By Elaine Chick
Our water supply cannot continue to meet all the current and future demands. As we continue to face severe water shortages affecting agricultural producers, the environment, recreation, and municipalities in southwest Colorado, it will be important to put our efforts towards a concerted, collective action to ensure there will be enough water for everyone in the very near future.
In January, the Colorado Water Conservation Board approved the 2023 Colorado Water Plan to work on Colorado’s most critical water challenges. Colorado’s water future faces increased challenges from climate change, population growth and changing water demands. Through communication and collaboration, organizations working together can accomplish goals they couldn’t reach working in isolation. Come join us for a full day of in-depth discussions on seeking common ground in securing a better water future for Coloradans.
As we face an uncertain hydrologic future, local water champions are tackling shortage from every angle to ensure a resilient future for our communities. Colorado’s water challenges impact everyone from entire river basins to individuals. SWCD’s 39th Southwest Water Seminar will discuss these challenges, strategies, and new possibilities under the umbrella of the theme “Seeking Common Ground in Crisis.” Panel discussions convened will look at this topic from a local, statewide and regional level.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and engage in the conversation with our diverse range of expert presenters on Friday, March 31, from 8:00am to 4:00pm at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio. Everyone with an interest in water is welcome to attend.
The Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) was established by the Colorado legislature in 1941 to protect, conserve, use and develop the waters in the San Juan and Dolores River basins, and safeguard for Colorado all waters of the basin to which the state is entitled. Since 1981, SWCD has held the seminar to bring together members of other water districts, water users, tribal representatives, environmental advocates, recreation enthusiasts, and many interested citizens to discuss hot topics in water management. In recent years, the seminar has seen record attendance — an indication of the growing interest and importance of water resources to the public in southwestern Colorado.
To register in-person for $50, visit this website before March 29.
Walk-in registration may not be available if advance registration reaches capacity. Cost at the door will be $60.
For more information about SWCD, please visit http://swwcd.org/about-us.
Elaine Chick is SW Basin Roundtable PEPO Liaison.