2015 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds ConferenceIn it for the Long Haul

October 6-8,2015 Westin Riverfront Resort

Avon, CO

A special thanks to:

**An online and mobile-friendly version of this packet is available at: www.coloradowater.org/2015SCW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AGENDA - AT A GLANCE The full agenda can be found on pages 6-9 of this packet

Agenda At a Glance.........................Inside CoverSummary of Events..........................1-2Host Ads...............................................3-5Full Agenda.........................................6-9Speaker Bios and Abstracts..........10-27

Poster Session Descriptions.....27-29Sponsor Ads...................................30-35Maps..................................................36 - Inside CoverList of Vendors...............................Inside CoverSponsor Logos...............................Back cover

5:00-7:30pm Early Registration and Vendor Tabletop Set-up in the Hotel Lobby

8:00am-1:30pm Vendor Tabletop set-up in Riverside Foyer Area/Lobby and Silent Auction in the Rapids Room

8:00am-5:00pm Registration, Hotel Lobby

8:00am-11:30am 3 Concurrent Pre-Conference Workshop Options, Various Rooms and Times

11:30-12:45pm Conference Partner Organizational Meetings, Various Rooms

1:00-2:30pm Conference Welcome and Plenary Session I, Gondola Ballrooms (A/B/C)

2:30-3:00pm Break. Visit Tabletops (Riverside Foyer & Lobby ) and Silent Auction (Rapids Room)

3:00-4:30pm Plenary Session II, Gondola Ballrooms (A/B/C)

5:00-6:15pm Cocktails and book signing/sale by John Fielder, Library and Lobby Terrace

6:15-8:15pm Evening Banquet Dinner, Awards Presentation, and Keynote Address, Riverside Ballroom Salon (Salons I/II/III/IV)

8:15-8:30pm Blue Mind Book signing and sale with Wallace J. Nichols, Riverside Foyer

7:00am Sunrise Yoga, Outdoors on Riverside Terrace - West End, Round Deck (Weather Permitting)

7:00-8:15am Breakfast, Maya Restaurant

8:00-8:15am Day 2 Overview & Logistics Presentation, Maya Restaurant

8:30-10:00am Concurrent Tracks, Various Rooms

10:00-10:30am Break, Riverside and Gondola . Visit Tabletops (Riverside Foyer ) and Silent Auction (Rapids Room )

10:30am-12:00pm Concurrent Tracks, Various Rooms

12:00-1:30pm Lunch, Maya Restaurant

1:30-3:00pm Concurrent Tracks, Various Rooms

3:00-3:30pm Concurrent Tracks, Various Rooms

3:00pm Poster session setup, Riverside Salon I

3:30-5:00pm Concurrent Tracks, Various Rooms

5:30pm Poster Session begins, Riverside Salon I

5:30-8:30pm Social Event including The Great Divide film screening with producer, Jim Havey - an event sponsored in partnership

with Eagle River Watershed Council's Watershed Wednesdays! Riverside Terrace and Ballroom

5:30pm Scavenger Hunt, meet by the Poster Sessions

8:30pm Silent Auction Closes - Winners - Pick Up Your Items!

Vendor Tabletops and Poster Session Close

7:00-8:15am Breakfast, Riverside Salon III & IV

Winners - Pick up your Silent Auction Bargains!

8:00-8:15am Day 3 Overview and Logistics Presentation, Riverside Salon III & IV

9:30am-12:30pm Post-Conference Field Workshop, Meet in Riverside Foyer

Monday, October 5

Tuesday, October 6

Wednesday, October 7

Thursday, October 8

2015 Conference Theme- In it for the Long Haul The annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference

works to expand cooperation and collaboration throughout Colorado in natural resource conservation,

protection, and enhancement by informing participants about new issues, innovative projects, and through

valuable networking. This year’s conference will focus on what is needed to help ensure long-term

sustainability for river health, public education, and organizational management.

2015 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference SUMMARY OF EVENTS

Tuesday Morning Workshops - check full agenda for specific workshop locations and times CFWE’s Water Educator Workshop Kristin Maharg, Colorado Foundation for Water Education and Kate McIntire, Colorado Water Conservation Board Join the Colorado Foundation for Water Education’s Water Educator Workshop to gain a better understanding of the education and outreach components of Colorado’s Water Plan and create new thinking and momentum towards implementing the actions in Chapter 9.5.

