Rivers of Change: Reckoning with the Impacts of Glen Canyon Dam

As Lake Powell reservoir levels dropped, Returning Rapids Project (RRP) emerged in response to visible changes in the whitewater and sediment characteristics on mainstem and tributary corridors of the Colorado and San Juan rivers. The organization brings together those interested in better understanding the speed, scale, and implications of changes occurring in this space, and shares this information for the benefit of effective resource management. Collaborators have included scientists—including those from the University of Utah's Department of Geology & Geophysics—as well as students, journalists, media creators, river runners, policy makers, conservationists, advocates, and more. RRP functions as a project of Glen Canyon Institute (GCI), a science-based advocacy nonprofit dedicated to the restoration of Glen Canyon. Founded in 1996, GCI coordinates with scientists, artists, advocates, and policy makers to support the protection of environmental and cultural resources across this landscape.

Curiosity-driven collaboration has always been at the heart of both RRP and GCI. Rivers of Change provides a forum for multidisciplinary collaborators and members of our extended community to share work with each other, stakeholders, and the public.

Symposium of Current Work (12:30 - 6:00 PM)

FREE - SEATS ARE FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

The afternoon session will include a series of presentations from scientists, artists, and advocates on their current work. Topics span disciplines and geologic time, covering large-scale changes in ecosystem recovery to micro-scale sediment characterization. Others highlight intricate relationships with Glen Canyon and the surrounding area, asking what it means to approach this landscape with hope, curiosity, respect, and responsibility. Please arrive early to secure entry and seating. Detailed schedule to come.

Dinner + Poster and Exhibit Display (6:00 - 7:30 PM)

Food and refreshments will be served in the courtyard alongside a display of science posters, artwork, maps, and photographs. Attendants of both the symposium and film screening are welcome to join. Additional details to come.

Click here for a list of all event presenters and contributors.

What the River Knows Film Screening (7:30 - 9:00 PM)

TICKETED - SEATS ARE $15

The evening will be centered around a screening of What the River Knows, a Good Intentions Paving Co. documentary that explores the reemergence of Glen Canyon from the receding waters of Lake Powell reservoir. Weaving together past and present, What the River Knows reveals a new way forward for the Colorado River. Both RRP and GCI supported the making of this documentary. The event will wrap up with a panel discussion with film participants and topic experts. Additional details to come.

Seats for the Symposium are first come first serve, but people may come and go throughout the day. Tickets are required for the Film Screening.

Photo credits: Will Buckley and Diego Riley, What the River Knows

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