Climate Change Endangers Beloved Zion National Park
Toxic Cyanobacteria Still With Us After Nearly a Year
It surprises me how few people have heard about what’s happening in one of this nation’s most beloved parks. Zion National Park, which was already at risk of becoming one of the nation’s 25 most endangered parks as a result of climate change despite being a leader in implementing change, now faces a new threat.
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The National Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization put out a Parks in Peril” Report in 2009 stating, “Zion is vulnerable to a loss of ice and snow, a loss of water, more downpours and flooding (when it does rain), a loss of plant communities, a loss of wildlife, a loss of cultural resources, intolerable heat, a loss of fishing, and more air pollution.”
In July 2020, a 5-month old puppy died within hours of playing in the Virgin River which prompted immediate investigations. Scientists have since detected toxic cyanobacteria at alarming levels in the park’s waterways due to algae blooms, a problem they’re continuing to grapple with almost an entire year later. Although some of the danger advisories have been downgraded, officials still warn against swimming or submerging your head underwater in the park.
This is especially heartbreaking since one of my favorite things to do in Zion is hike under the mid-day sun along the Virgin River between tram stops and take a dip in the water to cool off and relax under the shade of the trees along its shores. It’s always the perfect way to beat the summer heat.
Unfortunately, the harmful cyanobacteria have been found in 3 major tributaries within the park – the North Fork of the Virgin River, North Creek and La Verkin Creek. It has even affected hiking through the iconic Narrows since hiking it commits you to wading in water that now puts you at elevated risk.
How Climate Change Contributes to the Problem
With summer temperatures typically reaching 95-110°F, the problem is not expected to go away any time soon. You see, although the algae that produces cyanobacteria is naturally found in fresh water, it thrives as waters heat up. With global warming and rising temperatures, our waterways have become the perfect environment for dangerous blooms.
Cyanobacteria, which produce the cyanotoxin known as anatoxin-a, begin multiplying faster than normal resulting in dangerous levels of this poison which impacts the nervous system. Symptoms of exposure include rash, salivation, drowsiness, tingling, burning, numbness, pain, incoherent speech, seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and even death, especially if ingested.
Photo credit: Liz Harell, Unsplash
Warmer water temperatures also strengthen water stratification where warm surface waters float atop the colder water layers. This stratification can cause the release of additional nutrients stored in sediment at the bottom. This helps the bacteria stay afloat in the warm upper layer further enhancing their ability to multiply at extremely dangerous rates.
This is also a problem because on the surface, the bacteria absorb sunlight easily. Because they use photosynthesis to grow, the increased sunlight combined with increased concentrations of atmospheric carbon dioxide from climate change allow them grow even quicker and flourish.
The impact of climate change is real. We have to work toward reducing heat-trapping gases that are threatening this park and others. Climate change is literally reshaping our world and its devastating effects will have far-reaching consequences for years to come, many of which we probably haven’t even considered yet.
There is one thing for certain, we can expect more of these blooms not only in Zion but across the country in other locations including other national parks, especially if we don’t start doing our part to slow the problem and work toward saving this planet.
Tips for Visiting During the Cyanobacteria Bloom
If you still plan on visiting Zion during this dangerous bloom, here are some tips:
Children are at higher risk than adults. Do not allow them to go in the water or submerge their heads.
Keep dogs on leashes and do not let them near the water. They are extremely vulnerable.
Do not filter any drinking water from any stream in the park until further notice.
Technical canyoneering is permitted with a special permit but use extreme caution and check for updates in status.
Officials warn all visitors not to swim, wade or submerge themselves in the river.
Do not take chances. Be vigilant. Avoid contact with the water if possible.
If you think you’ve been exposed, contact the Utah Poison Control Center at (800) 222-1222.
The park advises that if water conditions change, it will post updates on its website.
For more information on sample locations and other issues, visit the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
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