The Colorado River is the sixth longest river in the United States and one of very few “wild” rivers in the lower 48 states. Running through New Mexico, it is one of the most important natural features to maintain in the West for conservation photographer Dave Showalter.
On Friday, March 6, University of New Mexico’s Zimmerman Library hosted Showalter with a panel discussion and presented works from his new book “Living River: The Promise of the Mighty Colorado.”
Showalter doesn’t refer to the river as a resource, but rather a life force.
“When you call a river a resource it sounds like it’s a material that’s meant to be extracted, when it’s really a life force that drives all life around us,” Showalter said.
In 2011, Showalter and his wife began a tradition of climbing Longs Peak on the last day of winter. He noticed one year that there wasn’t enough snowpack to melt and maintain the river valley’s ecosystem. With the amount of water that cities divert and use to serve thousands of people, he and other conservationists began working on restoring the Fraser River.
“If you give the river a nudge, she knows what to do,” Showalter said.
During the talk, Showalter showed photographs of the animals and wildlife that have returned since their revitalization project in the valley.
Starting in 2016, Showalter began documenting the Colorado River in depth. He connected with river keepers, people who lived alongside the river and community members who were organizing to take steps to continue preserving the Colorado River, Showalter said.
Average people can help restore these rivers, Showalter said.
“Go to the river. Take other people with you, take kids, and just try to be present with her,” Showalter said. “You go to the river, you’ll get touched by the river and you’ll know what to do. There are plenty of places to get in touch with conservation groups or however it works in your own life, but it’s really important we know and love the river.”
Camillo Cretara is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
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