Friday, June 14, 2002 | 10:13 a.m.
While the Bureau of Reclamation celebrates 100 years of existence with a gala at Hoover Dam Monday, environmental activists are planning to protest the effects that dams have on the ecosystem.
About 30 protesters are expected at Hoover Dam Monday morning, a few hours before Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton, Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner John Keys, Gov. Kenny Guinn and other dignitaries are scheduled to arrive.
Owen Lammers, executive director of Living Rivers, an organization dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems, said his group believes the celebration should be more like a wake.
"Thousands of river miles, critical habitat for endangered species and the cultural heritage of a number of indigenous tribes have all been devastated by the 600 dams that have been constructed in the Western United States," Lammers said.
Dams act as obstacles to the natural flow of rivers and sediment -- which has led to the deterioration of ecosystems in places such as the Grand Canyon, Lammers said.
Lammers plans to have about 30 people and a dump truck full of sediment at the protest to bring attention to what he calls the West's failing river ecosystems.
"Our main focus is on Glen Canyon Dam (a Utah facility that created Lake Powell)," Lammers said.
"It is restricting the flow of sediment into the Grand Canyon, while Hoover Dam is farther down river and not causing these types of problems in a national landmark.
"We'll always have the geology in the Grand Canyon, but the flora and fauna (are) disappearing, and all we'll be left with is a lunar landscape."
Bureau of Reclamation spokesman Barry Wirth acknowledged that dams can hurt ecosystems, but said that dams are very much needed.
"There are 25 million people in seven states that rely on the water that Glen Canyon Dam provides from a river that would otherwise serve only three million people," Wirth said.
The Bureau of Reclamation is experimenting with flow releases designed to replace sediment in the Grand Canyon and build up beaches and areas for plants and animals to thrive, Wirth said.
The protest will be held on the Arizona side of the dam in a parking area, which will be as close as protesters will be permitted because of security precautions.
About 2,000 invited guests are expected, and Bureau of Reclamation Police will work with Metro Police, Nevada Highway Patrol, Arizona Department of Public Safety and the FBI to ensure security at the event.
The portion of U.S. 93 that runs over the dam will be closed to vehicle traffic from noon until midnight Monday, Bureau of Reclamation spokesman Bob Walsh said. Travelers are advised that traffic will be detoured through Laughlin and Searchlight via U.S. 95 and State Route 163.
Norton is expected to give a keynote address at the event, which will also feature a flyover by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, fireworks and a laser show on the face of the dam.
The event is not open to the public.
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