the last time I came here I watched 90 miles across and dry forgot the river
miles across and dry forgot the river
miles across and dry forgot the river channel
but in the spring of 2014
but in the spring of 2014 something happened a river of sand
something happened a river of sand
something happened a river of sand became wet once again and the first time
became wet once again and the first time
became wet once again and the first time the Colorado River kissed the sea in
the Colorado River kissed the sea in
the Colorado River kissed the sea in nearly two decades
nearly two decades
nearly two decades we can bring a river back to life if we
we can bring a river back to life if we
we can bring a river back to life if we try thank you very much for coming it’s
try thank you very much for coming it’s
try thank you very much for coming it’s a great honor to be here about 20 years
a great honor to be here about 20 years
a great honor to be here about 20 years ago I had the the unusual experience to
ago I had the the unusual experience to
ago I had the the unusual experience to walk into the building next door and try
walk into the building next door and try
walk into the building next door and try to sell him a story which ended up being
to sell him a story which ended up being
to sell him a story which ended up being my first story with National Geographic
my first story with National Geographic
my first story with National Geographic it was a story taking a biplane from
it was a story taking a biplane from
it was a story taking a biplane from London to Cape Town South Africa we
London to Cape Town South Africa we
London to Cape Town South Africa we re-enacted the first African air passage
re-enacted the first African air passage
re-enacted the first African air passage they did it 1920 we did it in 1998 they
they did it 1920 we did it in 1998 they
they did it 1920 we did it in 1998 they did it in 43 days in 1920 we did it in
did it in 43 days in 1920 we did it in
did it in 43 days in 1920 we did it in 58 in 1998 but it gave me a very unusual
58 in 1998 but it gave me a very unusual
58 in 1998 but it gave me a very unusual perspective not only on Africa and
perspective not only on Africa and
perspective not only on Africa and aviation but on on rivers I got to fly
aviation but on on rivers I got to fly
aviation but on on rivers I got to fly up the length of the Nile River the
up the length of the Nile River the
up the length of the Nile River the longest in the world so I came home and
longest in the world so I came home and
longest in the world so I came home and started talking with my father actually
started talking with my father actually
started talking with my father actually who got me pointed in this direction of
who got me pointed in this direction of
who got me pointed in this direction of looking at the Colorado River a river
looking at the Colorado River a river
looking at the Colorado River a river that I actually grew up on but I didn’t
that I actually grew up on but I didn’t
that I actually grew up on but I didn’t really know what that well to be honest
really know what that well to be honest
really know what that well to be honest I knew where the Grand Canyon is there
I knew where the Grand Canyon is there
I knew where the Grand Canyon is there in the middle but I didn’t really know
in the middle but I didn’t really know
in the middle but I didn’t really know what happens to the end of the river and
what happens to the end of the river and
what happens to the end of the river and below the Grand Canyon and where does
below the Grand Canyon and where does
below the Grand Canyon and where does the river actually go where does it end
the river actually go where does it end
the river actually go where does it end and as a native Coloradans who drew up
and as a native Coloradans who drew up
and as a native Coloradans who drew up right there in the Roaring Fork Valley I
right there in the Roaring Fork Valley I
right there in the Roaring Fork Valley I thought it would be an interesting story
thought it would be an interesting story
thought it would be an interesting story to follow this river so I came back home
to follow this river so I came back home
to follow this river so I came back home I came back to a field I spent a lot of
I came back to a field I spent a lot of
I came back to a field I spent a lot of time and I’d come every summer back home
time and I’d come every summer back home
time and I’d come every summer back home and work on a ranch and move sprinklers
and work on a ranch and move sprinklers
and work on a ranch and move sprinklers like this or flood irrigation systems
like this or flood irrigation systems
like this or flood irrigation systems and I started wondering about the water
and I started wondering about the water
and I started wondering about the water and where this goes and how long I want
and where this goes and how long I want
and where this goes and how long I want to take this water to actually go to the
to take this water to actually go to the
to take this water to actually go to the sea so I followed it I first started up
sea so I followed it I first started up
sea so I followed it I first started up in the mountains where I live this is
in the mountains where I live this is
in the mountains where I live this is Pyramid Peak 14,000 feet
Pyramid Peak 14,000 feet
Pyramid Peak 14,000 feet I’ve actually skied this peak and I
I’ve actually skied this peak and I
I’ve actually skied this peak and I skied it in June when there was nine
skied it in June when there was nine
skied it in June when there was nine feet of snow I took this photo on
feet of snow I took this photo on
feet of snow I took this photo on Christmas Day two years ago there’s
Christmas Day two years ago there’s
Christmas Day two years ago there’s three inches of snow so we’re facing
three inches of snow so we’re facing
three inches of snow so we’re facing some climate
some climate
some climate change issues and we’re also seeing some
change issues and we’re also seeing some
change issues and we’re also seeing some influence coming in from the West to us
influence coming in from the West to us
influence coming in from the West to us this is Snowmass peak not far from where
this is Snowmass peak not far from where
this is Snowmass peak not far from where i live also 14,000 feet and you see that
i live also 14,000 feet and you see that
i live also 14,000 feet and you see that brown tint that’s actually dust that’s
brown tint that’s actually dust that’s
brown tint that’s actually dust that’s been blown in from the West because of
been blown in from the West because of
been blown in from the West because of more development basically through road
more development basically through road
more development basically through road construction some oil and gas and what
construction some oil and gas and what
construction some oil and gas and what happens is it creates this trans
happens is it creates this trans
happens is it creates this trans evaporation process where the particles
evaporation process where the particles
evaporation process where the particles in the of the the dust actually retain
in the of the the dust actually retain
in the of the the dust actually retain the sun’s heat and melt the snow faster
the sun’s heat and melt the snow faster
the sun’s heat and melt the snow faster so we’re losing a runoff at a much
so we’re losing a runoff at a much
so we’re losing a runoff at a much faster rate they say we’re losing the
faster rate they say we’re losing the
faster rate they say we’re losing the river about 5% of the river due to this
river about 5% of the river due to this
river about 5% of the river due to this trans evaporation process now the
trans evaporation process now the
trans evaporation process now the Colorado is not the largest or the
Colorado is not the largest or the
Colorado is not the largest or the longest river in the u.s. it’s actually