Nonpoint Source & Data Management Workshop Bonie Pate, Christa Trendle, and Matthew Kovach, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Dr. Mazdak Arabi and Tyler Wible, Colorado State University; Linda Chynoweth and Phil Russell, Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council This year’s workshop will be split into three sections (CDPHE at 8:30am, CSU at 9:30am, and CWQMC at 10:30am), where a topic will be presented by each of the partnering organizations for about an hour, after which there will be time for participants to practice on their laptops while having some one-on-one time with presenters. Bring your laptops!

Updates for the Watershed Coalitions (invite only) KC McFerson, Department of Local Affairs and Carol Ekarius, Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. This workshop will be an update for the watershed coalitions that formed after the 2013 floods.

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Do you use Twitter? Be sure to tweet about the conference using #2015SCW and don’t forget to follow us @SCWConference! We’ll be tweeting reminders and updates. Tell us what you learned in each session and post pictures of how much fun you’re having! We will also be using @wallacejnichols, #bluemind, and #godeeper to reference our Keynote Speaker, Wallace J. Nichols, and his ideas! If you need help using Twitter, go to the

conference website where we have a short tutorial! www.coloradowater.org/Conferences

Silent Auction – opens Tuesday morning and closes Wednesday at 8:30pm Meander through the Riverside Foyer to check out amazing deals from outdoor gear and trips to stunning arts and crafts. Show your support for the Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference hosts by bidding on your favorite items! The silent auction closes at the Social Hour on Wednesday evening. We accept cash, check, and credit card!

Tuesday Afternoon - Conference Plenary Sessions I & II This year’s conference will kick-off with exciting back-to-back plenary sessions where attendees will first hear various agency and organization’s thoughts on what resiliency means to them and for Colorado. Then, we will move on to hear about defining resiliency for the Yampa River.

Book Signing and Sale by John Fielder - Tuesday at 5:00pmPlenary speaker and nature photographer John Fielder will be signing copies of his book, Colorado’s Yampa River: Free Flowing and Wild from the Flat Tops to the Green, during our cocktail hour! If you’re looking for a copy, The Bookworm of Edwards will have copies of Fielder’s gorgeous book for sale. 30% of proceeds from the book sale will be donated to the conference!

Conference Keynote – Tuesday at 7:30pm River Mind: The True Value of Wild RiversDr. Wallace J. Nichols’ presentation at our banquet will discuss the cognitive, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual benefits of healthy waterways. What is a wild river, lake or ocean really worth and how will water experts measure, discuss and act on those values?

Book Signing and Sale by Dr. Wallace J. Nichols - Tuesday at 8:15pmKeynote Speaker Dr. Wallace J. Nichols will be signing copies of his book, Blue Mind, after the banquet! Don’t have a copy yet? Don’t worry - The Bookworm of Edwards is coming to us and will have copies of Blue Mind for sale.

Sunrise Yoga- Wednesday 7:00am Join yoga instructor Caitlin Coleman and other early risers for a relaxing sunrise yoga session. Meet outdoors on the Riverside Terrace on the West End (weather permitting). Bring your own mat or borrow one from the Westin!

Concurrent Conference Tracks – all day WednesdayConference partners have developed a diverse and engaging agenda based on timely efforts, past feedback, and abstract proposals. The three concurrent tracks offer distinct perspectives on a variety of topics. Try to attend one presentation from each track!

Disaster Response Lunch Meeting - Wednesday at Noon Join Greg Brunjak fromthe Upper Arkansas River Restoration Project for an informal lunch meeting in the tasting room of the Maya Restaurant to share your experiences in disaster response.

Social Hour – Wednesday at 5:30pm Come down to the Westin’s Riverside Terrace & Ballroom for our social! There wil be a special screening of The Great Divide followed by a Q&A session with producer Jim Havey, hosted in partnership with the Eagle River Watershed Council’s Watershed Wednesdays. Our poster session will take place in Riverside Salon I during the social, along with an exciting and fun scavenger hunt with prizes (see below)! Don’t forget to stop by the silent auction to make one last bid on your favorite items! We will serve pizza, pasta and salad along with beer from our esteemed beer sponsors (bring your conference cup and drink tickets!) to keep the party going until 8:30pm.

Poster Session - Wednesday from 5:30 to 8:30pmBe sure to check out our 3rd Annual Poster Session taking place on Wednesday evening in Riverside Salon I! We’ll have a number of interesting posters from dedicated and passionate presenters who will be there to answer your questions.

