Water Connections

Adaptations from our forests to our deserts

The Southwestern Water Conservation District and Four Corners Water Center at Fort Lewis College are partnering to present “Water Connections: Adaptation from Forests to Deserts.” 

Link to Recording

This hybrid event will be held on Tuesday, September 21st from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Fort Lewis College. Register now to reserve your in-person seat for $15.

If you prefer to view the livestream from home, please register to receive the Zoom link at no cost.

Agenda:

5:00 p.m. Appetizers and Networking Outdoors

5:30 p.m. Snowtography - Forest Treatments and Hydrology 

• Joel Biederman, Research Hydrologist with USDA's Southwest Watershed Research Center, presents his recent hydrology studies tied to forest treatments and upcoming test cases in southwestern Colorado

6:30 p.m. Break

6:45 p.m. Survey of Adaptation Strategies - From Our Forests to Our Deserts

• Moderated by Steve Wolff, SWCD's General Manager
• Aaron Kimple, Mountain Studies Institute, regional forest health initiatives.
• Selwyn Whiteskunk, Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Councilman, adapting to drought from the water user and tribal perspectives.
• Carrie Padgett, Harris Water Engineering, southwest Colorado planning for future water needs.
• Becky Mitchell, Colorado Water Conservation Board Director and Colorado Commissioner to the Upper Colorado River Commission, how aridification affects our water management

COVID-19 Safety

The Southwestern Water Conservation District and the Four Corners Water Center at Fort Lewis College are working together to ensure participant safety for the upcoming Water Connections event. As hosts, we have agreed to follow Fort Lewis College's health policies in order to hold this hybrid event on campus.

All attendees are required to wear a mask on campus, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated. Face shields may be worn as an additional layer of protection but are not a replacement for masks. Buffs, neck gaiters, and bandanas are not permitted as masks.

Attendees will also be required to complete a health screening form. This can be downloaded from eventbrite, completed in advance, and brought to the door. We will also have copies available to complete upon your arrival. 

Please observe physical distancing of six feet from others.

Appetizers and networking will be outdoors on the FLC Student Union Plaza. Attendees can take off their masks to eat. The presentations will be held in the FLC Student Union Ballroom.

There is also the option to view the event at home via livestream (see our "VIA ZOOM" ticket option.)