longest river in the u.s. it’s actually
longest river in the u.s. it’s actually the seventh but many would argue that
the seventh but many would argue that
the seventh but many would argue that it’s the most loved and litigated this
it’s the most loved and litigated this
it’s the most loved and litigated this is near Kremmling Colorado and if you
is near Kremmling Colorado and if you
is near Kremmling Colorado and if you look in the top of the frame that’s
look in the top of the frame that’s
look in the top of the frame that’s looking due east I’m looking at the
looking due east I’m looking at the
looking due east I’m looking at the Continental Divide you look what appears
Continental Divide you look what appears
Continental Divide you look what appears to be a healthy River but in fact this
to be a healthy River but in fact this
to be a healthy River but in fact this river is actually flowing at about 50%
river is actually flowing at about 50%
river is actually flowing at about 50% of its traditional capacity there are 22
of its traditional capacity there are 22
of its traditional capacity there are 22 trans basin diversion projects basically
trans basin diversion projects basically
trans basin diversion projects basically tunnels that you can’t see that are
tunnels that you can’t see that are
tunnels that you can’t see that are going underneath the Continental Divide
going underneath the Continental Divide
going underneath the Continental Divide on the top of the frame and taking water
on the top of the frame and taking water
on the top of the frame and taking water to Denver Boulder or Fort Collins
to Denver Boulder or Fort Collins
to Denver Boulder or Fort Collins Colorado Springs now what’s interesting
Colorado Springs now what’s interesting
Colorado Springs now what’s interesting about this is that water goes over there
about this is that water goes over there
about this is that water goes over there that’s great they need the water but
that’s great they need the water but
that’s great they need the water but that water never returns to the Colorado
that water never returns to the Colorado
that water never returns to the Colorado River Basin so we’re taking water that
River Basin so we’re taking water that
River Basin so we’re taking water that would end up in the Pacific and we’re
would end up in the Pacific and we’re
would end up in the Pacific and we’re taking it putting in Atlantic so we’re
taking it putting in Atlantic so we’re
taking it putting in Atlantic so we’re seeing some changes right out of the
seeing some changes right out of the
seeing some changes right out of the gates they did a study on the Colorado
gates they did a study on the Colorado
gates they did a study on the Colorado River and just the value it brings for
River and just the value it brings for
River and just the value it brings for recreation they came back with a
recreation they came back with a
recreation they came back with a staggering figure that is twenty six
staggering figure that is twenty six
staggering figure that is twenty six billion dollars that this river produces
billion dollars that this river produces
billion dollars that this river produces in revenue through fishing rafting
in revenue through fishing rafting
in revenue through fishing rafting picnicking any form of recreation on the
picnicking any form of recreation on the
picnicking any form of recreation on the length of this river that runs 1,500
length of this river that runs 1,500
length of this river that runs 1,500 miles if you put that on a Forbes 500
miles if you put that on a Forbes 500
miles if you put that on a Forbes 500 list would be ahead of Progressive
list would be ahead of Progressive
list would be ahead of Progressive Insurance and US Airways so a river with
Insurance and US Airways so a river with
Insurance and US Airways so a river with water in it has value most of that water
water in it has value most of that water
water in it has value most of that water goes towards agriculture so I focused a
goes towards agriculture so I focused a
goes towards agriculture so I focused a lot on the aerial perspective in part
lot on the aerial perspective in part
lot on the aerial perspective in part because I think it gives us a
because I think it gives us a
because I think it gives us a perspective of where we’ve been and
perspective of where we’ve been and
perspective of where we’ve been and where we’re going with our landscape but
where we’re going with our landscape but
where we’re going with our landscape but also because I had this crazy guy on the
also because I had this crazy guy on the
also because I had this crazy guy on the right who I could hire at a rather
right who I could hire at a rather
right who I could hire at a rather affordable price my father
affordable price my father
affordable price my father so as we follow this river we are going
so as we follow this river we are going
so as we follow this river we are going to come into Utah beautiful landscape
to come into Utah beautiful landscape
to come into Utah beautiful landscape and you can see how this rivers
and you can see how this rivers
and you can see how this rivers sculpting through
sculpting through
sculpting through this is Castle Valley and if you get on
this is Castle Valley and if you get on
this is Castle Valley and if you get on the ground in Canyonlands National Park
the ground in Canyonlands National Park
the ground in Canyonlands National Park area Mesa arch a remarkable landscape
area Mesa arch a remarkable landscape
area Mesa arch a remarkable landscape that’s been shaped with the uplift of
that’s been shaped with the uplift of
that’s been shaped with the uplift of the Colorado Plateau and the Colorado
the Colorado Plateau and the Colorado
the Colorado Plateau and the Colorado River of course helping carve it out and
River of course helping carve it out and
River of course helping carve it out and create this magnificent architecture you
create this magnificent architecture you
create this magnificent architecture you could do about a 90 degree turn go over
could do about a 90 degree turn go over
could do about a 90 degree turn go over another Ridge and you look over on this
another Ridge and you look over on this
another Ridge and you look over on this it’s a potash mine we actually need
it’s a potash mine we actually need
it’s a potash mine we actually need potash for fertilizer have nothing
potash for fertilizer have nothing
potash for fertilizer have nothing against potash but this image I used to
against potash but this image I used to
against potash but this image I used to represent industry because industry is
represent industry because industry is
represent industry because industry is becoming a large straw in the Colorado
becoming a large straw in the Colorado
becoming a large straw in the Colorado River potash may not be that terrible
River potash may not be that terrible
River potash may not be that terrible but oil and gas recently has been
but oil and gas recently has been
but oil and gas recently has been picking up significantly in this part of
picking up significantly in this part of
picking up significantly in this part of the world there was recently a water
the world there was recently a water
the world there was recently a water option for during drought and all the
option for during drought and all the
option for during drought and all the farmers went to the water auction to see
farmers went to the water auction to see
farmers went to the water auction to see if they could get more water through
if they could get more water through
if they could get more water through this drought year and they were outbid
this drought year and they were outbid
this drought year and they were outbid on every single account by oil and gas
on every single account by oil and gas
on every single account by oil and gas companies and one oil and gas will can
companies and one oil and gas will can
companies and one oil and gas will can use one two five million gallons of