Scavenger Hunt - Wednesday at 5:30pm Do you like fun? Do you like learning and meeting new people? There will be a scavenger hunt on Wednesday evening. With prizes! If you are interested gather your friends and meet near the Poster Session by 5:30PM to begin the hunt.

Thursday Morning WorkshopCamp Hale Field WorkshopOn Thursday, October 8th, the Colorado Riparian Association will proudly present the 2015 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Field Workshop to be held at Camp Hale. The workshop will feature National Forest Foundation, USFS White River National Forest, and Industry Expert speakers to discuss the upcoming restoration work, ecology, and hydrology for the Camp Hale site. Camp Hale is located between Red Cliff and Leadville in the Eagle River valley and was a U.S. Army training facility constructed in 1942 for the 10th Mountain Division. Soldiers were trained in mountain climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, cold-weather survival as well as various weapons and ordnance. When it was in full operation, approximately 15,000 soldiers were housed there. Additionally Camp Hale has variously served as a WWII Prisoner of War Intern Site, a CIA Training Site for Tibetan Guerillas, and a Youth Training Center. Today it is a National Historic Site and is being restored to improve watershed viability and ecosystem function.

A tour bus will pick up attendees from the Westin at 9:30am and return at 11:30am. Due to limited bus space, pre-registration is required. Please bring walking shoes, a rain coat, and a water bottle. Water and snacks will be provided.

Summary of Events, continued

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Don’t forget to fill out our ONLINE EVALUATION! It’s easy!

Thank you for your input!https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2015scwc

The ATTENDEE LIST can also be found online at:

www.coloradowater.org/2015attendeelist

Want to become a part of an organization that works for healthy watersheds?

Join the Colorado Watershed Assembly by becoming a member today! Donate at www.coloradowater.org

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Our programs include:

The Colorado Watershed Assembly’s mission is to provide support for collaborative efforts among diverse stakeholders to protect and improve the conservation values of land, water, and other natural resources of Colorado’s watersheds.

For more information, visit www.coloradowater.org!

• Since 1999, the Assembly has partnered with other organizations in hosting the ANNUAL SUSTAINING COLORADO WATERSHEDS CONFERENCE, providing educational forums, training modules, and networking opportunities for watershed groups across the state.

• The INFLOW NETWORK is an on-line, timely information source focused on funding opportunities, conferences, training programs, events, job openings, and important watershed news.

• The RIVER WATCH PROGRAM is a statewide, volunteer-run water quality monitoring program of the non-profit Colorado Watershed Assembly in partnership with Colorado Parks & Wildlife and is comprised of volunteers from over 125 different public, private, and charter school groups, watershed organizations, and private individuals that monitor over 300 different river sites throughout Colorado each year.

• The Assembly led the creation and reauthorization of the COLORADO HEALTHY RIVERS FUND, which provides tax payers the opportunity to contribute a portion of their tax return to assist locally-based conservation groups in their efforts to protect our land and water resources. The CHRF is part of the Colorado Check-off Program. Don’t forget to donate in April 2015!

Want to become a part of an organization that works for healthy watersheds?

Join the Colorado Watershed Assembly by becoming a member today! Donate at www.coloradowater.org

We would like to extend a special THANK YOU to Leonard Rice Engineers for sponsoring our 2015 Annual Member Luncheon and to Geotech Environmental for donating our most impressive silent auction item yet -

a gift certificate for an unmanned aerial vehicle training through Leptron!

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5. 4.

P.O. Box 19636Boulder, CO 80308

Keeping the Green Line green!

info@coloradoriparian.orgwww.coloradoriparian.org

Our mission is to promote the conservation, restoration, and preservation of Colorado’s riparian areas and wetlands.

• Foster a practical and scientific understanding of riparian areas.

• Promote sound management through demonstration & education.

• Advance communication for all people interested in riparian areas.

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CONFERENCE AGENDA

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See Agenda at a Glance on Page 2.

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Tuesday, October 6 Pre-Conference Workshops 8:00 - 12:00pm

Workshop locations vary, check the agenda for more specifics.

