Drought-driven drop in Lake Powell levels reveals ecological rebirth in Glen Canyon side canyons
By
Elise Schmelzer
Summary
As Lake Powell's water levels drop due to drought, previously submerged side canyons like Davis Gulch in Glen Canyon are re-emerging, revealing a remarkable ecological recovery. The article describes how plant life—from small greenery to towering oaks—is returning to areas that were underwater for decades after the reservoir was created. Eric Balken of the Glen Canyon Institute describes hiking these canyons as "ecological time travel," witnessing the rebirth of ecosystems that had been drowned by the reservoir.
Source
Key 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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