, and Wake of the Whale.

• Martin Litton, legendary Grand Canyon river runner, photographer, and staunch opponent of the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and other dams on the Colorado River.

• Ken Sleight, leader of pack and river trips throughout the Colorado Plateau since the 1950s, and founder and owner of Wonderland Expeditions and Sleight Expeditions.

EVENING – AWARD, DINNER, AND KEYNOTE ADDRESS

6:00-7:30 Reception and dinner with Congressman George Miller of California

7:30-9:00 Presentation of David R. Brower Award to Congressman George Miller and Keynote Address

IN MEMORIAM: PETER LAVIGNE On Friday night, November 21, 2008, our dear friend Peter LaVigne died from complications of a rare liver cancer. And while the environmental movement as a whole mourns his loss, his brilliant mind blessed our organization in a special way. We will not only miss his vision, advice, and insight, but we will miss his wonderful heart. We send our love to his family.

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Warming May Create Substantial Water Supply Shortages in the Colorado River Basin

Gregory McCabe and David Wolock

Gregory McCabe and David Wolock published this paper in Geophysical Research Letters in 2007. The objective of their study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the Upper Colorado River Basin water supply to global climate warming. They used a combination of historical flow reconstructions and cli- mate model simulations to evaluate future conditions.

The long-term sustainability of the water-supply system in the Colorado River Basin will be affected by the future levels of natural flows that replenish the reservoirs. The Upper Colorado River basin supplies approximately 90% of the total flow of the Colorado River basin. The two main reservoirs, (upper basin) and (lower basin) account for about 85% of the total storage capacity of the Colorado River basin.

The balance between water supply and demand in the Colorado River basin has become precarious in recent years. The conclusion from their study was that the recent multiyear drought (1999-2007) and projections of global warming have raised questions regarding the long-term sustainability of water sup- ply in the southwestern United States. The results from their study indicates that if future warming occurs in the Colorado River Basin and is not accompanied by increased precipitation, then it is likely the basin will experience periods of water supply shortages more severe than those inferred from the long-term historical tree-ring reconstruc- tion.

The inference from the McCabe and Wolock study is that future warming associated with climate change will increase the likelihood of failure to meet the water allocation and delivery requirements of the Colorado River Compact. The implications of this work combined with the long-term drought probability and lack of adequate planning indicate a need to begin planning now for a future of less water.

Gregory McCabe will discuss the approach of their study, the analytical approach utilized and an assess- ment of what the results mean.

Citation: Geophysical Research Letters, 34, L22708, doi:10.1029/2007GL031764.2007 Kayak in Reflection Canyon, 110 feet below full pool. Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com page 6 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 7

Putting the Colorado Drought into Perspective: A Case for Understanding History to Manage Water for the Future Connie A. Woodhouse

Drought is a major feature of the climate of Colorado and tion. Woodhouse and her colleagues developed streamflow adjacent regions. The early inhabitants of this area recognized reconstructions for three other key gages in the Upper that droughts were a fact of life, as did some of the first Colorado River basin, the Green River at Green River, Utah; Anglo-American explorers. The political and legal history of Colorado near Cisco, Utah; and San Juan near Bluff, Utah. the State of Colorado reflects an awareness of the quantity, These reconstructions explain 72-81% of the variance in the seasonality, and distribution of water resources in the state. gage records. Over the past several decades, scientists have developed reconstructions of annual streamflows for centuries prior to Reconstruction of streamflow for the Upper Colorado River the streamflow gage record using date from tree rings. These basin confirms that severe, sustained droughts have been a reconstructions are useful for major feature of the Upper assessing a broader range of Colorado River basin over hydrologic variability than the past five centuries. The contained in the gage records. conclusion should be that The Colorado River at Lees the short-term gage records Ferry was one of the first gage are inadequate for long-term records to be reconstructed water planning. As water from tree rings, and this 450- managers begin to consider year reconstruction reinforced these data, the challenge to the reality of periodic and paleoscientists is to present recurring droughts. the information in the stream flow reconstructions In spite of this history, the in a way that is relevant to recent drought in Colorado water management con- appears to have taken some cerns, and to work collabo- water manager by surprise, ratively to find the best ways but it has resulted in a new to incorporate reconstruc- awareness of the impact of tions into water resource sustained drought on the planning and decision-mak- state, and the entire Colorado ing. River Basin. The drought and its economic, environmental, Sources of Information: and political consequences —Woodhouse, C.A., S.T. have rekindled interest in Gray, and D.M. Meko. 2006. extended records of stream Updated streamflow recon- flow that can be derived from structions for the Upper tree rings. Recent reconstruc- Colorado River Basin. Water tions for the Upper Colorado Resour. Res.,42. WO5415, River Basin present some doi:10,1029/205WR004455. good news and some bad —Woodhouse, C.A., E. news for water resource man- McKim, and A. Ray. 2006. agers, and raise questions New streamflow reconstruc- about how to deal with the implications of the paleohydro- tions for the Upper Colorado River Basin: Placing recent logic record in the context of the Colorado River Compact droughts into a centuries-long context. Intermountain West and the Law of the River. Climate Summary, June 2006.

