Manmade Flood is Tearing Down the Colorado River

In an effort to help improve the ecosystem surrounding the Colorado River, federal officials have begun flooding the Grand Canyon. In the past, before the dams were put up, the Colorado River was not only much murkier, but was warm. This presented a great environment for life to thrive, and helped sustain not only fish populations, but life that grew along the sides of the river. Now with the dams slowing down the flow of the river, it is much colder, and appears very clear to the naked eye.

With the beginning of the flooding on Wednesday morning, the intent is to create more sediment in order to redistribute it through the river and thus the canyon. This will stir up nutrients, and create a system that is hoped to refresh an already struggling ecosystem. CNN has reported that because of damming, the increase of cold water, and the decrease of sediment, that four species of fish have come very close to becoming extinct. They also reported that two others are endangered, including the humpback chub.

The flooding of the river will take place over a three day span, starting from the Glen Canyon Dam that is located on the Arizona-Utah state line. The chief of the Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research was quoted as saying; "Our ultimate purpose is to learn whether or not this is a viable strategy for creating sandbars and habitats for native fish." If successful, this could probably become a regular thing for the dam to do, as the reshaping of the sand and floor of the canyon could prove to be a great stimulant for the local wildlife.

CNN Breaking Story: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/05/grand.canyon.flood.ap/index.html

Fox News Report of Past Flooding: http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/05/grand.canyon.flood.ap/index.html