We are running out of time. Continued delay is itself becoming a dark decision.
Lake Powell remains at historically low levels, and the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam is warming rapidly.
In 2022, river temperatures reached approximately 70°F, killing an estimated 50% of the trout population and severely impacting the businesses that depend on this world-renowned fishery. In 2024 and 2025, those losses were avoided only because cool-water bypass releases through the River Outlet Works kept temperatures below the 65°F threshold where trout begin to experience serious stress.
This year, temperatures are projected to approach 75°F. If that occurs, the collapse of the Lees Ferry trout fishery is not a possibility, it is an expectation.
The science has already been evaluated. The Adaptive Management Work Group, Technical Work Group, and Planning and Implementation Group all recommended implementing the cool-water bypass. The only opposition came from power interests because bypass releases do not generate electricity. That is profit over protection.
For nearly five weeks, those whose livelihoods depend on this river have been told a decision is coming “by the end of the week.” Meanwhile, the river continues to warm. Delay is no longer neutral—it carries consequences.
I respectfully ask that your office urge the Department of the Interior to authorize bypass releases immediately. If that decision has already been made in the negative, then please encourage the Department to say so without further delay. Businesses, guides, lodge owners, and the communities that depend on this fishery deserve the certainty to prepare for what lies ahead.
Every day without a decision is another day closer to losing a resource and point of pride for the state or Arizona that cannot be restored.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for your urgency regarding this matter.