use one two five million gallons of
use one two five million gallons of water just downstream is one of my
water just downstream is one of my
water just downstream is one of my favorite images I took this with my
favorite images I took this with my
favorite images I took this with my father we had to actually break into the
father we had to actually break into the
father we had to actually break into the airport because to get here at sunrise
airport because to get here at sunrise
airport because to get here at sunrise the airport opened at sunrise had to
the airport opened at sunrise had to
the airport opened at sunrise had to crawl over the fence and let them in but
crawl over the fence and let them in but
crawl over the fence and let them in but this is a double Oxbow
this is a double Oxbow
this is a double Oxbow naturally-occurring and just downstream
naturally-occurring and just downstream
naturally-occurring and just downstream of there you come into what I call the
of there you come into what I call the
of there you come into what I call the Seas of the desert this is Lake Powell
Seas of the desert this is Lake Powell
Seas of the desert this is Lake Powell the changes dramatically the ecology of
the changes dramatically the ecology of
the changes dramatically the ecology of this river they say that it receives up
this river they say that it receives up
this river they say that it receives up to 1400 cargo ship containers a day of
to 1400 cargo ship containers a day of
to 1400 cargo ship containers a day of silt and sediment that’s basically the
silt and sediment that’s basically the
silt and sediment that’s basically the memory of the Colorado Rockies flowing
memory of the Colorado Rockies flowing
memory of the Colorado Rockies flowing down and it gets deposited in this
down and it gets deposited in this
down and it gets deposited in this reservoir which affects fish and ecology
reservoir which affects fish and ecology
reservoir which affects fish and ecology downstream and we’re quickly finding out
downstream and we’re quickly finding out
downstream and we’re quickly finding out how much sediment is in there and what’s
how much sediment is in there and what’s
how much sediment is in there and what’s happening is the lake is dropping
happening is the lake is dropping
happening is the lake is dropping rapidly
rapidly
rapidly we’re in our second decade of drought
we’re in our second decade of drought
we’re in our second decade of drought and that white line is the bathtub ring
and that white line is the bathtub ring
and that white line is the bathtub ring on Lake Powell it’s about 75 feet lake
on Lake Powell it’s about 75 feet lake
on Lake Powell it’s about 75 feet lake palace now 51 percent capacity if you go
palace now 51 percent capacity if you go
palace now 51 percent capacity if you go there right now it’s dropping one to six
there right now it’s dropping one to six
there right now it’s dropping one to six inches a day and that’s the dam Glen
inches a day and that’s the dam Glen
inches a day and that’s the dam Glen Canyon Dam it produces a hundred and
Canyon Dam it produces a hundred and
Canyon Dam it produces a hundred and twenty million dollars in revenue
twenty million dollars in revenue
twenty million dollars in revenue through its hydroelectric program that
through its hydroelectric program that
through its hydroelectric program that goes back to federal programs for
goes back to federal programs for
goes back to federal programs for transmission lines and actually native
transmission lines and actually native
transmission lines and actually native fish species programs downstream but
fish species programs downstream but
fish species programs downstream but we’re getting to such a point of drought
we’re getting to such a point of drought
we’re getting to such a point of drought and water shortage that we’re
and water shortage that we’re
and water shortage that we’re approaching
approaching
approaching called Deadpool when there isn’t even
called Deadpool when there isn’t even
called Deadpool when there isn’t even enough water to go over through the
enough water to go over through the
enough water to go over through the turbines and spin those turbines now
turbines and spin those turbines now
turbines and spin those turbines now just below that dam starts the Grand
just below that dam starts the Grand
just below that dam starts the Grand Canyon
Canyon
Canyon it’s 277 miles of one of the most
it’s 277 miles of one of the most
it’s 277 miles of one of the most enchanted places on the planet that I’ve
enchanted places on the planet that I’ve
enchanted places on the planet that I’ve seen it’s like going to another world of
seen it’s like going to another world of
seen it’s like going to another world of geology and magic and of course it’s not
geology and magic and of course it’s not
geology and magic and of course it’s not real anymore to some degree because this
real anymore to some degree because this
real anymore to some degree because this river fluctuates through the habits and
river fluctuates through the habits and
river fluctuates through the habits and needs of man as we have hydroelectric
needs of man as we have hydroelectric
needs of man as we have hydroelectric demands with air conditioning and
demands with air conditioning and
demands with air conditioning and whatnot it’s called as a whole
whatnot it’s called as a whole
whatnot it’s called as a whole Grand Canyon is called America’s
Grand Canyon is called America’s
Grand Canyon is called America’s ruthless Cathedral there is a proposal
ruthless Cathedral there is a proposal
ruthless Cathedral there is a proposal out there right now to build a 1.4
out there right now to build a 1.4
out there right now to build a 1.4 mile-long tramway that will descend
mile-long tramway that will descend
mile-long tramway that will descend 1,300 feet and carry 4,000 people a day
1,300 feet and carry 4,000 people a day
1,300 feet and carry 4,000 people a day into the Grand Canyon
into the Grand Canyon
into the Grand Canyon now those that people don’t like to hike
now those that people don’t like to hike
now those that people don’t like to hike or boat may think that’s great however
or boat may think that’s great however
or boat may think that’s great however it’s also a sacred confluence right
it’s also a sacred confluence right
it’s also a sacred confluence right there believed to be sacred by the Hopi
there believed to be sacred by the Hopi
there believed to be sacred by the Hopi and the Zuni and some of the Navajo so
and the Zuni and some of the Navajo so
and the Zuni and some of the Navajo so it’s creating a big controversy and
it’s creating a big controversy and
it’s creating a big controversy and we’re going to see that play out in the
we’re going to see that play out in the
we’re going to see that play out in the next few years this is the hope back
next few years this is the hope back
next few years this is the hope back chub they basically been swimming this
chub they basically been swimming this
chub they basically been swimming this river for 6,000 years and now there’s
river for 6,000 years and now there’s
river for 6,000 years and now there’s only about 6,000 of them left because
only about 6,000 of them left because
only about 6,000 of them left because they like warm water and once we put
they like warm water and once we put
they like warm water and once we put that dam in of course it’s cold water
that dam in of course it’s cold water
that dam in of course it’s cold water coming up below the dam so they’ve
coming up below the dam so they’ve
coming up below the dam so they’ve retreated to this little confluence it’s
retreated to this little confluence it’s
retreated to this little confluence it’s it’s milky color because of its high
it’s milky color because of its high
it’s milky color because of its high calcium content there’s four species of
calcium content there’s four species of