Nonpoint Source & Data Management Workshop (3 part workshop)Part I: Nonpoint Source - Bonie Pate, Christa Trendle, and Matthew Kovach, Colorado Department of Public Heath and EnvironmentBonie Pate has been a NPS Project coordinator since 2007. She has also worked for the state revolving fund programs, local and federal government agencies, and a national environmental non-profit organization. Bonie has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology and Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Christa Trendle has been a NPS Project Coordinator for the state of Colorado for the past 11 months. She has worked in water quality monitoring for 1 & 1/2 years. Christa has a Bachelor’s degree in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Matthew Kovach has been a NPS Coordinator for the state of Colorado for one year. He has over five years of environmental science experience addressing water quality problems throughout North America. Matthew has a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology from Miami University and a Master’s of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of North Texas.

Abstract: The Colorado Nonpoint Source program is again offering the NPS workshop. The workshop covers topics of interest for folks who might be planning to or might already be addressing nonpoint sources of pollution. The Colorado NPS program offers funding primarily for implementation of structural best management practices that reduce NPS pollution in water quality impaired watersheds. The workshop is an opportunity for NPS program staff to present program and project specific information and for folks to interact with staff for additional information and technical assistance. The series of modules will cover topics such as program strategy update, proposal development and planning for NPS projects. The Colorado NPS program team will deliver the presentations and be available for one-on-one discussion during the workshop and during the conference. Drop-ins are welcomed. Coffee and other breakfast refreshments will be provided to participants. Please bring your laptops.

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SPEAKER BIOS AND ABSTRACTS

Part II: Watershed Restoration Assessment and Planning (WRAP) Tool - Dr. Mazdak Arabi and Tyler Wible, Colorado State UniversityDr Mazdak Arabi is an Associate Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Colorado State University. His research is primarily focused on development of decision support systems for management of water resources at the watershed scale. To make informed decisions, policy makers should have the tools necessary to identify areas that are most vulnerable to erosion and contaminant transport, and subsequently assess tradeoffs between environmental and economic impacts of management actions. Dr. Arabi has developed and demonstrated optimization-based approaches to facilitate development of watershed management plans that achieve water quality goals at significantly lower costs. He has published analytical and computational methods to support both deterministic and probabilistic evaluation of watershed-scale benefits of best management practices.

Tyler Wible received his BS degree from Colorado State University (CSU) in Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2012 and his MS from CSU in Hydrologic, Water Resources and Environmental Sciences Civil Engineering in 2014. The focus of his masters research was the coupling the watershed models of SWAT and MODFLOW and cloud infrastructure for access to stream flow analysis tools at CSU. He worked as an undergraduate research assistant at CSU from 2010 to 2012 and as a graduate research assistant from 2012 to 2014. Currently he is a Research Associate at CSU working on a number of research projects including nutrient regulation, fish passage, river cross-section analysis, and gauged and ungauged flow analysis. His major research interests include integrated surface water-groundwater modeling at the watershed scale, stream flow analysis tools, and watershed scale analysis. He is an active member of the Engineering Honor Society Tau Beta Pi.

Abstract: Watershed protection programs aim to maintain or restore the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of waterbodies. The development and implementation of these watershed plans require analysis of watershed conditions which are both spatially and temporally variable. Therefore, assessment of current and historic data and information is vital for continuously updating management plans in response to changing land use, climate, and watershed conditions. The Watershed Restoration Assessment and Planning (WRAP) tool is used to extract, organize, and analyze data and information at various watershed scales, including HUC 12, HUC 10, and HUC 8 levels, for readily available geospatial characteristics as well as water quantity and quality. These characteristics include current and historic land use, population, climate, climate projections, stream discharge, and stream water quality to name a few. The integrated assessment of watershed health is then broken down into six primary attributes; landscape condition, habitat, hydrology, geomorphology, water quality, and biological condition. Utilizing the extracted data, the WRAP tool calculates a number of indicators for these attributes (e.g. median summer nitrate concentration as an indicator of water quality) to create an overall summary of the watershed condition. This overall condition can then be used at a state-wide scale to prioritize management actions of the state’s watersheds. The tool will be demonstrated for water quality management use in the South Platte River Basin (SPRB) in Colorado.

Water Educator WorkshopKristin Maharg, Colorado Foundation for Water Education and Kate McIntire, Colorado Water Conseration BoardKristin cares deeply about the stewardship of healthy water as the mechanism for personal well-being and active communities. She is the Interim Director (and Director of Programs) at the Colorado Foundation for Water Education, one of the three conference partners and a statewide non-profit offering high-quality educational tools and experiences to produce balanced and informed water decisions. With a diverse team of staff and volunteers, she develops and delivers publications such as Headwaters magazine plus river basin tours, teacher workshops, leadership development courses and stakeholder engagement activities. Kristin received a BS in Wildlife Ecology and Spanish and an MS in Water Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In her shenanigan time, she plays outdoors and grows food with youth and peers alike.

