Ecosystem Thrives at Lake Powell

We are going through a drought cycle here in the West, but Lake Powell is doing exactly what it was designed to do--store water in dry years and regulate flooding in wet years (“A Desert Resurrection,� by Wade Graham, July 20). It is nowhere near drying up. The lake is a wonderful, fully functioning ecosystem, and Glen Canyon still exists and is thriving.

While there are many fascinating sandstone features under water, there are many more above water. Species that call Lake Powell home include wild burros, bighorn sheep, deer, mountain lions, bobcats, beavers, rabbits, coyotes, mice, bats, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas and a wide variety of birds. The plant life is impressive too. There are hanging gardens of verdant ferns and mosses in virtually every canyon.

Tiffany Mapel

Via the Internet