calcium content there’s four species of endangered fish left two have already
endangered fish left two have already
endangered fish left two have already gone extinct this is naica weak point
gone extinct this is naica weak point
gone extinct this is naica weak point and those are the drainer ease of the
and those are the drainer ease of the
and those are the drainer ease of the pueblans that have been there since 1100
pueblans that have been there since 1100
pueblans that have been there since 1100 AD and so many of the Native Americans
AD and so many of the Native Americans
AD and so many of the Native Americans that live around the Grand Canyon
that live around the Grand Canyon
that live around the Grand Canyon there’s actually 11 tribes it’s
there’s actually 11 tribes it’s
there’s actually 11 tribes it’s surrounded Grand Canyon National Park
surrounded Grand Canyon National Park
surrounded Grand Canyon National Park and they believe that this is where they
and they believe that this is where they
and they believe that this is where they came from and where they go this is
came from and where they go this is
came from and where they go this is their spirit world and just to give you
their spirit world and just to give you
their spirit world and just to give you a little idea behind capturing some of
a little idea behind capturing some of
a little idea behind capturing some of these images I can see this image about
these images I can see this image about
these images I can see this image about five years ago when I went down there
five years ago when I went down there
five years ago when I went down there another trip but you have to first you
another trip but you have to first you
another trip but you have to first you have to get a permit to get down there
have to get a permit to get down there
have to get a permit to get down there you get that then you go down and River
you get that then you go down and River
you get that then you go down and River trip then you have to secure a campsite
trip then you have to secure a campsite
trip then you have to secure a campsite near the spot because you can’t reserve
near the spot because you can’t reserve
near the spot because you can’t reserve those it’s first-come first-serve and
those it’s first-come first-serve and
those it’s first-come first-serve and you have to hopefully time your permit
you have to hopefully time your permit
you have to hopefully time your permit lines up with a full moon then you have
lines up with a full moon then you have
lines up with a full moon then you have to go up with some some high-powered
to go up with some some high-powered
to go up with some some high-powered spotlights because you can’t go up to
spotlights because you can’t go up to
spotlights because you can’t go up to the granary so you got to shine them on
the granary so you got to shine them on
the granary so you got to shine them on a
a
a very specific tripod and hope it all
very specific tripod and hope it all
very specific tripod and hope it all lines up and boom that’s what sometimes
lines up and boom that’s what sometimes
lines up and boom that’s what sometimes one image can take now we may go through
one image can take now we may go through
one image can take now we may go through whooping and hollering as tourists into
whooping and hollering as tourists into
whooping and hollering as tourists into the Grand Canyon but there are many
the Grand Canyon but there are many
the Grand Canyon but there are many people who take it very seriously this
people who take it very seriously this
people who take it very seriously this is a Havasupai elder who has come down I
is a Havasupai elder who has come down I
is a Havasupai elder who has come down I happen to go down there this last spring
happen to go down there this last spring
happen to go down there this last spring and it just coincided with the Hopi Zuni
and it just coincided with the Hopi Zuni
and it just coincided with the Hopi Zuni Navajo and Hualapai spiritual trips it’s
Navajo and Hualapai spiritual trips it’s
Navajo and Hualapai spiritual trips it’s partially flooded by that money coming
partially flooded by that money coming
partially flooded by that money coming upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam so
upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam so
upstream from the Glen Canyon Dam so this is a big deal and of course I asked
this is a big deal and of course I asked
this is a big deal and of course I asked him what do you think of all these
him what do you think of all these
him what do you think of all these people hooting and hollering and having
people hooting and hollering and having
people hooting and hollering and having parties in the Grand Canyon says well
parties in the Grand Canyon says well
parties in the Grand Canyon says well there’s nothing I can do about it but I
there’s nothing I can do about it but I
there’s nothing I can do about it but I just hope you respect it in 1903
just hope you respect it in 1903
just hope you respect it in 1903 President Roosevelt came to the South
President Roosevelt came to the South
President Roosevelt came to the South Rim of this Canyon it’s on the right
Rim of this Canyon it’s on the right
Rim of this Canyon it’s on the right side you can see the South Rim in the
side you can see the South Rim in the
side you can see the South Rim in the right corner up there and he says leave
right corner up there and he says leave
right corner up there and he says leave it as it is the ages have been at work
it as it is the ages have been at work
it as it is the ages have been at work on this and man can only Mar it and I
on this and man can only Mar it and I
on this and man can only Mar it and I think we’ve done a pretty good job but
think we’ve done a pretty good job but
think we’ve done a pretty good job but the threats are definitely looming in
the threats are definitely looming in
the threats are definitely looming in the distance tomorrow there’s new
the distance tomorrow there’s new
the distance tomorrow there’s new development that wants to be built up
development that wants to be built up
development that wants to be built up all around the Grand Canyon there’s
all around the Grand Canyon there’s
all around the Grand Canyon there’s water challenges there’s this tramway
water challenges there’s this tramway
water challenges there’s this tramway uranium mines have been trying to get in
uranium mines have been trying to get in
uranium mines have been trying to get in there for a while they’ve been fended
there for a while they’ve been fended
there for a while they’ve been fended off for about 20 years but it’s
off for about 20 years but it’s
off for about 20 years but it’s something that’s not going to go away
something that’s not going to go away
something that’s not going to go away anytime soon if we don’t keep a close
anytime soon if we don’t keep a close
anytime soon if we don’t keep a close eye on it the river on the other hand we
eye on it the river on the other hand we
eye on it the river on the other hand we may have not done the best job of
may have not done the best job of
may have not done the best job of maintaining it through the canyon now
maintaining it through the canyon now
maintaining it through the canyon now the water color here is emerald green
the water color here is emerald green
the water color here is emerald green looks beautiful but it’s not very
looks beautiful but it’s not very
looks beautiful but it’s not very natural and just represents how we’ve
natural and just represents how we’ve
natural and just represents how we’ve changed the dynamic of this river and of
changed the dynamic of this river and of
changed the dynamic of this river and of course that clear waters are routing a
course that clear waters are routing a
course that clear waters are routing a lot of the natural sand and sediment now
lot of the natural sand and sediment now