In a paper published in May 2006, Woodhouse and co- National Climatic Data Center, Paleoclimatology Branch, authors (2006) updated previous hydrologic reconstructions Boulder, CO 80302 for the Lees Ferry gage using an expanded tree-ring network [email protected] and a longer gage record for the calibration of the reconstruc-

Abandoned tire breakwater at Hite Marina, 98 feet below full pool. Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com page 7 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 8

Predicting Water Availability in the Colorado River Basin Under Alternative Flow Release Scenarios by Niklas Smith Christensen

The Department of the Interior, through ing policies was performed using the increased mean release is likely over- the Bureau of Reclamation, is responsi- index sequential method (ISM). The shadowed by the increased variability in ble for the management of the federal following conclusions were drawn from the releases, but from an ecological per- reservoirs in the Colorado River basin. A that analysis. spective, the increased mean and vari- question in many people’s minds is in a ability have widespread benefits future with less water in the Colorado Storage. Shortages in basin water supply throughout the basin. These would River basin would it make more sense to increase under the Mead Only scenario include a better ability to meet instream store water only in Lake Mead instead of as a result o flower volume of water flow targets, increased beach habitat both Powell and Mead. In 2007 Niklas stored. Two other major conclusions can building flows through the Grand Christensen evaluated the management be drawn from these results. Canyon, and a more functioning ecosys- of water in the Colorado River basin uti- tem in the Delta. lizing models and assumptions provided Operations in the basin over the past by the Department of the Interior. The decade are an example of the benefit of Shortages. The size of shortages and the United States Bureau of Reclamation’s increased storage capacity. There would probability of shortages are higher under (USBR) Colorado River Simulation have been significant shortages imposed a “Mead Only” policy. The simulation System (CRSS) was used to compare the in the basin by 2004 if Lake Powell were show that increasing the volume at differences in reservoir system perform- not full in 1999. From 1999 to which shortages are first imposed will ance between “No Action” and “Mead 2004/2005, Lake Powell went from 24 help decrease some of the peak short- Only” operating policies. The “No MAF to 9 MAF, and Lake Mead went ages, but will then put the basin into an Action” policy represents the status quo from 24.7 MAF to 13.85 MAF. This is a almost constant state of shortage deliv- operations in the basin over the past combined loss of 26 MAF. Subtracting ery. decades (i.e. objective release from Glen off the evaporative saving from not using Canyon Dam of 8.23 MAF/yr, 602(a) Lake Powell for storage (~ 2 MAF), Lake The increases in Lower Basin shortages, equalization, 80% protection of Lake Mead would have needed to meet a 24 and the uncertainty in developing Upper Mead 1050’ elevation, etc). The “Mead MAF deficit. Two things to keep in mind Basin demand, are the most difficult Only” policy uses the same operating when considering this are: 1) without points in advocating a “Mead Only” rules as the “No Action” policy, except Lake Powell in the system, Lake Mead operating policy. that Lake Powell storage capacity is must keep an extra 3.85 MAF of flood removed from the system (i.e. Lake space so it would not have been as full at Hoover Dam Releases. The “Mead Powell storage is held at dead pool), the start of the drawdown period, 2) Only” policy has the advantage of larger resulting in monthly releases from Glen between 2008 and 2060, shortages are and more frequent flood releases, and Canyon dam being equal to inflow first imposed at an average storage of 13 therefore a larger average release as well. minus evaporation. The “Mead Only” MAF. This gives Lake Mead an 11 MAF This is much like the increased Compact policy was developed by making the fol- drawdown before shortages would be release; from an ecological perspective lowing changes to the “No Action” pol- imposed, which is roughly doubled in this is great, however from a water man- icy: this example. On the contrary, though, ager’s standpoint the increased mean is is the “No Action” example in which no likely overshadowed by the increased 1). Initial Lake Powell elevation set to shortages were imposed. variability. Unquestionably, though, the 3370’. increased flood release would lead 2). Monthly target Lake Powell eleva- Compact Delivery. The Upper Basin directly to a significant improvement in tion set to 3370’. meets its Compact delivery target to the the habitat of the Colorado River Delta 3). Lake Powell flood control space for Lower Basin better in the “No Action” Probability of Lake Mead elevation stay- July – December added policy in five of the six scenarios (all ing above the SNWA intake at 1000’. The to Lake Mead. except the ability to meet 82.3 MAF probability of Lake Mead staying above 4). Lake Powell’s flood control credit every 10 years under the “-15%” stream- an elevation of 1000’ is greater in the “No space for Lake Mead reduced flow scenario); however, the “Mead Action” operating policy under both from 3.85 MAF to 0.0 MAF. Only” policy has the significant advan- “mean” and “-15%” streamflows. The tage of a larger average release. From a use of the higher “Level 1 Shortage” trig- A comparison between these two operat- water manager’s standpoint, this ger elevations in the “Mead Only” policy

