May 2026
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Telling the Story of a River Under Pressure
Crews work to extend a boat ramp at Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell, where water levels remain low in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on April 30, 2026, in Lake Powell, Utah. Photo: RJ Sangosti | Pilot: Chuck Schroll
The Colorado River supplies water to nearly 40 million people, supports agriculture across the Southwest, and sustains communities, wildlife, and ecosystems throughout the basin. Yet after decades of drought and growing demand, the river remains under immense pressure.
While strong snowpack years in 2024 and 2025 helped stabilize conditions at Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the winter of 2025-2026 brought exceptionally low precipitation across much of the basin, renewing concerns about the river's long-term future.
Helping people understand these challenges is a critical part of finding solutions.
In late April, LightHawk partnered with Denver Post photojournalist RJ Sangosti to document current conditions at Lake Powell and Lake Mead from the air. The flight provided a unique perspective on the scale of the reservoirs and the visible impacts of declining water levels.
Winging Our Way to 50 Flights in 50 Days
Thirty-four flights down, sixteen to go.
As we wrap up the fourth week of the 50 in 50 Challenge, LightHawk volunteer pilots have supported conservation efforts from coast to coast. Each flight is helping partners gather critical information, monitor change, and tell stories that inspire action for wildlife, waterways, and wild places.
Track our progress on the 50 in 50 Challenge Flight Map and help us finish strong by supporting the missions still ahead.
PHOTO OF THE MONTH
Photo: Alix Kaplan | Pilot: Kurt Fischer
The Massachusetts River Alliance is committed to protecting the rivers of Massachusetts. In late April, LightHawk flew with the organization to document river habitat during a water drawdown associated with infrastructure maintenance. The imagery collected is helping support monitoring efforts related to the drawdown and its impacts on the surrounding ecosystem.
Flying over the Connecticut River near Bellows Falls, volunteer pilot Kurt Fischer provided a unique aerial perspective of the river and its adjacent habitats. This month's photo, captured during that flight, highlights the beauty of the Connecticut River as it winds through the Massachusetts landscape.
LIGHTHAWK IN THE NEWS
- What restarting the Duane Arnold power plant tells us about nuclear energy under the Trump administration | Iowa Public Radio
- Water board advances petition for new rules on New Mexico’s oil and gas wastewater | News From The States
- 40% water cut may come with feds’ Colorado River plan; Lake Mead projections show steep drop | MSN.com
- State of Emergency declared for Utah drought after 'no-pack' winter | Accuweather.com
TAKING A LONGER VIEW
Photo: Mark Henle | Pilot: John Priscu
Photos: Mark Erskine | Pilot: Mark Gaponoff
LightHawk’s work doesn’t end with a single flight. It builds over time, informing decisions that protect landscapes, wildlife, and communities.
Some supporters choose to extend their impact through a legacy gift, helping ensure this work continues into the future. If you’re interested in learning more, we’d be glad to start the conversation.