Contact:   Nancy Dallett, Project Coordinator
December 12, 2001
Arizona Humanities Council
602.257.0335 ext. 23
ndallett@aol.com  

 

MOVING WATERS           RADIO DOCUMENTARY           FACT SHEET

WHAT: A six part radio documentary is being created for Moving Waters: The Colorado River & the West, a project of the seven state humanities councils of the seven western states of the Colorado River basin.  The series will examine the ecosystem of the watershed, trace the "plumbing" of the river, and explore the historical and cultural connections between the river and the region. 

WHEN: December, 2001 - July, 2002

HOW:  Six 30 minute radio programs will be created and aired on public radio stations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.  Over 50 interviews including geologists, historians, ecologists, ranchers, farmers, water lawyers, Native Americans, engineers, public officials, storytellers and writers have been conducted.

WHY:  Despite its nearly invisible presence through much of the western U.S., the Colorado River, with its massive drainage system, provides the lifeblood for the American West.  This intricate watershed is plumbed to the last drop, providing water for distant cities and western economies of ranching, mining, farming, high technology and tourism. By focusing on the Colorado River, listeners will learn how the river defines the West and gain insight into how the river determines the future of the region.

WHO:  The radio series is being produced by Jack Loeffler, a producer, writer and bio-regional aural historian.  A resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mr. Loeffler has extensive experience in producing radio documentaries on the culture, environment and  natural and human history of the West.

A sample of the fascinating people interviewed include:

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