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would make it roughly equivalent with the “No Action” policy and come at the cost of increased shortages

Hydropower. The reliability and quan- tity of hydropower generated favors the “No Action” scenario. Although the differ- ences are not insignif- icant, improvements in conservation and efficiency could offset most of these losses.

Niklas Christensen is a research scientist at the University of Washington focusing on evaluating the impact of climate change on water flows in the Colorado River Basin.

[email protected] ington.edu

Hite launch ramp, standing at spot that would be 25 feet under water at full pool . Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com page 9 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 10

The Water Future in the West: It Will Impact Everyone

by Brad Udall Drought in the Western U.S. ground for much of the year. We also observe a lengthening New insights are emerging into the ways our global climate of the fire season, with large fires igniting earlier in the sum- system behaves and how such behavior affects drought in mer in recent decades and burning longer. North America. First is the role of temperature in influencing evaporation and precipitation - the hydrologic cycle. Thus, in Forest wildfire activity will increase if temperatures continue a warmer climate, both the incidence of droughts and of to increase. The response of forest wildfire to increased tem- heavy precipitation could increase. Second, variations in perature is nonlinear, with large impacts occurring above ocean temperatures in key areas of the globe influence atmos- specific thresholds that vary across the region. Continued pheric circulation in ways that make droughts more likely. In increases in temperature may result in additional forest areas addition to the long-known connection between tropical El becoming vulnerable to increased wildfire, as new thresholds Nino events and droughts in the Northwest, and between La are crossed. Water resource management problems due to a Nina events and droughts in the Southwest and Southeast, warming climate and earlier runoff will be exacerbated by new research highlights a role for the Indian ocean in enhanc- increased wildfire, as more frequent and intense fires reduce ing the likelihood of droughts. Third, in river systems where the capacity of forests to retain water and increase the likeli- snowmelt provides a large component of annual flow and hood of flooding and erosion. Western U.S. mountain forests winter temperatures are relatively mild, a small amount of also absorb and store a large share of the carbon that is taken warming can substantially alter the timing of water availabil- up by vegetation in the United States each year, and an ity and of summer flows, as well as the flood risk; declines in increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires may result spring snowpack and concomitant reductions in summer in less carbon being stored in these forests and more in the flows have already been observed in much of the West. atmosphere, contributing to further global warming. Synthesizing observations, modeling, paleoclimate evidence, and outlooks for the future provides useful perspectives for Future Water Policy in the Western U.S. – The Colorado River managing, predicting, and preparing for droughts. The Colorado River serves approximately 30 million people in seven states and two nations, while also irrigating 3.5 mil- Climate Change and Forest Wildfire in the Western United lion acres of very productive agriculture. By most measures States these states California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Climate influences the risks of large wildfires in the western New Mexico and Wyoming are the fastest growing parts of U.S. through the effects of temperature and precipitation on the nation. Colorado River water is important to nearly every the quantity and dryness of the live and dead vegetation that major city in and near the basin including Denver, Phoenix, fuels wildfires. Temperature, especially in spring and sum- Tucson, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and mer, has the greatest influence on wildfire in forests where San Diego. The river is governed by what is arguably the most fuels are abundant and winter snows store moisture for complicated legal structure of any river in the world includ- release in late spring and early summer. Precipitation has the ing the first ever Interstate River Compact, a famous Supreme greatest influence on wildfire in grasslands in dry basins and Court decree, Congressional legislation, and an International deserts where fuel is limited and excess moisture results in the Treaty. growth of grasses and other fine fuels that quickly dry out in the summer dry season. Consequently, a trend toward Much of the current planning in the basin has been based on increased spring and summer temperatures should be the relatively benign climate of the early and mid- twentieth expected to result in increased wildfires in forests where snow century. However, the basin has seen the most warming of plays an important role, but not necessarily elsewhere. anywhere in the lower 48 states during the last 30 years. In addition, the recent drought starting in 1999 has prompted This is in fact what we observe in the documentary fire record much discussion amongst the basin states and provoked for- for the western United States in recent decades. Available data mer Secretary of the Interior Norton to begin an for western grass and shrublands show little or no change in Environmental Impact Statement to decide how to operate the frequency of large wildfires. Conversely, data for western the major reservoirs and implement shortages during forests show a substantial increase in the frequency of large drought. This effort will be finished in late 2007. Several tree- wildfires and in the area burned in these fires, with most of ring based records of streamflow dating back to the 1500s the increase concentrated in a large forest area at mid-eleva- indicate that the current drought, despite its apparent sever- tions of the Northern Rockies where snow is typically on the ity, is a relatively common event. Climate models, paleocli-