Kate McIntire leads outreach, education, and public engagement efforts related to Colorado’s Water Plan for the Colorado Water Conservation Board. As part of that, McIntire networks with a diverse set of stakeholders around the state and also manages the Public Education, Participation and Outreach Workgroup of the Interbasin Compact Committee and the Basin Roundtables.

Abstract: Basin roundtables, educational institutions, utilities, government agencies and non-profit groups who are invested in water-related education – join your statewide network of peers and the Colorado Foundation for Water Education for their annual workshop. Today you will gain a better understanding of the education and outreach components of Colorado’s Water Plan and create new thinking and momentum towards implementing the actions in Chapter 9.5.

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Part III: Colorado Data Sharing Network - Linda Chynoweth and Phil Russell, Colorado Water Quality Monitoring CouncilLinda Chynoweth, CWQMC President will share the ease of finding data on a map area of interest with the Google mapper. Meta data seen easily on the map as you scroll your computer mouse over a site on the map with all data available with a double click of a computer mouse. Plus the exceedance filter if you are interested in instantly seeing the type of water quality in an area by you choosing the constituent and a level of measurement either above or below your set level at which to see the water quality. Then Linda will share the online GIS mapping tool where you can make your own maps of an area of interest within the CDSN webpage or download available GIS layers to use on your own computer if desired.

Phil Russell, CWQMC Vice President will take the audience through downloading data from CDSN’s AWQMS data management system. The data download can be retrieved in graphs, reports, maps or an Excel file.

Abstract: The Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council/Colorado Data Sharing Network (CWQMC/CDSN) will be presenting the fun ways of looking and working with data during the pre-conference workshop when anyone is using the Colorado Data Sharing Network (CDSN). The CDSN has three major available tools that anyone can use to find water quality data in an area of interest. These three tools are the Ambient Water Quality Monitoring System (AWQMS) data management system, Google mapper and web GIS.

Update from Watershed Coalitions KC McFerson, Department of Local Affairs and Carol Ekarius, Coalitions and CollaborativesKC McFerson, is the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Watershed Program Manager. She has two years of experience assisting local governments in complying with the Clean Water Act, developing surface water management programs, and updating land use codes. KC has a Juris Doctor in Environmental Law and Master of Community and Regional Planning from the University of Oregon.

Carol Ekarius is the Executive Director of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte, and CEO of Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. She brings over three decades of experience in water issues and nonprofit management to her position.

Abstract: This invite-only workshop will allow watershed coalitions that formed during the 2013 floods to update one another on progress and share experiences.

Panel: KC McFerson, DOLA; Katie Jagt, Watershed Science and Design; Steven Humphrey, Muller Engineering and CDOT; Joel Sholtes, Colorado State University; John Sanderson, The Nature ConservancyKC McFerson’s Bio can be found on page 11.

Katie’s favorite phase of water is solid--snow, not ice—after all, she was a ski racer for over 10 years and finds nothing more enjoyable than floating down mountains on her Icelantic skis purchased from the silent auction (please visit the Rapids Ballroom). Her favorite type of channel morphology is braided, and her favorite physical concept is conservation of energy. Katie is an engineer with over a decade of experience in riparian corridor restorations, river system hydraulics and geomorphic assessments. As part of her work, she has developed new methods to quantify the benefits of floodplain re-connections that are being developed into a regulatory standard for the California Dept of Water Resources. In the last year, Katie has designed and rebuilt over 6 miles of rivers along Colorado’s front range that provides ecosystem rehabilitation, infrastructure protection, and public safety. She has a master’s degree from UC Berkeley in Civil Engineering and spent a year as a Fulbright Fellow at TU Delft in The Netherlands studying quantitative risk management, water management history, and numerical modeling technology.

Steven Humphrey has over 9 years of experience, five at Muller Engineering Company, Inc., in water resource planning and design. After the September 2013 floods, Steven was recruited by CDOT and worked initially as the Operations Lead at the Incident Command Center and now serves as the Project Delivery Lead for CDOT’s Flood Recovery Office (FRO). During these assignments, Steven has engaged in several resiliency based efforts. He is leading a pilot Risk and Resiliency program with Federal Highways and CDOT. This model is intended to be a tool that aids in resilient decision making for future disasters. Steven also co-chaired the Infrastructure Sector of the Colorado Resilience Working Group and participated in the development of Colorado’s Resilience Framework. Steven graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional.