lot of the natural sand and sediment now this is one of the most storied Rapids
this is one of the most storied Rapids
this is one of the most storied Rapids this is called the V wave if you can get
this is called the V wave if you can get
this is called the V wave if you can get through here and not lose yours you’re
through here and not lose yours you’re
through here and not lose yours you’re in great shape I went through with my
in great shape I went through with my
in great shape I went through with my brother in these boats that some boatman
brother in these boats that some boatman
brother in these boats that some boatman described as being built of paper mache
described as being built of paper mache
described as being built of paper mache and baby bird bones this is the oh crap
and baby bird bones this is the oh crap
and baby bird bones this is the oh crap face of here we go into the V wave I’m
face of here we go into the V wave I’m
face of here we go into the V wave I’m on the left my brother on the right he’s
on the left my brother on the right he’s
on the left my brother on the right he’s got more of an elk crap face this is oh
got more of an elk crap face this is oh
got more of an elk crap face this is oh god we’ve just plant a is just gone
god we’ve just plant a is just gone
god we’ve just plant a is just gone sideways because we’ve just lost an oar
sideways because we’ve just lost an oar
sideways because we’ve just lost an oar we’re going to plan B this is oh we’re
we’re going to plan B this is oh we’re
we’re going to plan B this is oh we’re going to die because we’re going into
going to die because we’re going into
going to die because we’re going into the big kahuna wave now with no oars
the big kahuna wave now with no oars
the big kahuna wave now with no oars we’re taking this little tiny flimsy
we’re taking this little tiny flimsy
we’re taking this little tiny flimsy wooden boat through the middle of this
wooden boat through the middle of this
wooden boat through the middle of this giant rapid and realize we’re about to
giant rapid and realize we’re about to
giant rapid and realize we’re about to flip
flip
flip so we thought we were dead but we made
so we thought we were dead but we made
so we thought we were dead but we made it somehow and of course we smiled to
it somehow and of course we smiled to
it somehow and of course we smiled to the end it was the first time I got to
the end it was the first time I got to
the end it was the first time I got to show my brother the Grand Canyon there’s
show my brother the Grand Canyon there’s
show my brother the Grand Canyon there’s a highlight for me because this river on
a highlight for me because this river on
a highlight for me because this river on some levels there’s an expression called
some levels there’s an expression called
some levels there’s an expression called River capture where one watershed will
River capture where one watershed will
River capture where one watershed will basically out erode another one and
basically out erode another one and
basically out erode another one and capture its water and take it with you
capture its water and take it with you
capture its water and take it with you and essentially what does it happen to
and essentially what does it happen to
and essentially what does it happen to me as I feel like the Colorado River on
me as I feel like the Colorado River on
me as I feel like the Colorado River on some level has captured my curiosity and
some level has captured my curiosity and
some level has captured my curiosity and and part of my soul so I keep going back
and part of my soul so I keep going back
and part of my soul so I keep going back so it’s a real treat to share with my
so it’s a real treat to share with my
so it’s a real treat to share with my brother when you leave the Grand Canyon
brother when you leave the Grand Canyon
brother when you leave the Grand Canyon you come to Lake Mead Hoover Dam you’ve
you come to Lake Mead Hoover Dam you’ve
you come to Lake Mead Hoover Dam you’ve all heard of this remarkable piece of
all heard of this remarkable piece of
all heard of this remarkable piece of engineering that they built in 1935 used
engineering that they built in 1935 used
engineering that they built in 1935 used to be the largest dam in the world and
to be the largest dam in the world and
to be the largest dam in the world and just like upstream but even worse at
just like upstream but even worse at
just like upstream but even worse at this point Lake Mead is now at its
this point Lake Mead is now at its
this point Lake Mead is now at its all-time record low 39% Las Vegas which
all-time record low 39% Las Vegas which
all-time record low 39% Las Vegas which sits next to Lake Mead and and myself
sits next to Lake Mead and and myself
sits next to Lake Mead and and myself included when I started this project
included when I started this project
included when I started this project many of us point to Las Vegas the Oasis
many of us point to Las Vegas the Oasis
many of us point to Las Vegas the Oasis dream the big problem their water intake
dream the big problem their water intake
dream the big problem their water intake is so close to the water level now and
is so close to the water level now and
is so close to the water level now and like me that they’re actually spending a
like me that they’re actually spending a
like me that they’re actually spending a billion dollars to construct the third
billion dollars to construct the third
billion dollars to construct the third straw they’re basically building a
straw they’re basically building a
straw they’re basically building a bathtub drain from under here all the
bathtub drain from under here all the
bathtub drain from under here all the way back over to Vegas because if the
way back over to Vegas because if the
way back over to Vegas because if the water gets any closer to the their
water gets any closer to the their
water gets any closer to the their intake valve by law they’re not be able
intake valve by law they’re not be able
intake valve by law they’re not be able to use it
to use it
to use it so we’re fearing some very significant
so we’re fearing some very significant
so we’re fearing some very significant changes in infrastructure Vegas on this
changes in infrastructure Vegas on this
changes in infrastructure Vegas on this at the same time which is very
at the same time which is very
at the same time which is very interesting to me when I learned this
interesting to me when I learned this
interesting to me when I learned this they wrote a law of the river in 1922
they wrote a law of the river in 1922
they wrote a law of the river in 1922 which basically divvied up the Colorado
which basically divvied up the Colorado
which basically divvied up the Colorado River into seven states they cut it up
River into seven states they cut it up
River into seven states they cut it up into different pies and nobody Vegas
into different pies and nobody Vegas
into different pies and nobody Vegas didn’t really exist in 1922 so nobody to
didn’t really exist in 1922 so nobody to
didn’t really exist in 1922 so nobody to expect there to be this booming Oasis
expect there to be this booming Oasis
expect there to be this booming Oasis dream so they didn’t give them very much
dream so they didn’t give them very much
dream so they didn’t give them very much water so Vegas is now reforged to use
water so Vegas is now reforged to use
water so Vegas is now reforged to use their water very wisely they recycle a
their water very wisely they recycle a
their water very wisely they recycle a lot of their fountains and pools they do
lot of their fountains and pools they do
lot of their fountains and pools they do mandatory pool coverings a lot of the
mandatory pool coverings a lot of the
mandatory pool coverings a lot of the fountains are grey water they’ve been
fountains are grey water they’ve been
fountains are grey water they’ve been taking the smart scaping zero escaping
