Grand Canyon Named America’s Most Endangered River
When Teddy Roosevelt declared the Grand Canyon a national monument more than a century ago, he famously said: “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve on it. The ages have been at work on it, and man can only mar it.”
Last week, American Rivers named the Grand Canyon America’s Most Endangered River.
The Grand Canyon and the American people have faced down threats of dams and developments over the decades. But as public lands across the West are threatened with being sold to the highest bidder and the Colorado River continues to run dry, the Grand Canyon faces its biggest threat yet—three of them, to be exact, each with a key decision this year. First there is the massive Escalade construction project that would include building a gondola to bring more than 10,000 people to the confluence, the heart of the canyon. Second is the threat of pollution from uranium mining on the north and south rims. And third, if the town of Tusayan expands, vital groundwater supplies could be completely tapped. (Read “Grand Canyon Development Plans Put River on Endangered List.”)
Filmmaker and photographer Pete McBride released a short film to help tell this story and encourage Americans to speak up. We caught up with McBride to get his take on the threats facing the Grand Canyon.
In 2013, you made I am Red, highlighting the Colorado River as America’s Most Endangered River. This year, the Colorado River tops the list again, this time with its Grand Canyon. What does this say about the state of this river basin?
Through my work, I’ve been fortunate to see a lot of the world and its waterways, particularly the Colorado River. One theme that is constant where ever I go is when we ask too much of a limited resource or places of beauty and awe, like the Grand Canyon, they either disappear or change irrevocably. The Colorado River delta, once a vast desert estuary, is a perfect example. It has already vanished. So my fear with today’s development interests in and around the Grand Canyon, is if we aren’t careful, this natural cathedral will change into something different than what we love today.
Over a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt said about the Grand Canyon: “Leave it as it is.” Today, the Grand Canyon faces serious threats that would change it irrevocably. In your own words, what do you think about the development threatening the Grand Canyon?
I am for smart economic growth and for people seeing the wonder of the Grand Canyon—by foot, boat, or mule—but not by means that create lasting, “marring” changes on what the ages perfected.
If you could encourage Americans to do one thing to protect the Grand Canyon, what would it be?
The best way for Americans and others to protect the Canyon—the world’s natural Sistine Chapel if you will—is to share their concerns and speak up for what you love. The public spoke up once before for the Grand Canyon—so loudly that two dams proposed inside the park, were prevented. If folks care and want to see the park left as it is, then they should say so.
I just hope my video helps to inspire a few to speak up for the canyon and the river inside it, one I admire and respect.
To learn more and speak up, please visit americanrivers.org.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- These are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and colorThese are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and color
- Why young scientists want you to care about 'scary' speciesWhy young scientists want you to care about 'scary' species
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
Environment
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
- This beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on NigeriaThis beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on Nigeria
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
History & Culture
- Scientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramidsScientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramids
- This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?
Science
- Why pickleball is so good for your body and your mindWhy pickleball is so good for your body and your mind
- Extreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at riskExtreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at risk
- Why dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a rewardWhy dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a reward
- What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?
- Oral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuriesOral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuries
- How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
- Science
How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
Travel
- A guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadowA guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadow
- How to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplingsHow to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplings
- The best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard ofThe best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard of
- Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- How to explore the highlights of Italy's dazzling Lake ComoHow to explore the highlights of Italy's dazzling Lake Como
- Going on a cruise? Here’s how to stay healthy onboardGoing on a cruise? Here’s how to stay healthy onboard