From Deseret News archives:

'Flush' proposed for Grand Canyon

Published: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2004 7:33 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Surges of Colorado River water may be released soon from Glen Canyon Dam in an experiment to find ways to repair the natural setting of the Grand Canyon.

If approved, the tests would be carried out this month. They are intended to see if high river flows can restore sandbar deposits in the canyon's upper reaches. They also may re-create backwater channels, which are thought to be good spawning areas and habitat for the endangered humpback chub and other native fish.

In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation would like to remove non-native trout that feed on young humpback chubs near the confluence with the Little Colorado River, according to a recent environmental study. The Little Colorado is the only stream in the Grand Canyon where the chub reproduces and survives to adulthood.

Reclamation, part of the Interior Department, has been seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment concerning the high-flow test experiment.

Interior Secretary Gale Norton said in a prepared statement, "Interior continues to support the application of science and adaptive management to the operation of Glen Canyon Dam and the management of natural resources in Glen and Grand Canyon.

Story continues below
"Experiments such as this high-flow test continue to advance our understanding of the ecosystem while providing tangible benefits to the fishery, river environment and recreational users in Grand Canyon National Park."

This past August, a group studying sediment problems recommended that high-flow tests be considered if enough sediment had built up in the Colorado River near its confluence with the Paria River.

The experiment would cost electrical power customers $1.7 million, apparently in reduced generating capacity at the dam, according to the assessment. By comparison, 2003 power revenues were estimated at about $130 million.


E-mail: bau@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

It's BEER, not acid people! Some people love having it sprayed on themselves....

I believe Max Hall cemented his legacy tonight with his lack of...

I find it interesting that these comment come after a so-so performance in a...

Hall mouths off about hate of Utah

If you really think BYU is more arrogant than USC or UCLA or so many other...

Cougars honor 1984 champs

cougars baby!!!!!

I have one word for the BYU AND UTAH fans: TCU!!!! hahahaha

Two great examples of lack of class surfaced tonight: Pete Carroll, USC's...

Hall mouths off about hate of Utah

Don't forget my favorite Max stat. 2 out of 3. Yeah, I bet that...

Thanks for the comment Max! I hope you keep on playing just like you have...

Linehan's success no accident

Neat article! (Yes, I'm a little biased :) It's been an exciting time to be...

Advertisements