Colorado, a state renowned for its stunning landscapes and vital water resources, faces increasing challenges in a changing climate. The year 2024 brings renewed focus on these critical issues, as highlighted in recent discussions and presentations by leading experts. Understanding the evolving climate and ensuring sustainable water management are paramount for Colorado’s future. This article delves into key themes discussed by Colorado’s foremost authorities on climate and water, offering insights into the state’s current situation and the path forward.
Morning Session: Understanding Colorado’s Water Landscape
The morning sessions provided a foundational understanding of Colorado’s climate and water resources, setting the stage for deeper discussions on challenges and solutions.
Part 1: Climate and River Dynamics
- Climate in Colorado – Then and Now: State Climatologist Russ Schumacher, Director of the CSU Climate Center, presented an analysis of Colorado’s climate history and current trends. This session likely explored historical climate patterns, recent shifts, and the implications for water availability in 2024 Colorado and beyond. Understanding these changes is crucial for effective water resource management.
- Streamflow and Storage: Dave “DK” Kanzer, Director of Science and Interstate Matters at the Colorado River District, discussed the vital aspects of streamflow and water storage in the region. This presentation likely covered current streamflow conditions, reservoir levels, and the importance of these factors for water users across Colorado. The health of Colorado’s rivers and storage capacity directly impacts water security in 2024 and the coming years.
- State of the River District: Andy Mueller, General Manager of the Colorado River District, provided an overview of the current state of the River District. This session likely addressed key issues facing the district, including water supply challenges, management strategies, and ongoing projects. Understanding the River District’s perspective is essential for grasping the broader water resource picture in 2024 Colorado.
Part 2: Water Rights, Agriculture, and Generational Impacts
The second part of the morning session focused on crucial aspects of water rights, the importance of agriculture, and the future implications of water curtailment.
- Shoshone Water Right Preservation: Moderated by Lindsay DeFrates, Deputy Director of Public Relations for the Colorado River District, this panel featured David Payne (Ute Water), Merrit Linke (Grand County Commissioner and Rancher), Bart Miller (Western Resource Advocates), and Ken Murphy (Adventure Outdoors). The discussion centered on the preservation of Shoshone water rights, a critical issue for water management in Colorado. This session likely explored the complexities of water rights, their importance for various stakeholders, and strategies for preservation in 2024 Colorado and beyond.
- The Importance of Irrigated Agriculture: Dan Keppen, Executive Director of the Family Farm Alliance, highlighted the critical role of irrigated agriculture in Colorado. This presentation likely emphasized the economic and social significance of agriculture, the water needs of this sector, and the challenges it faces in a changing climate. Agriculture’s water use is a key consideration in Colorado’s water planning for 2024 and future years.
- Generational Fields: Water Curtailment and the Future of Agriculture: Moderated by Zane Kessler, Director of Government Relations for the Colorado River District, this panel included Robert Sakata (Colorado Department of Agriculture), Marc Catlin (Colorado House District 58 Representative), and Cleave Simpson (Colorado State Senate District 6 and Rio Grande Water Conservation District). This session addressed the pressing issue of water curtailment and its potential impacts on the future of agriculture across generations in Colorado. Discussions likely revolved around strategies for adapting to reduced water availability and ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in 2024 Colorado and long-term.
Afternoon Session: Navigating Crisis and Adapting for the Future
The afternoon sessions shifted focus to crisis scenarios, historical lessons, and adaptation strategies for a hotter and drier climate in Colorado.
Part 1: Lake Powell and Historical Perspectives
- Life After Dead Pool: Crisis and Opportunity at Lake Powell: Zak Podmore, author and journalist, discussed the critical situation at Lake Powell and potential opportunities arising from this crisis. This session likely explored the implications of declining water levels at Lake Powell, the risks of reaching “dead pool,” and potential solutions for water management in the Colorado River Basin, relevant to Colorado’s water future in 2024.
- Down to the Wire: Does History Repeat Itself? Moderated by Dave Kanzer, this panel included Russell Callejo (Bureau of Reclamation), Taylor Hawes (The Nature Conservancy), and Lorelei Cloud (Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council & CWCB Director). The discussion examined historical water management challenges and asked whether history is repeating itself in the current context. This session likely drew lessons from past water crises to inform current decision-making and strategies for 2024 Colorado.
Part 2: State and Municipal Adaptation Strategies
The final session focused on the roles of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and municipal water providers in adapting to the evolving climate.
- CWCB and the West Slope: Lauren Ris, Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board, presented on the CWCB’s initiatives and focus on the West Slope of Colorado. This session likely detailed state-level strategies for water management, conservation efforts, and projects aimed at addressing water challenges in the West Slope region, crucial for Colorado’s overall water security in 2024.
- Municipal Water Providers Adapt to a Hotter/Drier Climate: Moderated by Amy Moyer, Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Colorado River District, this panel featured Matt Langhorst (City of Glenwood Springs), Nina Waters (Summit County Commissioner), and Preston Neill (Town of Ridgway). This session explored how municipal water providers are adapting to the impacts of a hotter and drier climate in Colorado. Discussions likely included strategies for water conservation, infrastructure upgrades, and ensuring reliable water supplies for communities across Colorado in 2024 and beyond.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Path Forward for 2024 Colorado
The discussions highlighted the urgent need for proactive and collaborative approaches to water management in 2024 Colorado. From understanding climate trends to adapting municipal strategies, the insights shared by these experts provide a valuable roadmap for navigating the challenges and securing a sustainable water future for Colorado. Addressing these complex issues requires ongoing dialogue, innovative solutions, and a commitment to responsible water stewardship across all sectors in Colorado.