A recent graduate of Colorado State University, Joel studies and works on rivers from a physical standpoint and can bend your ear about sediment in rivers and why it matters. Though he most recently came out of an engineering program, he hopes to always straddle and integrate the approaches and paradigms used in traditional geomorphology along with engineering. He was had the opportunity to work on rivers from the watershed to reach and bank scale in the southeast, northeast, and Colorado, and is currently researching river response to floods.

John’s career in conservation fell from the sky, so to speak. As an undergrad pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering, Sanderson realized his true calling was the great outdoors. A post-college stint in the Peace Corps working on a forest program in West Africa sealed the deal. He attended the University of Vermont where he received a master’s degree in botany. It was also during this time that Sanderson developed a little-known love affair with mosses and lichens, particularly those that grow in wetlands. Now armed with a Ph.D. in ecology from Colorado State University, Sanderson co-directs The Nature Conservancy’s Center for Conservation Science and Strategy. In that capacity, John manages a staff of scientists and project directors to deliver conservation outcomes that range from ensuring adequate streamflow for endangered fish in the Yampa River to keeping hundreds of thousands of acres on the Great Plains intact to support native wildlife from prairie dogs to antelope.

Abstract: Since the 2013 flood, our State leaders, including CWCB, DOLA, Governor’s Office, and CDOT, have had great vision in guiding our communities towards real change in how we live, work, and play along our river corridors to make us safer and our rivers healthier. The vision is resiliency. Tools include diverse coalitions, capacity building and education, and a risk-based framework to support long-term planning for geomorphic, flood, and drought risk. Community leaders are rising to the challenge and State leaders remain steadfast in support. Work remains however because, although everyone touts resiliency as our goal, we do not have a common definition of resiliency. We need a common, vetted, and comprehensive definition to effectively guide all of our flood recovery and restoration efforts towards resiliency. Chris Sturm, CWCB, will open the plenary with an overview of the State’s position and vision on resiliency. The plenary will hear from experts on important issues from public, private, non-profit, and academic sector perspectives and discuss constraints and challenges, as well as how to get the public on board with the vision.

Resiliency Panel

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Plenary Session ITuesday 1:00 - 2:30pm

Moderator: Chris Sturm Colorado Water Conservation Board

Chris Sturm obtained his bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Georgia. He worked for several years in education around natural resources, until he landed at the City of Thornton, where he served as a Senior Water Resources Analyst for seven years. That job led him to his current position with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, an entity formed in 1937 to engage in water policy formation and water planning for the state. At the CWCB, Chris serves as the Stream Restoration Coordinator, a position he has held since 2007. In this capacity, he leads the CWCB’s activities related to watershed restoration, flood protection, and water supply development.

Resiliency Panel

Plenary Session IITuesday 3:00 - 4:30pm

Moderator: Kristin Maharg Colorado Foundation for Water Education

Kristin’s bio can be found on page 11.

Defining Resiliency for the Yampa River

Panel: Jackie Brown, Tri-State Generation and Transmission; John Fielder, Nature Photographer; Matt Rice, American RiversJackie Brown grew up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She has a varied background in business, project management, and natural resources and has studied at Boston University, the University of Colorado, and Colorado State University. She currently serves as Natural Resource Policy Advisor to Tri-State Generation and Transmission.

John Fielder has worked tirelessly to promote the protection of Colorado’s ranches, open space, and wildlands during his 33-year career as a nature photographer and publisher. His photography has influenced people and legislation, earning him recognition including the Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Award in 1993 and, in 2011, the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s first Achievement Award given to an individual. Over 40 books have been published depicting his Colorado photography. He lives in Summit County, Colorado, and operates a fine art gallery, John Fielder’s Colorado, in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe. He teaches photography workshops to adults and children. His latest book is Colorado’s Yampa River: Free Flowing & Wild from the Flat Tops to the Green. Information about John and his work can be found at johnfielder.com.

Matt Rice directs American Rivers’ multidisciplinary programs in the Colorado River Basin, a region that spans seven states from Wyoming to California. His team drives innovative policy, program, and project solutions to conserve water in the urban, agricultural, and energy sectors to ensure that the rivers and streams in the region are healthy for local and regional economies, sustainable agriculture, and world-class recreation. Previously, Matt has worked as a fly fishing guide in Montana, Colorado, Kentucky, and South Carolina. He also spent 4 years in Zambia working with rural farmers to integrate fish farming and irrigated agriculture into their farming systems. Matt completed his masters in Environmental Policy from the University of Denver. His research was focused on global water resources. He received his undergraduate degree from Montana State University in 2000. When not at work, he can be found with his two boys and a fly rod on a river somewhere in Colorado.