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matic studies, and basic atmospheric physics indicate that the States Water Council, and the Arizona Water Resources basin may be very susceptible to reduced runoff in the future, Research Center. He was a contributor to the National adding yet another stress to an already taxed system. Integrated Drought Information System plan. He was recently interviewed on National Public Radio on Colorado Brad Udall is the Director of the Western Water Assessment at River shortage issues and was also quoted in the New York the University of Colorado. The Western Water Assessment is Times on Colorado River drought issues. an interdisciplinary NOAA-funded project designed to assist water managers and other users of climate data and informa- Mr. Udall has an engineering degree from Stanford and an tion. Recent Assessment projects using NOAA and CU scien- MBA from Colorado State University. He was formerly a con- tists include a new 400-year long streamflow reconstruction sulting engineer and the managing partner at Hydrosphere of the Colorado River based on tree-rings, seasonal El Nino- Resource Consultants, where he worked on interstate litiga- based climate forecasts, and information about the likely tion on the North Platte River, endangered species on the impacts of climate change on water supplies in the Rocky Columbia River, future Colorado Front Range supplies, and Mountain West. Mr. Udall is frequently requested to speak at shortage issues on the Colorado River. events on the impacts of climate variability and change on western United States water resources. He has recently pre- sented at the U.S Conference of Mayors annual meeting, the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies annual meeting, the Western Coalition of Arid States, the Western

“Bathtub ring” being erased, below Iron Top Mesa, 2003. Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com page 11 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 12

The David R. Brower Conservation Award

“We are at the edge of an abyss and we're close to being irrevocably lost.” ______

In April 1998, over a lunch at Chez Panisse in Berkeley that included a Tanquerey martini or two, David Brower talked about the path he had taken in his evolution as a conservation leader and he discussed challenges facing the leaders of tomorrow. This conversation was a continuation of one from the year before, as we sat at Anne and David Brower’s house in Berkeley and talked about the Colorado Plateau, the need for stepping up for the resources, and developing conservation warriors. David wanted to recognize people who made a difference, both young and old. Out of that conversation the Brower Youth Awards emerged along with his idea of celebrating conservation heroes who are providing leadership and vision. Out of this emerged the David R. Brower Conservation Award.

The Brower Conservation Award was established to honor people who have helped the conservation of the Colorado Plateau. These people can be in leadership positions, the arts, communications, the sciences, or in socially conscious programs. Brower wanted recipients who are passionate about their work, show abilities to express themselves, and are unrelenting in their advo- cacy for the environment. The Glen Canyon Institute agreed to be the custodian of the Brower Award and to periodically, and as appropriate and necessary, bestow it.

