Meanwhile, we continue to learn how to minimize the impacts of the Glen Canyon Dam on the dynamic ecosystems of the Colorado River. Taking an innovative step like the Glen Canyon Dam controlled flood does not come without a price. The GCES effort has been an investment in the future. A large amount of time, power-revenue dollars and scientific research has gone into this project. The real value of this investment will be seen if dam managers elsewhere use the information and apply it to improved management for their dams.
Ecological processes are dynamic and generally predictable.
What we have learned below Glen Canyon Dam can and should be applied to other dams and impacted rivers. Restoration and rejuvenation of water systems requires an aggressive integration of scientists, dam and river managers, resource managers, politicians, affected people and the public.