taking the smart scaping zero escaping
taking the smart scaping zero escaping to another level they realized 70% of
to another level they realized 70% of
to another level they realized 70% of their water from the Colorado River was
their water from the Colorado River was
their water from the Colorado River was going to people’s front lawns so they
going to people’s front lawns so they
going to people’s front lawns so they started a program where they would
started a program where they would
started a program where they would actually pay people $2 a square foot
actually pay people $2 a square foot
actually pay people $2 a square foot it’s now a dollar 50 to tear out their
it’s now a dollar 50 to tear out their
it’s now a dollar 50 to tear out their front lawn I took that first picture
front lawn I took that first picture
front lawn I took that first picture at 8:00 in the morning I took that
at 8:00 in the morning I took that
at 8:00 in the morning I took that picture the same day at 11:00 crew came
picture the same day at 11:00 crew came
picture the same day at 11:00 crew came in whipped out the lawn
in whipped out the lawn
in whipped out the lawn gave a guy a check and adios and the
gave a guy a check and adios and the
gave a guy a check and adios and the hope of course is that the owaisi’s
hope of course is that the owaisi’s
hope of course is that the owaisi’s dream that many of us may love and joy
dream that many of us may love and joy
dream that many of us may love and joy will be able to continue on some level
will be able to continue on some level
will be able to continue on some level but also the way sees dreamed for
but also the way sees dreamed for
but also the way sees dreamed for critters like this the Rocky Mountain
critters like this the Rocky Mountain
critters like this the Rocky Mountain toad that had a love affair with my
toad that had a love affair with my
toad that had a love affair with my camera when I was looking for humpback
camera when I was looking for humpback
camera when I was looking for humpback chub wouldn’t leave me alone they’ll
chub wouldn’t leave me alone they’ll
chub wouldn’t leave me alone they’ll have water too
have water too
have water too the Gila River downstream this was taken
the Gila River downstream this was taken
the Gila River downstream this was taken in 1936
in 1936
in 1936 one of the last tributaries of the
one of the last tributaries of the
one of the last tributaries of the Colorado that’s today that was taken by
Colorado that’s today that was taken by
Colorado that’s today that was taken by my friend John Waterman who paddled the
my friend John Waterman who paddled the
my friend John Waterman who paddled the length of the Colorado River and then we
length of the Colorado River and then we
length of the Colorado River and then we come back down into Yuma Arizona right
come back down into Yuma Arizona right
come back down into Yuma Arizona right before the Colorado River crosses over
before the Colorado River crosses over
before the Colorado River crosses over to the US Mexican border a massive
to the US Mexican border a massive
to the US Mexican border a massive amount of lettuce production here
amount of lettuce production here
amount of lettuce production here agriculture throughout the region and so
agriculture throughout the region and so
agriculture throughout the region and so if you’re sitting in this room you say
if you’re sitting in this room you say
if you’re sitting in this room you say this is interesting Pete in Colorado
this is interesting Pete in Colorado
this is interesting Pete in Colorado rivers beautiful maybe I’ll go raft it
rivers beautiful maybe I’ll go raft it
rivers beautiful maybe I’ll go raft it one day but I mean come on I got plenty
one day but I mean come on I got plenty
one day but I mean come on I got plenty of water here in Washington DC wise as
of water here in Washington DC wise as
of water here in Washington DC wise as why is this concerned me it actually
why is this concerned me it actually
why is this concerned me it actually concerns all of us on some level because
concerns all of us on some level because
concerns all of us on some level because every piece of lettuce that you buy in a
every piece of lettuce that you buy in a
every piece of lettuce that you buy in a grocery store in the month of December
grocery store in the month of December
grocery store in the month of December and January come from the Colorado River
and January come from the Colorado River
and January come from the Colorado River it’s the only place that supplies the
it’s the only place that supplies the
it’s the only place that supplies the nation it’s basically the nation’s salad
nation it’s basically the nation’s salad
nation it’s basically the nation’s salad bowl comes from this part of the world
bowl comes from this part of the world
bowl comes from this part of the world so we all eat the Colorado River whether
so we all eat the Colorado River whether
so we all eat the Colorado River whether you are aware of it or not I grew up on
you are aware of it or not I grew up on
you are aware of it or not I grew up on a cattle ranch I’m not opposed to the
a cattle ranch I’m not opposed to the
a cattle ranch I’m not opposed to the production of beef if it’s done wisely I
production of beef if it’s done wisely I
production of beef if it’s done wisely I don’t know if this is the wisest method
don’t know if this is the wisest method
don’t know if this is the wisest method having feed Lots in the Imperial Valley
having feed Lots in the Imperial Valley
having feed Lots in the Imperial Valley where it’s 128 degrees so I think we
where it’s 128 degrees so I think we
where it’s 128 degrees so I think we need to start moving towards smart
need to start moving towards smart
need to start moving towards smart agriculture there’s also some antiquated
agriculture there’s also some antiquated
agriculture there’s also some antiquated laws where if you don’t use your water
laws where if you don’t use your water
laws where if you don’t use your water you’ll lose it so there’s farmers in
you’ll lose it so there’s farmers in
you’ll lose it so there’s farmers in this area that are growing five six
this area that are growing five six
this area that are growing five six cuttings of alfalfa and I’m actually
cuttings of alfalfa and I’m actually
cuttings of alfalfa and I’m actually shipping it to Asia because they don’t
shipping it to Asia because they don’t
shipping it to Asia because they don’t want to lose their water even though
want to lose their water even though
want to lose their water even though they don’t need the money so we’re in
they don’t need the money so we’re in
they don’t need the money so we’re in some ways we’re actually exporting some
some ways we’re actually exporting some
some ways we’re actually exporting some of our water in the form of alfalfa to
of our water in the form of alfalfa to
of our water in the form of alfalfa to Asia and then you come after the last
Asia and then you come after the last
Asia and then you come after the last major dam on the river there’s 12 major
major dam on the river there’s 12 major
major dam on the river there’s 12 major dams on the river this is the Morelos
dams on the river this is the Morelos
dams on the river this is the Morelos Dam this is the US Mexican border for 22
Dam this is the US Mexican border for 22
Dam this is the US Mexican border for 22 miles River becomes the border runs due
miles River becomes the border runs due
miles River becomes the border runs due south and if you go below the dam
south and if you go below the dam
south and if you go below the dam I did with John when he was paddling
I did with John when he was paddling
I did with John when he was paddling just two miles in New Mexico you come to
just two miles in New Mexico you come to
just two miles in New Mexico you come to the end of the river then Franklin said
the end of the river then Franklin said
