An initiative of the Center for Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder

Photos and videos: Dolores River, September 2020

This page features drone-captured images and videos of the Dolores River in southwest Colorado. The Dolores River begins in the San Juan Mountains and travels about 230 miles to meet...

Photos: Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge and Parker Strip

This page feature drone-captured imagery and ground-based photos of Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge and Parker Strip, both located along the Colorado River and the Arizona-California border. The Bill...

Once a showcase of American optimism and engineering, Hoover Dam faces new power generation...

The long-term drying of the American Southwest poses a gathering and measurable threat to hydropower generation in the Colorado River basin. Should Lake Mead, the reservoir formed by Hoover Dam,...
Parks and Wildlife officer photo

Colorado reaches settlement on Chatfield Reservoir environmental water plan

Colorado water officials have reached a settlement removing one of the last barriers to a new water program in Chatfield Reservoir.

Photos: Granite Reef Diversion Dam aerials, June 2023

This page features aerial photos of Arizona's Granite Reef Diversion Dam, along the Salt River near Mesa. Completed in 1908, the dam is only 29 feet high but 1,000 feet long. It was...
The Roaring Fork River seen here on May 24 near the Catherine Store Bridge in Carbondale. Downstream at Glenwood Springs, the river peaked for the season on May 20, early and outside the window of what’s considered normal. CREDIT: HEATHER SACKETT/ASPEN JOURNALISM

Early peak runoff for Western Slope rivers

Snowpack in Colorado is melting earlier than expected due to an increase in dust storm severity.

Dropping reservoirs create ‘green light’ for sustainability on Colorado River

Dropping reservoir levels have opened a window of opportunity for water-management policies that move the river system toward sustainability.

Is ecosystem change in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta outpacing the ability of science to...

A science panel argues for a new approach to make research nimbler and more forward-looking to improve management in the ailing Delta.

Colorado River crisis fails to force deal from states

Dry conditions and federal deadlines not working like in the past
Colorado distiller photo 1

Colorado distillers, builders and restaurateurs get water savvy this Earth Day

Earth Day offers a chance to highlight some Colorado projects and businesses that are moving the needle on water sustainability.