From Colorado Mesa University (Hannah Holm) via the Glenwood Springs Post Independent:
On Nov. 6-7, water experts and users from around Colorado and other states in the Colorado River Basin will converge on Colorado Mesa University for the third annual Upper Colorado River Basin Water Conference.
The theme of the conference is “Sharing Experiences Across Borders,” and it will provide an opportunity for the exchange of fresh information and fresh ideas on how to address our region’s water challenges.
Regional water leaders will explain how they are planning to address increased demands on dwindling water supplies and discuss whether changes are needed in how water is allocated between states. Scientists will present new insights on what river and stream flows could look like in the future, as well as relate how the weather systems that caused catastrophic flooding on the Front Range in September affected our side of the mountains. Farmers will talk about some of the challenges they face related to environmental issues, and examples will be given of how stream and habitat restoration has been accomplished at the Moab mill tailings site and on ephemeral streams in Colorado’s high country. Literary and historic perspectives on water in the West will also be offered.
Some of the high-profile speakers will include:
Keynote speaker James Eklund, director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board
Dan McCool, University of Utah political science professor and author of the 2012 book “River Republic: The Fall and Rise of Americas Rivers”
Sandy Fabritz-Whitney, director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources
Eric Kuhn, general manager of the Colorado River District
In addition to listening to formal presentations, participants will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with each other and learn about participants’ projects and experiences.
The conference will be held in the University Center on CMU’s campus. It begins at 8 a.m. and continues until late in the afternoon both days, with an evening reception on Nov. 6. The full program, registration and lodging information can be found at http://www.coloradomesa.edu/watercenter.
The public is welcome to participate in this conference. The conference fee of $140 includes breakfast and lunch both days, as well as the reception. One-day and student rates are also available, and CMU students and employees can attend for no charge. A limited number of scholarships are also available for those who would otherwise not be able to attend. For more information, check the website, email watercenter@coloradomesa.edu or call the Water Center at CMU at 970-248-1968.