A Reflection by ACE EPIC Member Christine Dyer
When I first joined American Conservation Experience (ACE) as a Fisheries Technician with the National Park Service’s Grand Canyon Fisheries Program in 2022, I knew I was stepping into a role that would challenge me both physically and mentally. What I didn’t expect was just how much the experience would spark my passion for protecting native fish species in one of the most iconic landscapes in the world.
Over multiple ACE terms, I worked on a variety of projects that all shared one goal: managing the health of the Grand Canyon’s aquatic ecosystems. Much of the work I did took place in Bright Angel Creek, where we used multiple-pass depletion electrofishing to remove nonnative trout species, giving native fish a fighting chance. This work was physically demanding. We hiked up to 10 miles a day carrying heavy packs with scientific gear, navigated rugged terrain, and spent long hours in cold water, but every native fish we saw thriving made it worth it.
My ACE service also took me into some of the Grand Canyon’s most remote and spectacular tributaries, such as Havasu Creek. There, I helped monitor populations of Humpback Chub, Razorback Sucker, Flannelmouth Sucker, Bluehead Sucker, and Speckled Dace using hoop netting and mark-recapture techniques. These efforts allowed us to track population trends, evaluate the success of translocation projects, and guide future conservation decisions.
On the mainstem Colorado River near Lee’s Ferry and Marble Canyon, I participated in boat-based electrofishing and seine netting surveys to monitor native and nonnative fish populations. These projects provided valuable insight into how dam operations, seasonal flows, and habitat changes shape the river’s ecosystem.
Beyond the fieldwork, what stood out most about my time with ACE was the collaboration. I worked alongside National Park Service biologists, technicians, and fellow conservation corps members, all united by a shared commitment to protecting native fish and the waters they called home. I also learned the importance of public outreach, taking time to explain our work to visitors we met along the river to help foster understanding and support for these conservation efforts.
This season, our work faces an unexpected challenge. The Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim had already caused devastating ecological impacts, and its aftermath threatens the Bright Angel Creek watershed where much of our restoration work takes place. Sedimentation, debris flows, and flash flooding risk undoing years of progress. It is a stark reminder of how fragile these ecosystems are and why this work matters so much.
My time with ACE has been more than just a job. It has been an opportunity to contribute to the recovery of species on the brink, to learn from skilled mentors, and to connect deeply with the landscapes I hope to protect for the rest of my career. Even in the face of challenges like wildfire, I am committed to carrying this mission forward, wherever the river leads.
