Lake Mead is Screwed

Lake_mead_july_2009
Most of us know that Lake Mead's waters are really, really low, but to see just how bad the situation actually is, check out these satellite images – the first is from 1985, the second was taken this year:

1985mead 2010mead
1985 2010

The lake is suffering from a combination of natural forces and man mad problems. The lake's levels naturally fluctuate, but a 12 year drought is kicking its ass. The second part is all of the water that is pumped out to Las Vegas and elsewhere exceeds the amount of water flowing in. And the demands are growing.

The scary part is that according to one study the lake could be completely dry in just another decade (here's a link to the study). So the question is: what can we do about it?

Read more:

"Why worry about Lake Mead?" on Boing Boing

I linked to this one before, but it's a good one: Lake Mead on GOOD.is

Aug 2010 article in the NY Times about the low waters

Official National Parks Lake Mead page

Tuesday Fishing Video: “Where The Stripers Are” Vintage IGFA Video

You've gotta see it for the narration – a sample:

"I've been hearing about this saltwater fishing up in Massachusetts from my old buddy Larry Cronen, and when Larry asked if I'd like to come north and fish a coupla days for striped bass, well, that's like throwin' an old southern cottontail into a briar patch"

 

I'm posting new videos every Tuesday and Thursday until I get bored or run out. See them all here>

 

Tuesday Fishing Video: Vintage Florida Bass Fishing Footage

"Joan Salvato, housewife and mother, lives in Florida, not far from some very good bass fishing. From tackle demonstrations through to casting lessons, if it has anything to do with fishing it's part of Joan's job – for she is a Garcia Girl, and a Garcia Girl is as much at home with tackle in her hands and an air boat beneath her as she is in a supermarket or on the dance floor."

Spoiler! Ends at the dinner table…

I'm posting new videos every Tuesday and Thursday until I get bored or run out. See them all here>


Tuesday Fishing Video – Fishing Lake Mojave in 1954

This is a great one!

Black and white film footage of fishing Lake Mojave (near Lake Mead) in 1956. Looks to be a promotional film of some sort – full of great details, like the newfangled technology of a spinning reel.

"When a high-flying plane sets down at Las Vegas it's the last place you might look for a fisherman with his rod and reel. yet right here, in the midst of the great American desert, is ne more place where the bass really proves itself as the nations number one freshwater game fish."

I'm posting new videos every Tuesday and Thursday until I get bored or run out. See them all here>


 

Thursday Fishing Video: Big Jumpers Bass – Vintage IGFA Video

"In the world of fishing there are men who seek out the big jumpers as hunters seek out trophies in the animal kingdom…"

This video is from vintage IGFA footage. Not sure the year, but I'd guess from the theme music maybe the early 1960s. I was pleased to see them let the catch go at the end. If anyone knows more about this, please speak up in the comments.

I'm posting new videos every Tuesday and Thursday until I get bored or run out. See them all here>