Help us reach our goal — Donate Now

Glen Canyon Institute

Donate

Submit your public comment by sending an email to the Bureau of Reclamation

The public comment period is open through March 2nd, 2026

We encourage you to use this template as a guideline. In addition to these recommendations, please take a moment to personalize your comment based on your own experiences and connection to the river. A unique comment will stand out to the Bureau and will better communicate to decision makers your individual care for Glen Canyon and the Colorado River.

To: crbpost2026@usbr.gov

Subject: Post-2026 Draft EIS Public Comment

To whom it may concern,

I’m writing to comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Post-2026 Operational Guidelines and Strategies for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. This Draft fails to meet its stated purpose and need, as it ignores options that would provide operational flexibility and environmental benefits.

Specifically, the new Colorado River guidelines must:

  1. Analyze river-level bypass of Glen Canyon Dam to ensure naturalized flows through the Grand Canyon, continue Glen Canyon’s ecological restoration, and provide maximum operational flexibility in the system. The dam has become a liability preventing water from flowing downstream. Failing to study river-level bypass needlessly limits options for the river, its users, and its ecosystems.
  2. Study a “Fill Mead First” option, prioritizing water storage in Lake Mead before Powell. Today’s hydrology does not support filling both Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Given this reality, it doesn’t make sense to continue needlessly drowning the national park-caliber canyons in Glen. Analyzing different variations of a one-reservoir option would benefit the ecosystems and management of the entire Basin.  
  3. Acknowledge the extensive emerging resources in Glen Canyon. In the years since Lake Powell reservoir has declined, there has been an amazing reemergence of wonders like Cathedral in the Desert and Gregory Natural Bridge, as well as vital riparian ecosystems, cultural sites, and new recreation opportunities. These resources must be given equal value to other resources across the Basin.
  4. Require curtailment plans from each state, and prohibit new non-Tribal diversions. Federal agencies must take the supply and demand crisis seriously, imploring each state to produce plans to reduce demand. These agencies should also put a moratorium on new water diversions, with the exception of Tribes with senior water rights.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Thank you for taking the time to advocate for the restoration of Glen Canyon and a healthy Colorado River! Your voice is essential to help communicate to the Bureau of Reclamation the value of Glen Canyon and its continued restoration.