Colorado Drought Documentary To Make Denver Debut Tuesday

DENVER (CBS4) - Drought is a part of life in a land-locked and semi-arid state like Colorado.

Because we're located several hundred miles from the nearest major body of water, we depend on weather patterns to transport moisture into the central Rockies.

When those patterns don't materialize, in this case for a few years in a row, people and the land suffer.

That's what happened in southeast Colorado over the past few years.

In fact, the drought was one of the worst to hit since the Dust Bowl of the 1930's.

After months with little to no rain, with each breath of wind that kicked up, dust and debris became airborne.

In many places the winds significantly altered the landscape and changed lives forever.

(credit: Droughtland)

"Droughtland" is a 45 minute documentary about life over the past few years in southeast Colorado.

It profiles long-time residents who speak about what drought means to their families and small towns that make up the Rocky Mountain west.

The film, produced by local radio host Steffan Tubbs, will make its Denver debut on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

There will be a reception at 5 p.m. followed by a special screening at 6 p.m. and both events are free and open to the public.

For more information you can visit the Droughtland website or follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.