WSC Presents 35th Annual Colorado Water Workshop, July 21-23
Western State College of Colorado (WSC) will host its 35th Annual Colorado Water Workshop from July 21 to 23 at the College Center. A separate, two-day seminar, “Colorado Water Law in a Nutshell,” also will be presented on July 20 and 21.
The workshop theme is “Scarcity, Conflict and Cooperation: Meeting Future Demands Through Innovation Today.” Topics cover a range of pressing issues including connections between societal collapse and dwindling water resources; the relationship between urbanization, suburbanization, population growth and water; climate change and our uncertain water future; models for cooperative problem solving; technological solutions; and aligning policy with reality.
Speakers represent perspectives from the private sector, non-profit organizations, government agencies and academic institutions. Among the presenters are representatives from Colorado Water Conservation Board , U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Institute, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Colorado state legislature, Tamarisk Coalition, Energy Fuels, AMEC Earth and Environmental, ERO Resources Corporation, Leonard Rice Engineers, and regional and municipal water authorities.
“The Colorado Water Workshop is a venue to effectively bring together visions and perceptions on water issues in Colorado and to do so in a civil manner with an open exchange of ideas and opinions,” noted Jeff Sellen, director of the Colorado Water Workshop.
In addition to presentations, panel and roundtable discussions, the workshop includes a wine and cheese reception at the Gunnison Arts Center, People’s Keynote and Banquet. Held in conjunction with the banquet, the People’s Keynote highlights the voices of “everyday” Coloradoans. Sharing their differing views on Colorado’s water future will be: Rio de la Vista of the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust; Eric Leaper of the National Organization for Rivers; Gunnison rancher Ken Spann; and Greg Trainor of the Utility and Street Systems for Grand Junction.
The workshop cost is $295. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.
In addition to workshop panels, a separate 8-hour seminar on Colorado water law will be available. Presented by Aaron Clay, an attorney from Delta, the seminar will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. This course is accredited by the Colorado Real Estate Commission and the Colorado Well Drillers’ Licensing Board for continuing education credit. The seminar cost is $55. Space for this water law seminar is limited.
A detailed list of speakers and presentations, registration forms and additional information is available at www.western.edu/co-water-workshop. For questions or assistance, contact Donna Holden at dholden@western.edu or (970) 943-7011.
