Martin Litton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Litton
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Martin Litton. Palo Alto, California. September 2009
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| Born | February 13, 1917 |
| Died | November 30, 2014 (aged 97) Palo Alto, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | River runner, environmental activist, editor |
| Known for | Opposition to the Glen Canyon Dam |
Martin Litton (February 13, 1917 – November 30, 2014) was an American environmental activist. He was also known as a brave river runner. Litton spent much of his life fighting to protect wild rivers. He was especially famous for opposing the building of the Glen Canyon Dam. This dam would have changed a beautiful part of the Colorado River forever.
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Martin Litton: A Champion for Rivers
Who Was Martin Litton?
Martin Litton was born in California on February 13, 1917. He grew up loving nature and adventure. He became an editor, which means he worked with written materials. But his real passion was protecting the environment. He believed that wild places should stay wild.
Litton was also a skilled river runner. This means he explored rivers, often using rafts or boats. He knew the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River very well. He loved these places deeply. His experiences on the river made him want to protect them even more.
Protecting the Colorado River
The Colorado River is one of the most important rivers in the southwestern United States. It flows through many states and beautiful canyons. For a long time, people have built dams on rivers. Dams are large walls built across a river. They create a lake behind them. Dams can help control floods and provide water for cities and farms. They can also generate electricity.
However, dams also change rivers a lot. They can flood canyons and change the natural flow of water. In the 1950s, there was a plan to build the Glen Canyon Dam. This dam would have flooded a huge, beautiful canyon called Glen Canyon. Many people thought it was a bad idea.
Litton's Fight Against the Dam
Martin Litton was one of the strongest voices against the Glen Canyon Dam. He argued that flooding Glen Canyon would destroy a natural wonder. He believed that some places were too special to be changed by humans. He wrote articles and spoke out against the dam. He also led river trips to show people the beauty of Glen Canyon. He wanted them to see what would be lost.
Even though Litton and others fought hard, the Glen Canyon Dam was built. It was finished in 1966. The dam created Lake Powell, which covered Glen Canyon. This was a sad moment for many environmentalists.
His Lasting Legacy
Even though the Glen Canyon Dam was built, Martin Litton's fight was not in vain. His efforts helped to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wild places. Because of his work and the work of others, people started to think more about how dams affect the environment.
Litton continued to be an important voice for conservation for the rest of his life. He inspired many people to care about rivers and nature. He showed that one person can make a big difference by speaking up for what they believe in.
Martin Litton passed away at his home in Palo Alto, California, on November 30, 2014. He was 97 years old. He is remembered as a true champion for America's wild rivers.
