A Changing Dolores River: A Conversation with DRBA and Jonathan Thompson

Over the past several decades, the Dolores River has seen rapid changes spanning from the construction of McPhee Reservoir, incredible rain events that have changed river features, mega-drought that is pushing an already modest river to it's limits, and now, the Ferris Fire, which burned several miles of the iconic Ponderosa Gorge.

The event will begin with a meet-and-greet and happy hour at 6pm at The Powerhouse in Durango. At 6:30pm, we will kickoff with an introduction to Dolores River Boating Advocates and a short film about the evolution of Snaggletooth Rapid. Following, Jonathan Thompson will give an exciting presentation about the history of the Dolores River, provide personal anecdotes during times of ample water, and how the Dolores ties into the story of the larger Colorado River. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by the stories flowing from the river itself!

The event is $10 (plus a small Eventbrite fee) and there will be a cash bar (cards accepted as well) at the venue. RSVP is required!

Jonathan Thompson is an award-winning freelance author, journalist and editor who grew up in southwest Colorado. He writes about the land, culture and communities of the American West with an emphasis on energy development, pollution, land-use politics and economics. He is the author of two books: The River of Lost Souls: The Science, Politics, and Greed Behind the Gold King Mine Spill and Sagebrush Empire: Journey into the heart of the public land wars. He has a long history as editor and contributor to High Country News. He is currently publishes The Land Desk on Substack, an in-depth newsletter about the intersection of humanity and landscapes in the West.