the end of the river then Franklin said we learned the value of water when the
we learned the value of water when the
we learned the value of water when the well runs dry this is the well running
well runs dry this is the well running
well runs dry this is the well running dry and this is what it looked like when
dry and this is what it looked like when
dry and this is what it looked like when I was paddling through what is this
I was paddling through what is this
I was paddling through what is this stuff all I know is I’m not that excited
stuff all I know is I’m not that excited
stuff all I know is I’m not that excited to get into this water so this is what’s
to get into this water so this is what’s
to get into this water so this is what’s become of a mighty Colorado yeah so we
become of a mighty Colorado yeah so we
become of a mighty Colorado yeah so we packed up our boats 90 miles shy of the
packed up our boats 90 miles shy of the
packed up our boats 90 miles shy of the sea and started walking there were many
sea and started walking there were many
sea and started walking there were many times where I wondered why the hell I
times where I wondered why the hell I
times where I wondered why the hell I was carrying a boat on my back the
was carrying a boat on my back the
was carrying a boat on my back the Colorado river’s run to the Sea of
Colorado river’s run to the Sea of
Colorado river’s run to the Sea of Cortez for six million years not a
Cortez for six million years not a
Cortez for six million years not a single drop of it has run naturally to
single drop of it has run naturally to
single drop of it has run naturally to the sea since 1998 it was one of the
the sea since 1998 it was one of the
the sea since 1998 it was one of the largest desert estuaries in North
largest desert estuaries in North
largest desert estuaries in North America this is the western flank of it
America this is the western flank of it
America this is the western flank of it over on the Baja side three thousand
over on the Baja side three thousand
over on the Baja side three thousand square miles
square miles
square miles Jaguars Cottonwood forests took me two
Jaguars Cottonwood forests took me two
Jaguars Cottonwood forests took me two days to find this image that’s what
days to find this image that’s what
days to find this image that’s what we’ve changed it to some people say well
we’ve changed it to some people say well
we’ve changed it to some people say well who cares about the Delta you know who
who cares about the Delta you know who
who cares about the Delta you know who why should we put water down there but
why should we put water down there but
why should we put water down there but I’m pretty much guarantee of this guy
I’m pretty much guarantee of this guy
I’m pretty much guarantee of this guy cares 20,000 cocoapod Indians used to
cares 20,000 cocoapod Indians used to
cares 20,000 cocoapod Indians used to live in the Delta this was their
live in the Delta this was their
live in the Delta this was their traditional fishing grounds this guy
traditional fishing grounds this guy
traditional fishing grounds this guy learned to fish here it’s dried up in
learned to fish here it’s dried up in
learned to fish here it’s dried up in his lifetime and I’m pretty sure if this
his lifetime and I’m pretty sure if this
his lifetime and I’m pretty sure if this happened to my river in my backyard I’d
happened to my river in my backyard I’d
happened to my river in my backyard I’d probably feel similar but feel
probably feel similar but feel
probably feel similar but feel frustrated just to give you an idea of
frustrated just to give you an idea of
frustrated just to give you an idea of where that is exactly this little red
where that is exactly this little red
where that is exactly this little red circle is the center that’s the Delta
circle is the center that’s the Delta
circle is the center that’s the Delta and work that little Frappuccino pit I
and work that little Frappuccino pit I
and work that little Frappuccino pit I was paddling it is on the kind of the
was paddling it is on the kind of the
was paddling it is on the kind of the middle bottom third of that circle so I
middle bottom third of that circle so I
middle bottom third of that circle so I think of these rivers off in his
think of these rivers off in his
think of these rivers off in his arteries they help connect communities
arteries they help connect communities
arteries they help connect communities they actually help connect wildlife they
they actually help connect wildlife they
they actually help connect wildlife they support our agriculture that keep
support our agriculture that keep
support our agriculture that keep salinity in our in our water table at
salinity in our in our water table at
salinity in our in our water table at bay potentially you know they connect
bay potentially you know they connect
bay potentially you know they connect our human spirit on some level so I
our human spirit on some level so I
our human spirit on some level so I think that Colorado today is a very
think that Colorado today is a very
think that Colorado today is a very powerful metaphor on so many levels
powerful metaphor on so many levels
powerful metaphor on so many levels because it shows us what happens when we
because it shows us what happens when we
because it shows us what happens when we ask too much of a limited resource it
ask too much of a limited resource it
ask too much of a limited resource it disappears I ended here in the Delta
disappears I ended here in the Delta
disappears I ended here in the Delta this last spring there was an
this last spring there was an
this last spring there was an experimental pulse flow thanks to the
experimental pulse flow thanks to the
experimental pulse flow thanks to the hard work of very very many from a vast
hard work of very very many from a vast
hard work of very very many from a vast group of people and this is what became
group of people and this is what became
group of people and this is what became of the river this was actually less than
of the river this was actually less than
of the river this was actually less than 1% of the rivers annual flow
1% of the rivers annual flow
1% of the rivers annual flow it was Mexico’s water it was part of a
it was Mexico’s water it was part of a
it was Mexico’s water it was part of a new agreement called minute three one
new agreement called minute three one
new agreement called minute three one nine very interesting because they
nine very interesting because they
nine very interesting because they Mexico basically had an earthquake that
Mexico basically had an earthquake that
Mexico basically had an earthquake that fractured its irrigation system they
fractured its irrigation system they
fractured its irrigation system they said we need some help we can’t store
said we need some help we can’t store
said we need some help we can’t store water anywhere it’s time to work
water anywhere it’s time to work
water anywhere it’s time to work together for a change so they went to
together for a change so they went to
together for a change so they went to the US and this is two miles and this is
the US and this is two miles and this is
the US and this is two miles and this is about where that Frappuccino pit was
about where that Frappuccino pit was
about where that Frappuccino pit was beautiful scene of people coming out
beautiful scene of people coming out
beautiful scene of people coming out from all over Mexico not only restoring
from all over Mexico not only restoring
from all over Mexico not only restoring the vegetation but the spirit of the
the vegetation but the spirit of the
the vegetation but the spirit of the river anyway Mexico said we need help
river anyway Mexico said we need help
river anyway Mexico said we need help neo said all right so they came back to
neo said all right so they came back to
neo said all right so they came back to the table and said RA we’re going to
