Last Wild River: A Beacon for a Changing West

As I joined a group of near-strangers on the banks of the Yampa River in mid-May, unease settled over me. This was no ordinary river trip; it was a journey to preserve one of the last free-flowing rivers in the American west. The Yampa’s fate is intertwined with that of the Colorado River basin, which supplies water to over 40 million people across seven states and parts of Mexico.

The statistics are daunting: the Colorado River is drastically overdrawn, with enormous cuts needed to bring the basin back from the brink. Negotiators have blown through deadlines and remain mired in disagreements over how to manage this essential waterway in a warming and drying west. This year’s devastatingly low snowpack and historically hot spring have added even more strain, casting the system into uncharted territory.

The Yampa stands out as an anomaly – it’s one of the few rivers in the basin that still follows its natural cycle, left to ebb and flow with the seasons. However, this freedom is precarious, and its future hangs precariously in the balance. The oil shale industry, growing communities on the Front Range, and farmers affected by the system-wide crunch have all had their sights set on its waters.

Climate change has taken a toll – flows have roughly declined by a quarter over the last century. This winter’s record-breaking warmth is just another symptom of a larger issue. As Kent Vertrees, an advocate with Friends of the Yampa, noted, “The bullseye will always be on the Yampa’s back.” It’s no wonder that guides like him have spent years paddling people who can help determine its future through its stunning rock cathedrals and whitewater rapids.

The Colorado River basin is not just a vital source of water for human consumption; it also provides critical habitat for over 150 threatened or endangered species. The Yampa, as an important tributary to the Colorado, plays a crucial role in maintaining this balance. By protecting its unclaimed flows, we’re essentially bolstering the entire system.

The trip itself was a masterclass in showcasing the Yampa’s significance. As we navigated through Dinosaur National Monument, the group marveled at the river’s wild beauty – from the rugged wilderness to the vibrant history etched into the surrounding cliffsides. We witnessed firsthand the importance of preserving these wild places, not just for their aesthetic value but for the role they play in maintaining ecological balance.

One of the most striking aspects of this journey was the way it brought people together. As we huddled close in turbulent weather and learned to paddle as a unit, respect and understanding grew among us. This is precisely what advocates like Lindsey Marlow, executive director of Friends of the Yampa, aim for: “Everyone comes to this environment to enjoy it, but then it starts to make them open their eyes to a larger world.”

The Colorado pikeminnow, an endangered native fish that can live over 40 years and grow up to 4ft long, depends on the rock-strewn sand bars of the Yampa for spawning. Unrestricted floods in the spring clear channels of vegetation and aid fish migration patterns. The waters fill nearby wetlands, essential nurseries for a multitude of species.

As we emerged from the rapids and into calmer waters, it became clear that this journey was about more than just appreciating natural beauty – it was about recognizing our responsibility to preserve it. The Yampa’s fate is inextricably linked to that of the Colorado River basin, and ultimately, to our own.

The rugged wilderness of Dinosaur National Monument is home to farmers, ranchers, and communities whose lives are intricately tied to the river’s health. The Yampa provides sustenance for the land itself, making it a vital source of water and a critical component in maintaining ecological balance within the Colorado River basin.

Climate change has already taken its toll on the Colorado River basin, with flows declining by a quarter over the last century. This winter’s record-breaking warmth is yet another symptom of a larger issue – one that requires immediate attention and collective action.

The Yampa’s unclaimed flows play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance within the Colorado River basin. By protecting its wild beauty, we’re ultimately bolstering the entire system. As advocates like Kent Vertrees note, “The bullseye will always be on the Yampa’s back.” It’s time to acknowledge this reality and take concrete steps towards preserving our last wild rivers.

As I reflect on my experience on the banks of the Yampa, I’m left with a sense of hope – but also a deep understanding of the challenges that lie ahead. The Colorado River basin is at a critical juncture, and it’s imperative that we recognize the significance of preserving its wild rivers. The Yampa may be one of the last free-flowing rivers in the American west, but its fate serves as a beacon for our collective future.

It’s essential that we can still have wild places like the Yampa River – relics of the past that must be protected for the benefit of generations to come.