Recipients of the Brower Award have included:

Dan Beard — for his leadership on water issues in the West (Former Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation) Katie Lee — for her songs and writings on the Colorado and Glen Canyon (Singer, writer, artist and lover of Glen Canyon) Martin Litton — for protecting the Grand Canyon and the Sequoias (in the process taking on the Forest Service & Department of the Interior & Congress) Ken Sleight — for his undying love of the Colorado Plateau (Wilderness guide and protector) Jim Stiles — for his curmudgeonly nature and writing in defense of the Colorado Plateau (Editor, Canyon Country Zephyr newspaper) Phil Pennington — for his historic photography of the Colorado Plateau

2008 recipient: Congressman George Miller — for his leadership and vision (Politically protecting the resources of the country and the West)

What do all of these people have in common? Passion and love of the landscape and refusal to accept that they cannot protect the Earth. Congratulations to all. —Dave Wegner ______“A cobweb in the attic gathers dust, and it is ugly. But a cobweb in the outdoors gathers dew- drops that scintillate in the sun. Get out. Find your hope. Read the Earth. It is an extraordi- nary book: full color, stereo sound, wonderful aromas, the wind. It is an extraordinary planet.” — Let the Mountains Talk, Let the Rivers Run, by David Brower and Steve Chapple, 1995.

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Congressman George Miller (D-CA) Biography

Congressman George Miller is chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. He is a leading advocate in Congress on education, labor, the economy, and the environment. He has represented the 7th District of California in the East Bay of San Francisco since 1975. His district includes portions of Contra Costa and Solano counties, including Richmond, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Vallejo, Benicia and Vacaville. He is a life-long Democrat and Californian. Miller holds a number of important positions in Congress. He is a member of the Democratic Leadership, serv- ing at Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s direction as chairman of the House Democratic Policy Committee. In that role he helps Democrats to develop and articulate a wide range of policies of benefit to all Americans. Miller was elected by his colleagues in January 2007 as chairman of the Education and Labor Committee, a panel he has served on since first coming to Congress and where he served as the Senior Democrat since 2001. Miller also sits on the House Natural Resources Committee, one of Congress’ primary committees overseeing the environment, energy and public lands. He was chairman of that Committee from 1991 to 1994 and the senior Democrat until 2000. Among Miller's top priorities in Congress are strengthening America’s economy and creating good jobs that stay in this country, protecting Americans’ retirement and health benefits, furthering innovation in technology, science and education, making college more affordable and k-12 public schools more successful. Miller’s bill to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour, H.R. 2, was one of the first bills passed by the new Democratically-led Congress and signed into law. Miller is the author of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, the single largest expansion of federal finan- cial aid for college since the GI Bill. The bill was passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by President Bush this year. The new law cuts interest rates on Stafford Loans in half, increases Pell grants, and provides loan forgiveness to qualified public service employees with student loan debt. Miller has been a vocal critic of President Bush’s war in Iraq and in 2002 voted against the war resolution. He supports responsibly redeploying American forces out of Iraq as soon as possible and concentrating military, intel- ligence, and diplomatic efforts on stopping terrorism. Miller was one of the four original congressional authors of the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001. He is leading the effort to reauthorize the law to make it more fair, flexible and better funded, while adhering to the law’s key goals of accountability, high standards and improved student achievement. Miller is an expert on California water issues. In 1992, he passed and enacted into law the historic California water reform law, known as the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. He also co-authored with Senator Dianne Feinstein the 1994 California Desert Protection Act. Miller has a long history of other legislative achievements on a wide range of education, labor and environmental issues. George Miller was born in Richmond, CA, on May 17, 1945 and lives in Martinez. He graduated from Diablo Valley Community College, San Francisco State University, and earned his law degree from the University of California, Davis, Law School. He served on the staff of then-State Senate Majority Leader George Moscone in Sacramento. He is married to Cynthia Caccavo Miller, a life-long resident of Contra Costa County. They have two sons, George and Stephen, and five grandchildren.

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“Can Glen Canyon be Restored Soon Enough?” David Brower Speaks in Flagstaff, March, 2000. —borrowed with gratitude from www.wildnesswithin.com, a website in memoriam to Robert Brower, managed by Shirley Richardson Brower. Many thanks.