Abstract: The Yampa River Basin is arguably the most unique watershed in Colorado. Free flowing from the Flat Tops Wilderness to Dinosaur National Monument, it’s a lifeline for people and nature. It sustains vibrant ranching communities, mountain towns, whitewater boating and world class fishing as well as supporting energy generation to rural Colorado and surrounding communities. As water supply shortages in the Colorado River Basin grow, there are concerns to protect the interests in the Yampa Valley. Local groups have come together to not only celebrate the Yampa’s treasures but also to create a process by which they can understand each other’s interests and work towards collaborative solutions. Speakers will highlight these programs while exploring definitions of resiliency for the Yampa River.

Defining Resiliency for the Yampa River

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Wednesday, October 7 8:30 -10:00am

Water and Agriculture NexusModerator: TJ Burr

Natural Resources Conservation ServiceTJ Burr is a professional engineer for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). He specializes in hydrology, hydraulics, and fluvial geomorphology (natural stream restoration design). He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, he was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force, and worked as an active duty civil engineer for eight years. He remained in the Reserves; served in combat in Iraq; and retired from the USAF Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel.Before starting with the NRCS, TJ worked as a consulting engineer for ten years with several different firms. He was hired as a watershed planning engineer in 2004, and then became a design engineer for various watershed projects. Since 2009, he has worked primarily on stream restoration related projects, including the design of a $7 million fish habitat improvement project spanning five miles. Outside of work, he is a father of two children, and enjoys hiking and climbing in the Rocky Mountains. He lives in Arvada, Colorado, and works in the NRCS State Office in Lakewood. He is currently working on several stream restoration projects, and providing technical assistance for Emergency Watershed Protection projects resulting from the September 2013 floods in Colorado.

Modernizing Agriculture to Improve Stream FlowCary Denison, Trout Unlimited For the last four years Cary has worked as project manager for Trout Unlimited’s Colorado Water Project in the Gunnison Basin. His work is focused on assisting land and water rights owners, state and federal agencies and local TU chapters develop on-the-ground water conservation projects that reconnect and restore streams and rivers. Cary, a graduate of Colorado State University, was raised in the North Fork Gunnison River valley where he worked on farms and ranches and gained valuable knowledge about water use and conservation. He later worked as a State of Colorado water commissioner from 2001 to 2006.After working for the State, Cary owned and operated a water and land consulting firm where he managed numerous river improvement, restoration, water rights and water diversion projects. When not at work Cary spends time working on his property,

Keynote Address Dinner, Tuesday 7:30 - 8:15pm

Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, AuthorDr. Wallace “J.” Nichols is a scientist, wild water advocate, movement-maker, New York Times best selling author and dad who works to inspire a deeper connection with nature. He is a research associate at California Academy of Sciences and co-founder of Ocean Revolution, an international network of young ocean advocates; SEEtheWILD, a conservation travel network; Grupo Tortuguero, an international sea turtle conservation network; and LiVBLUE, a global campaign to reconnect people to our water planet, among other international organizations and initiatives. He’s the author or co-author of more than 50 scientific papers, reports and books, including Blue Mind, and his work has been featured widely in print and various broadcast media. Nichols has degrees in biology and Spanish, a master’s in environmental economics, and a doctorate in wildlife ecology. He is a recipient of both a Marshall Fellowship and a Fulbright Fellowship and in 2014 received The University of Arizona’s Global Achievement Award.

Abstract: The Heraclitus quote “You cannot step into the same river twice” is repeated so often that it’s a cliche among river people the world over. But the reason it’s so well known is the deep truth it reminds us of. The ever-changing, constantly flowing nature of all rivers--big and small, narrow and wide, deep and shallow, blue and brown—profoundly enthralls us. It always has, apparently (Heraclitus lived some 2,500 years ago).But, what is it about rivers. About lakes. About water in general?The cognitive, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual benefits of healthy waterways make life worth living yet are vastly under-appreciated and rarely discussed among serious people. Hydration, hygiene, jobs and energy are typically the drivers of water policy with an occasional conversation about biodiversity and more recently “ecosystem services”. But the “touchy-feely” stuff has been considered soft, nebulous, unquantifiable…until recently.Now it’s regarded as the hardest science in the room.This is where this discussion of River Mind begins.We go to the water for the most important moments in our lives, to relieve stress, to fall in love, to think more clearly, to invent and create, and to be alone.Healthy wild rivers are the best kind of medicine: abundant, free and effective.But when we fail to quantify or even discuss the full range of benefits we undervalue our waterways and they become despoiled or destroyed.What is a wild river, lake or ocean really worth and how will water experts measure, discuss and act on those values?

