Receding Lake Powell waters reveal re-emerging ecosystems in Glen Canyon side canyons
By
Elise Schmelzer
Summary
As drought conditions cause Lake Powell's water levels to drop dramatically, submerged side canyons like Davis Gulch in Glen Canyon are re-emerging after decades underwater. The receding reservoir reveals both dead trees from the original flooding and new life sprouting in the mud, creating what experts describe as "ecological time travel." The article explores the environmental transformation, the return of native vegetation and wildlife, and the broader implications of the Colorado River drought crisis on the Glen Canyon region.
Source
bskyReceding Lake Powell waters reveal re-emerging ecosystems in Glen Canyon side canyonsdenverpost.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledHiking the side canyons is like going through ecological time travel.
The tops of trees, dead since Lake Powell's levels rose decades ago, poked through mud and ooze at the silent mouth of Davis Gulch.
The silence of the canyon mouth was replaced by the soft rush of a creek, bird songs, and the constant cacophony of dragonflies and gnats.
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