FLAGSTAFF & GCPR: what I had learned from experts and other insightful people of what was wrong with the engineering, hydrology, ecology, We have a super opportunity here to remember the Glen energy planning, and economic vulnerability the Bureau of Canyon that was, that is, and that can be. And to put all three Reclamation had not addressed. into their global effect as seen by an 87-year-old who has We had the votes in the House of Representatives to stop it. known what was and is, and has developed good biases about My failure to keep the properly informed let them what can be. These biases could please everyone here, and to stop the club's opposition to the Colorado Project. Without even a lot of people who aren't here but who care about what that opposition, the project sailed through in 1956. we are doing to the Earth and can do for it and for the crea- Forty years later the Sierra Club saw the light, and hopes that tures who think it's a pretty good place. you, too, will realize the importance of restoring Glen Canyon Feel free to agree that I have a confusing past. I wanted a and exploiting the opportunity and letting the world know higher Glen Canyon dam to help save Echo Park. Learning what it no longer needs to miss the wonder of the Earth that that I had the right figures but the wrong idea, I worked hard, too few people knew. with a lot of help, to delay the Colorado River Storage Project until it made ecological sense, which hasn't happened yet. Warning. Perhaps I should title this talk "Can Glen Canyon I favor what William H. Whyte said in this book, The Be Restored Soon Enough?" Organization Man, in which he advocates Retroactive There was pain when Glen Canyon was inundated. There will Planning, where you act on what you viscerally know is right, be pain when it is restored. But neither pain will come close then do the research to prove it. Jane Jacobs, who is close to to what loss of the dam could cost in pain, loss of life,and my age and can thus being considered an elder, says that economic chaos. when ordinary people pay attention, they are often capable of Remember, we came too close to losing the dam in June 1983, more profound insights than the experts. a big water year but by no means the biggest. Major damage The opportunity here is to see how we can get ordinary peo- was incurred when the dam exceeded its capacity. It will ple, us, to have time to pay attention to the immediate chance exceed its capacity more often, and waste more water, as the to restore the Earth that we face here, and what the global reservoir fills with sediment. The Navajo sandstone leaks implications will be if our insight beats the experts, if that is badly now and is unlikely to get better. The Bureau of what it takes. Let me make it clear that I have nothing against Reclamation was initially concerned about the damsite but experts. I wouldn't be alive without them. Now and then their built Glen Canyon dam there anyway. A big dam in California insight is impaired. That's why God created ordinary people. failed the day after its builder has said it was safe. My infor- Some very good clear-thinking people have concluded that mation is that if Glen fails when full, Hoover will fail too. If Glen Canyon dam was built in a wrong and dangerous place, so, four years full flow of the Colorado River will head for the that the Law of Diminishing Returns was right, that it wastes Sea of Cortez and way points in a few hours. The only good water we cannot afford to lose, pollutes the river in ways we news is that Tuscon would no longer have to worry about the failed to consider, is extremely vulnerable to engineering and poor quality of its Colorado River water. And this could hap- economic disaster, is not needed, and indeed defeats the pur- pen by accident, as it almost did in 1983, or as every thinking pose for which it was intended; moreover it has lost the world person must be aware, by intent. As was pointed out several one of its most beautiful places, and can be restored at a frac- years ago, a nuclear bomb designed by a high school chem- tion of the cost of not restoring it. istry student could empty Lake Mead. And when restored, it can revive what can be one of the The sooner Glen Canyon dam is retired and , world's most magnificent national park ideas and initiate the its builder, has explained how to reopen the diversion tunnels comprehensive restoration of the Colorado River watershed. that made the dam possible the sooner we can stop worrying Both of these goals will be of great economic value locally about the disaster that could happen, that must not happen, and globally and both are achievable. and the sooner we can get to work on the exciting alterna- I owe it to you to add another fact, which no one is old tives. enough to deny and which is true even if they want to deny it. I recommend that we count on our insight, not our luck. For a series of reasons I could go into if anyone cares, I can Thank you for listening. If you have questions, I'll try by best say that Glen Canyon dam would not have been built if I can to answer them or lean on someone who can and isn't 87 yet. kept the Sierra Club Board of Directors fully informed of David R. Brower, Berkeley, California 3-12-2000.

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David Brower in Glen Canyon. page 15 HP16CPC.qxd:HP16.qxd 12/2/08 1:08 PM Page 16

Photo by Jim Kay — jameskay.com Night and day the river flows. If time is the mind of space, the River is the soul of the desert. Brave boatmen come, they go, they die, the voyage flows on forever. We are all canyoneers. We are all passengers on this little mossy ship, this delicate dory sailing round the sun that humans call the earth. Joy, shipmates, joy. —Edward Abbey, “The Hidden Canyon: A River Journey”

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