Conference stresses collaborative watershed efforts
By Cynthia Peterson, Colorado NPS Connection editor
For the first time, four organizations that work to protect water resources in Colorado sponsored a joint meeting to highlight collaborative watershed initiatives.
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| Rob Buirgy, executive director of the Big Thompson Watershed Forum, announces poster contest to conference participants. Photo by Reagan Waskom |
The Colorado Watershed Assembly, Colorado Watershed Network, Colorado Riparian Association and Central Rockies Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration last month (CeRSER) hosted the “Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference: Science and Restoration through Collaboration.”
Speakers at the conference in Breckenridge underscored the theme by focusing on successful partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Russell George, executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, noting that water is “one of the toughest subjects people can get into,” discussed the state’s role in addressing water supply. He emphasized the collaborative approach taken by the nine basin roundtables, created by House Bill 05-1177, to address local water supply issues.
Rick Brown discussed the Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI). Brown, manager of intrastate water management and development for the Colorado Water Conservation Board, reported on the progress of the technical roundtables formed under Phase II of SWSI. They attempt to break down geographic barriers and explore options related to future water management in Colorado.
Doug Kemper, executive director of the Colorado Water Congress (CWC), spoke about opportunities for “cooperation with limits” in the water arena. While noting that collaboration is often more difficult to sustain than develop, he discussed the CWC’s willingness to explore collaborative water management initiatives. He also said that additional data and strong leadership will be important in creating successful collaborative programs.
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| Keynote speaker, Robert Glennon, discusses issues related groundwater use. Photo by Reagan Waskom |
John Carney, executive director of the nonprofit Colorado Water Trust, discussed the organization’s mission to acquire water rights to be used for conservation benefits. He said the trust, established in 2001, is the only organization of its kind in the state. In addition to purchasing senior water rights to augment the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s instream-flow program, the trust provides technical assistance to local governments and water-based conservation efforts. He said that the trust’s partnerships, local expertise and funding are key elements of success.
The banquet keynote speaker was Robert Glennon. He is the Morris K. Udall Professor of Law and Public Policy at the University of Arizona College of Law and author of “Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping and the Fate of America's Fresh Waters.” Glennon highlighted ecological changes to riparian systems caused by groundwater pumping. He outlined the various forces leading to over-reliance on groundwater sources and suggested innovative approaches to address the resulting complex problems.
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| Barb Horn, Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council co-chair, describes the Colorado Data Sharing Network. |
Breakout sessions were offered on two tracks. The Collaboration in Watershed Planning and Health track included water quality assessments and data management tools. The Restoration Planning and Science track highlighted case studies and community-based restoration efforts.
In addition, a capacity-building workshop was offered to conference attendees, as were two field trips: one to mining remediation sites and another to view best management practices for reducing sedimentation from roads.
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