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With Lake Powell at its lowest level in decades, KSL recently suggested now is a unique time to visit the Glen Canyon Recreation Area. And while some are using the extended drought to advance their argument for permanently draining the Lake, KSL sees the current conditions as justification for reclamation projects such as the Glen Canyon Dam.
Dr. Richard Ingebretsen, President of the Glen Canyon Institute, offers another viewpoint. He wrote:
--“Lake Powell loses to evaporation and seepage around 1,000,000 acre-feet of water annually. This is more than 3 times Nevada’s entire allotment of Colorado River water or enough to supply Salt Lake Valley for 5 years. This type of water loss in an arid environment is intolerable.
--Glen Canyon Dam has wreaked havoc to the Grand Canyon ecosystem. By holding back the warm silty water, the dam has driven to extinction two species of fish and has endangered 4 others . . . We feel people should be aware that the choices they make or neglect to make will determine the future of these remaining species.
--Lake Powell, while providing some benefits, is temporary. People should understand this. It is silting rapidly . . . Individuals should be informed so that they are able to make educated decisions regarding Lake Powell and the ecosystems that are in danger.”
KSL thanks Dr. Ingebretsen for sharing his view. A more complete text of his reply can be found in the box above.
