This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
When you think about the Colorado River, it's likely in connection with one of the nine national parks and recreation areas defined by the river, including Arches and Canyonlands national parks, Dinosaur National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
These natural wonders also spur economic success. For the past 40 years, counties adjacent to national parks in the Colorado River basin have outperformed the nation 3-7 times, in terms of population, employment and per-capita income.
The Bureau of Reclamation's Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study analyzed water demand and supply scenarios for the Colorado River basin through 2060. This study is crucial to understanding the future for the basin's cities, agriculture, hydropower, recreation and environment. Yet the national parks received inadequate attention.
Our national parks must be an important part of future discussions about the management of the Colorado River. Let your voice be heard before the April 19 deadline for public comments.
Attend a March 25 public meeting, 1-4 p.m., Utah Division of Water Resources, Room 1040, 1594 W. North Temple. Email: ColoradoRiverBasinStudy@usbr.gov.
David Nimkin Southwest region director National Parks Conservation Association
Salt Lake City