Author and journalist Jonathan Thompson presented in the Colorado Mesa University Center Ballroom on April 24 at 6:30 p.m.
The event included a reception prior to the presentation, an open bar with beverages provided by Palisade Brewing and refreshments available in the ballroom, information tables and a slideshow to accompany the discussion.
The Hutchins Water Center invited the author and hosted “An Evening with Jonathan Thompson.” Representatives of multiple associations spoke at the beginning of the presentation, which was co-hosted by the Colorado Canyons Association, the Grand Valley Audubon and RiversEdge West.
The event was attended by both community members and students and was free to the public.
Nico Ortega for The Criterion 
Nico Ortega for The Criterion
Thompson presented on the topic of his book “River of Lost Souls,” the Gold King Mine disaster that polluted the Animas River. Photos of the river and operations surrounding it provided visuals for the presentation.
“It makes a lot of sense to be in Grand Junction because this is the end of this particular watershed that starts in the San Juans near where the Gold King Mine happened,” Thompson said. “Grand Junction has also been impacted by mining for over a century.”
The presentation centered around the logistics of the disaster — the different pollutants, how the disaster occurred and how it affected the river.
He also discussed how quickly the pollution occurred, showcasing a photo of a group of kayakers on the river who were unaware of why the water was shifting colors.
Nico Ortega for The Criterion 
Nico Ortega for The Criterion
“Of course, water is important,” Thompson said. “I like to give people the context […] trying to educate people about that, talk about history, and hopefully figure out ways to learn from our mistakes.”
Copies of “River of Lost Souls” were also available for purchase at the event, and Thompson signed books during the reception. Guests could interact personally with Thompson at his table.
The next event hosted by the CMU Hutchins Water Center will be the Mesa County State of the Rivers Meeting on May 14 in the UC Ballroom.
