+.ABOUT +.APPALACHIA +.BRITISH.COLUMBIA +.CURRENT.RIVER +.GREAT.SAND.DUNES +.SVALBARD +.TALLGRASS.PRAIRIE +.WRANGELL +.YAMPA.RIVER
THE YAMPA RIVER
COLORADO
CONSERVATION HISTORY
The Yampa is the last relatively free-flowing major river in the Colorado River Basin. Like many rivers in the region, the Yampa has been negatively impacted by rising temperatures and increased drought. The changing climate has decreased water flow and increased water temperatures. In 2018, for the first time in history, there was a call on the river—water levels in the lower Yampa were so low that users upstream had to reduce or stop their water usage.
These trends will continue to adversely affect the Yampa for the foreseeable future, putting both the health of the river and the local economy at risk.
The Nature Conservancy, with a diverse coalition of organizations, is working to keep the Yampa running strong for decades to come. The Yampa River Fund is a collaborative effort establishing a long-term endowment for this Colorado waterway that so many rely upon.
MY VISIT IN APRIL 2024
The drive from Great Sand Dunes was an absolute pleasure filled with breathtaking views. Being from the East Coast, I found this region to be inspiring photographically which may be due to its extreme differences.
At the campsite and boat launch at the Yampa, I met a man collecting sage to make smudge sticks for the local First Nations incarcerated youth. The man was waiting for some friends to show up who were going to ride the river.
The next morning before sunrise I got a few shots before heading farther inland through Dinosaur National Monument with high-vantage points of the Yampa before it meets up with the Green River. The Monument runs across the Colorado - Utah border and provides stunning perspectives and a huge sense of isolation at this time of the season. After driving for a few hours off-road, I came to the overlook where I spent a few hours photographing the fast-moving clouds. Due to the powdery nature of the dirt, and a potential rain, I decided not to overnight at this location and risk being stuck there for a few days.
I’d love to go back and explore the other overlooks of the Yampa!
SOURCES
“Yampa River Fund”
The Nature Conservancy
LINK TO ARTICLE
IMAGES FROM ON THE ROAD
