WHAT ARE STATE OF THE RIVER MEETINGS?
State of the River events are hosted each year as an opportunity for our constituents (you) to learn more about West Slope water, the outlook for our rivers, and how the Colorado River District is working to protect our most precious resource.
The Colorado River District works with local partners to bring these events to each river basin across our 15-counties. Each program features experts presenting on current hydrology, how much water we can expect to see in local rivers, ditches, and reservoirs, and up-to-date information about regional, statewide, and local water issues impacting your community.
We all have a vested interest in water, so whether you’re an irrigator, angler, boater, skier, water, or energy provider, be sure to join a State of the River event near you!
State of the River events are free, open to the public, and include dinner. Registration is recommended to secure your spot as seating and food may be limited.
RSVP to attend your local event by visiting the sites below.
OURAY COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Uncompaghre and Gunnison Rivers, a look at local water studies and water storage, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with River District and Water Users Association staff to ask questions and discuss local concerns.
Presentations:
State of the Gunnison River – Bob Hurford, P.E., Division Engineer
Ridgway Water Plan – John Clark, Mayor of Ridgway
Lake Powell and the Future of West Slope Water – Andy Mueller, General Manager, Colorado River District
Community Funding Partnership – Marielle Cowdin, Director of Public Relations, Colorado River District
MOFFAT COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Join the Colorado River District, the Community Ag Alliance, and the Yampa-White-Green Basin Roundtable for the Moffat County State of the River event on Wednesday, March 23 from 6-8 p.m. in Craig at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pavilion.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Yampa-White-Green basins, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with the River District and multiple local organizations who will have tables up and will be happy answer questions and discuss local concerns.
Presentations:
Outlook: Water Year 2022 (Conditions and Forecasts) – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer, DWR
Lake Powell & The Future of West Slope Water – Lindsay DeFrates, Colorado River District
Ag & River Health: The Yampa Integrated Water Management Plan – Nicole Seltzer, Colorado River Basin Program Director, River
Demand Management & The Resiliency Toolbox – Jaclyn Brown, CWCB Board
The Community Funding Partnership – Big Issues, Local Solutions – Marielle Cowdin, Colorado River District
ROUTT COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Join the Colorado River District, the Community Ag Alliance, and the Yampa-White-Green Basin Roundtable for the Routt County State of the River event on Thursday, March 24 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Steamboat Springs at the Steamboat Springs Community Center.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Yampa-White-Green basins, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with the River District and multiple local organizations including the Yampa Water Conservancy District, Trout Unlimited, The Nature Center, and Friends of the Yampa who will have tables up and will be happy answer questions and discuss local concerns.
Presentations
Outlook: Water Year 2022 (Conditions and Forecasts) – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer, DWR
Lake Powell & The Future of West Slope Water – Marielle Cowdin, Colorado River District
Ag & River Health: The Yampa Integrated Water Management Plan – Nicole Seltzer, Colorado River Basin Program Director, River
Demand Management & The Resiliency Toolbox– Jaclyn Brown, CWCB Board
Augmentation & Collaboration on the Yampa River– Holly Kirkpatrick, Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District
The Community Funding Partnership – Big Issues, Local Solutions-Lindsay DeFrates, Colorado River District
MESA COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center for the Mesa County State of the River event on Tuesday, April 12 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Grand Junction at the CMU Ballroom.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
Presentations:
State of the Colorado Headwaters Peter Goble, – Colorado Climate Center, CSU
Lake Powell and the Future of West Slope Water – Lindsay DeFrates, Colorado River District
Local Water Operations and the Water Equity Task Force – Andrea Lopez, Ute Water
Regenerative Ag Problem Solving Strategies – Lowell King, Local Rancher
RIO BLANCO STATE OF THE RIVER
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District for the Rio Blanco County State of the River event on Wednesday, April 13 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Rangelyat the old Ace-Hi building.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
Presentations:
White River Outlook – Water Year 2022 – Erin Light, Division 6 Engineer
Lake Powell and the Future of West Slope Water – Marielle Cowdin, Colorado River District
White River Integrate Water Initiative and Algae Study Update – Callie Hendrickson, Which River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts
Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District Update – Alden Vanden Brink, Colorado River District Board of Directors
MIDDLE COLORADO STATE OF THE RIVER
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Middle Colorado Watershed Council for the Middle Colorado State of the River event on Tuesday, May 3 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Glenwood Springs at the Morgridge Commons above the Library.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
Presentations:
Outlook: Water Year 2022 – Becky Bolinger, Assistant State Climatologist, CSU Climate Center
Lake Powell & The Future of West Slope Water – Lindsay DeFrates, PR & Media Specialist, Colorado River District
The Endangered Fish Recovery Program – David Graf, Instream Flow Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Protecting West Slope Water for The Middle Colorado – Raymond Langstaff, President, Bookcliff Conservation District
Ruedi Reservoir Operations & Municipal Water Management – April Long, Director, Ruedi Water and Power Authority and Clean River Program Manager, City of Aspen
Wildfire Recovery & Resilience in the Middle Colorado – Paula Stepp, Executive Director, Middle Colorado Watershed Council
The Community Funding Partnership – Big Issues, Local Solutions – Amy Moyer, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Colorado River District
LOWER GUNNISON STATE OF THE RIVER
Monday, May 16, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Gunnison Basin Roundtable for the Lower Gunnison State of the River event on Monday, May 16 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Montroseat Upstairs at Precedence.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
GRAND COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
You’ll also have opportunities to connect with River District staff, interested stakeholders and representatives of several local organizations before and after the event.
SUMMIT COUNTY STATE OF THE RIVER
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Blue River Watershed Group for the Summit County State of the River event on Tuesday, May 24 from 5:30-8 p.m. in Silverthorne at the Silverthorne Pavilion.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.
EAGLE RIVER VALLEY STATE OF THE RIVER
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Join the Colorado River District and the Eagle River Water and Sanitation for the Eagle River Valley State of the River event on Thursday, June 2 from 5:30-8 p.m.at the Colorado Mountain College campus in Edwards.
Presentations and discussions will cover the hydrology and water supply forecasts for the Colorado River basin, local water management strategies, Big River issues and reservoir operations affecting your community, and opportunities for funding local, multi-benefit and multi-use projects.