2018 Annual Water Seminar
Friday, September 14
9:00 A.M. – 3:30 P.M.
Two Rivers Convention Center, Grand Junction, CO
“Risky Business on the Colorado River”
The risk of draining a half-full Lake Powell is real. The risk one-third full Lake Mead going lower and triggering big water cutbacks is real. Uncle Sam has told the states to develop drought plans or else the U.S. will do it for them. Speakers and panels from the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Upper Colorado River Commission, the Colorado River District and others will detail current conditions on the river and what the states plan to do about them. Whether you are a toothbrusher, ag producer, angler or rafter, there’s a lot to care about.
Cost is $30 and that includes lunch; $35 at the door. Students are free unless staying for lunch, which is $10
Registration Form
For information, call Meredith at 970-945-8522 or email mspyker@crwcd.org.
Speakers include:
John Entsminger, General Manager, Southern Nevada Water Authority
Amy Haas, the new Executive Director of the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) (invited)
Eric Kuhn, retired Colorado River District General Manager, adviser to the UCRC
Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District
Brenda Burman, Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (invited)
and more . . .
Highlights from the 2017 “Points of No Return”
Agenda and Colorado River District Press Release
Recognized experts presented on tough water issues such as Upper and Lower Basin drought contingency planning, challenges with conservation efforts, degradation of depleted rivers, and more. The record-breaking number of attendees also heard encouraging news about state and basin-wide collaboration efforts. Read, listen and view more via links below.
Program Highlights
Click image to read presentation
SALTON SEA: THE LOWER BASIN’S DROUGHT PLANNING IS CAUGHT IN NOT-SO-QUICK SANDS
Bill Hasencamp, Manager, Colorado River Resources, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Addressed one of the many complexities for the Lower Colorado River Basin by presenting on the challenges of the Salton Sea and the Bay-Delta. Presentation: written synopsis & video footage.
THE UPPER BASIN IS WATCHING
Eric Kuhn, General Manager, Colorado River District
Eric Kuhn, at his last seminar on staff, shared his memoirs and well-studied perspectives. His legacy includes many durable agreements that have brought peace to the once turbulent Colorado River; and spoke on the many lessons learned and of the uncertain future of the water in the west. Presentation: written synopsis & video footage.
LUNCH PROGRAM: “FILL MEAD FIRST?”
Keynoting Dr. Jack Schmidt, Utah State University and former Glen Canyon Monitoring and Research Center Director, gave a critical analysis of a controversial proposal to drain Lake Powell and fill Lake Mead first. Although the proposal is touted as a way to open up the submerged Glen Canyon, reduce evaporation and thereby increase water supply, Schmidt’s analysis raised serious questions about the technical viability. Presentation: written synopsis & video footage.
RETURN FLOWS: IRRIGATION EFFICIENCY GOES UP, THEY GO DOWN
Colorado ranchers, Don Schwindt of Cortez and Bill Trampe of Gunnison were joined by Dave Kanzer of the Colorado River District, to discuss how the move to irrigation efficiency equipment can have both desired benefits and unintended consequences, especially to late season streamflows. Presentation: written synopsis & video footage.
FIXING THE UPPER COLORADO RIVER
Grand County collaborators Paul Bruchez, Mely Whiting and Lurline Curran shared good news about the healthy transformations on the Upper Colorado River. Presentations: written synopsis & video footage.
A RIVER OF WORDS: WHY IS SO MUCH BEING WRITTEN ABOUT THE COLORADO RIVER SYSTEM?
Authors Heather Hansman and Eric Kuhn discussed their respective upcoming books on the Green River and the Colorado River. Presentations: written synopsis & video footage.
A NEW DIRECTOR, THE SAME CHALLENGES AT THE COLORADO WATER CONSERVATION BOARD
Newly named Director Becky Mitchell of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Board members John McClow and Heather Dutton discussed the current water picture and how to move ahead on solving Colorado’s water challenges. Presentations: written synopsis & video of discussions.