the table and said RA we’re going to
the table and said RA we’re going to renegotiate Mexico’s water they do get
renegotiate Mexico’s water they do get
renegotiate Mexico’s water they do get an allocation but now they’re going to
an allocation but now they’re going to
an allocation but now they’re going to make sure the Mexico’s allegation is
make sure the Mexico’s allegation is
make sure the Mexico’s allegation is shares in surplus and shortage and that
shares in surplus and shortage and that
shares in surplus and shortage and that they’ll dedicate some water to the Delta
they’ll dedicate some water to the Delta
they’ll dedicate some water to the Delta so this was that water dedicated it was
so this was that water dedicated it was
so this was that water dedicated it was released for eight weeks to see how it
released for eight weeks to see how it
released for eight weeks to see how it did to try to spawn some of the
did to try to spawn some of the
did to try to spawn some of the seedlings cottonwoods and willows and it
seedlings cottonwoods and willows and it
seedlings cottonwoods and willows and it was pretty remarkable
was pretty remarkable
was pretty remarkable we took paddle boards and canoes all the
we took paddle boards and canoes all the
we took paddle boards and canoes all the way across it in 1922 Aldo Leopold took
way across it in 1922 Aldo Leopold took
way across it in 1922 Aldo Leopold took a canoe across the Delta and he wrote
a canoe across the Delta and he wrote
a canoe across the Delta and he wrote the river was nowhere and everywhere for
the river was nowhere and everywhere for
the river was nowhere and everywhere for he could not for he could not decide
he could not for he could not decide
he could not for he could not decide which of a hundred green lagoons take to
which of a hundred green lagoons take to
which of a hundred green lagoons take to the sea beautiful line that I’ve used
the sea beautiful line that I’ve used
the sea beautiful line that I’ve used over and over at water talks about the
over and over at water talks about the
over and over at water talks about the Colorado River and I never ever thought
Colorado River and I never ever thought
Colorado River and I never ever thought that I would actually see this and
that I would actually see this and
that I would actually see this and paddle across the green lagoon in the
paddle across the green lagoon in the
paddle across the green lagoon in the Delta so it’s very encouraging to see
Delta so it’s very encouraging to see
Delta so it’s very encouraging to see that we can make a change
go over that this is an improvement I
go over that this is an improvement I swear you’re moving this is called
swear you’re moving this is called
swear you’re moving this is called moving an itch our bushwhacking serene
moving an itch our bushwhacking serene
moving an itch our bushwhacking serene in a trickle of water like a paddleboard
in a trickle of water like a paddleboard
in a trickle of water like a paddleboard is an upgrade trust me we doing here the
is an upgrade trust me we doing here the
is an upgrade trust me we doing here the last time I came here I walked 90 miles
last time I came here I walked 90 miles
last time I came here I walked 90 miles across a dry forgotten river channel my
across a dry forgotten river channel my
across a dry forgotten river channel my backyard river Colorado
backyard river Colorado
backyard river Colorado I’ve been chasing its flow for years
most people think of it as that loved
most people think of it as that loved architect of the Grand Canyon
architect of the Grand Canyon
architect of the Grand Canyon carrying the memory of the Rocky
carrying the memory of the Rocky
carrying the memory of the Rocky Mountains near my home in Colorado but
Mountains near my home in Colorado but
Mountains near my home in Colorado but it is different down here at the end our
it is different down here at the end our
it is different down here at the end our steel plumbing on this southwest
steel plumbing on this southwest
steel plumbing on this southwest lifeline have sucked it dry so we can
lifeline have sucked it dry so we can
lifeline have sucked it dry so we can eat baby spinach in January but in the
eat baby spinach in January but in the
eat baby spinach in January but in the spring of 2014
spring of 2014
spring of 2014 something happened two countries decided
something happened two countries decided
something happened two countries decided to work together to restore a delta the
to work together to restore a delta the
to work together to restore a delta the hands of many lifted the gates on the
hands of many lifted the gates on the
hands of many lifted the gates on the morales dam and released a temporary
morales dam and released a temporary
morales dam and released a temporary pulse of water less than 1% of the
pulse of water less than 1% of the
pulse of water less than 1% of the rivers flow mexico’s allocated agua into
rivers flow mexico’s allocated agua into
rivers flow mexico’s allocated agua into the delta to see what would happen a
the delta to see what would happen a
the delta to see what would happen a river of sand became wet once again
river of sand became wet once again
river of sand became wet once again and a Fiesta ignited downstream
locals celebrated the return of their
locals celebrated the return of their Rio
the native species exploded the seeds
the native species exploded the seeds the river party only lasted a few weeks
the river party only lasted a few weeks
the river party only lasted a few weeks though part a we did what any river
though part a we did what any river
though part a we did what any river lovers with you we floated it by canoe
lovers with you we floated it by canoe
lovers with you we floated it by canoe paddle board and eventually slotted by
paddle board and eventually slotted by
paddle board and eventually slotted by foot crossing the shallows and I believe
foot crossing the shallows and I believe
foot crossing the shallows and I believe this in Colorado market down because
this in Colorado market down because
this in Colorado market down because generally yes Rio Colorado pretty
generally yes Rio Colorado pretty
generally yes Rio Colorado pretty friggin nice River right now it looks
friggin nice River right now it looks
friggin nice River right now it looks amazing
amazing
amazing usually this part of the river is
usually this part of the river is
usually this part of the river is completely dried sand noise and it’s
completely dried sand noise and it’s
completely dried sand noise and it’s been many years like that on May 7th
been many years like that on May 7th
been many years like that on May 7th after nine thirteen hour-long paddling
after nine thirteen hour-long paddling
after nine thirteen hour-long paddling days sometime I can barely stand across
days sometime I can barely stand across
days sometime I can barely stand across 90 miles of the Delta and reach the sea
90 miles of the Delta and reach the sea
90 miles of the Delta and reach the sea who’s the first and only paddle board
who’s the first and only paddle board
who’s the first and only paddle board crossing of the new Delta and the first
crossing of the new Delta and the first
crossing of the new Delta and the first time the Colorado River kissed the sea
time the Colorado River kissed the sea
time the Colorado River kissed the sea nearly two decades
nearly two decades
nearly two decades on many levels it was a preposterous
on many levels it was a preposterous
on many levels it was a preposterous journey foolish even wrongheaded also
journey foolish even wrongheaded also
journey foolish even wrongheaded also beautiful and symbolic that with a
beautiful and symbolic that with a
beautiful and symbolic that with a relative trickle we can bring a river
relative trickle we can bring a river
relative trickle we can bring a river back to life if we try
”
Be First to Comment