River of Contrasts: The Texas Colorado

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgments Five years ago, upon hearing about my Colorado River explorations, Shannon Davies told me, “That sounds like a book.” With her encouragement and guidance, I embarked upon an extraordinary journey. Her unflagging enthusiasm , advice, and support buoyed me even when I faltered. Thank you. The easy generosity of the people I have met along the river continues to amaze me. For every person mentioned in the book, easily a dozen others contributed stories, history, contacts, interest, and hospitality. River people invited me to their ranches, their homes, and into their lives. This book would be nothing without their stories. I am deeply indebted to the biologists, bird watchers, botanists, ecologists, farmers, fishermen, geographers, geologists, historians, hydrologists, kayakers , ranchers, writers, zoologists, and friends who contributed to my understanding of the river, its history, functions, and needs. I specifically want to acknowledge the many Colorado River Municipal Water District and Lower Colorado River Authority employees who cheerfully answered my questions about their work and the river. The encouragement of my family and my friends kept me going and made this project a heck of a lot more fun. My sister, Frances Sharp, contributed daily with her patient listening and perceptive responses. Jeffrey Greene recognized my love of language long ago and encouraged me to write. My aunt, Mary Weiss, bolstered my flagging energy with her joy of life and love of science . My brother Chris, and my nephews, Eli and Gabe, reminded me just how much fun it is to fish for bream, get muddy, and find cool stuff with nets. My stepdad, J. David Bamberger, is a continual source of inspiration and proof that one person can make a positive difference in the world. My mom shared this journey with me when she could and when unable, eagerly awaited reports from the field. Her skills as a naturalist and her experiences as an environmental activist and educator profoundly influenced the project. Jason Sharp provided much needed camaraderie as well as assistance with the xvi Acknowledgments research. Milton Burton’s wit and insight were invaluable; David Haynes’ tactful trimming of extraneous punctuation was crucial; Priscilla and Jeremiah Jarvis made this a better book with their careful reading and responses; and Kay Queen and Doran Williams generously loaned me their Marfa adobe as a hideaway. Kevin Anderson and his thoughtful conversations provoked me into thinking about the river in new ways. Rusty Ray’s enthusiasm and knowledge about soil conservation inspired me and reminded me that everything starts from the ground up. Dick and Joanne Bartlett and the Thinking Like a Mountain Foundation earned my eternal gratitude for giving me a desert sanctuary to think about water and the river exactly when I needed it. Thanks to Tom Druecker and Margie Simpson of Slugfest Printmaking Workshop in Austin for creating such a dandy place to make art. Sandrine Molnar and Daniella Valero deserve special acknowledgment for their talent and help with the artwork. Sandrine’s artistry greatly improved the maps. Without question, my husband Bill deserves the ultimate recognition for making this book possible. Over the five years I have worked on this project he has proved his enduring good nature time and again. With humor and patience , he has tolerated the researching, frequent absences, and distraction of the writing process. Above all, I simply could not ask for a better companion on the river or off. A final doff of the hat goes to all the individuals and groups—past, present , and future—who devote their time and energy to protecting and preserving the Colorado River of Texas. Thank you. River of Contrasts xviii chapter 1 Early฀Spring฀in฀the฀Basin ...