River Mind: The True Value of Wild Rivers

Flood Recovery

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Moderator: Greg Brunjak Upper Arkansas River Restoration Project

Scott Shipley, Town of LyonsScott Shipley is perhaps the best-known American kayaker in the world. A veteran of three Olympic games and holder of four world titles, Shipley has more than 25 years of experience as a whitewater competitor. Scott holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. His expertise in both Whitewater and Engineering Design has made him the “go-to” designer for some of the world’s most demanding whitewater design projects. Since the devastating flood of September 2013, Scott has been an integral part of re-building the river corridor and park systems in Lyons, Colorado. Scott has been engaged in many facets of the recovery efforts including providing engineering and construction oversight services for several Town of Lyons’ projects.

Abstract: The Town of Lyons was one of the most devastated areas of the 2013 flooding. Significant damage was done along the entire river corridor to the streambed as well as the neighboring properties. Lyons, which reacted quickly to the disaster, created a staged approach to river corridor recovery that was designed to mesh with FEMA’s disaster recovery protocols. The approach allowed homeowners to return more quickly, and for the Town to withstand a greater than average run-off year, while allowing the Town to come back in later stages and strategically redesign and reconstruct the Town’s critical infrastructure and parks system in a more effective, resilient, and functional system.

Designing Recovery - Flood Recovery in Stages

Heather Dutton, Colorado Rio Grande Restoration FoundationHeather grew up on a potato and barley farm in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. She earned Bachelor of Science Degrees and a Masters of Agriculture from Colorado State University. Heather is fortunate to work as the Executive Director of the Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation and the Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project. One of the greatest rewards to this position is the opportunity to work with friends and neighbors to improve the Rio Grande, which is vital to the local communities. Heather is happiest when exploring the surrounding mountains on foot, bikes, and snowmobiles with her husband and family.

Abstract: The Colorado Rio Grande Restoration Foundation is partnering with farmers to replace aging, inefficient, and hazardous diversion dams and headgates with structures that benefit agriculture, recreation, and environmental uses. These multi-discipline projects will help the water-short Rio Grande Basin meet a diverse set of needs. The presentation will highlight two projects, the McDonald Ditch and Prairie Ditch Implementation Projects, which exemplify local collaboration to improve ecosystem functions.

Improving the Rio Grande for Farmers, Fish, and Families

John Giordanengo, Alo TerraFew finer days exist beyond those spent keying out and observing the beauty of willows and other Colorado flora. Much of John’s time doing so is in the course of restoring Colorado’s riparian areas. After 18 years of experience in Ecological Restoration in Colorado, John has developed a deep fondness for the minute details that are critical in planning, designing, and implementing a great variety of natural resources projects. Projects John has been engaged in include fish passage, post-fire reclamation, floodplain restoration, road obliteration, alpine restoration on our highest peaks, and prairie restoration in our lowlands. Natural ecological processes unfold before our eyes every day, providing invaluable lessons and insights into our approaches in Ecological Restoration. All we need to do is stop, look, and ask questions. We cannot know all of the answers, but knowing the right questions to ask will help us discover well-informed solutions.

Abstract: On a warm summer day in the heat of post-flood recovery David Piske of Rocky Mountain Flycasters, the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, kicked off a two-year-and-going project to develop fish passage projects on three ditch diversion on the Big Thompson River. Funded by the USFWS, Colorado Trout Unlimited hired AloTerra to provide concept designs, manage stakeholder engagement, and oversee 30% design. From day 1 of this project, the task of stakeholder engagement instantly turned into an exercise in messaging. In a world where water rights trump all, fish is often a four letter word, and conventional dams have worked “just fine” for over a century, it is essential to swallow your pride and keep your eye on the prize. This talk traverses the cycle of project development, stakeholder engagement, conceptual design challenges, and 30% design for four (yes, more than the original three) ditch diversion structures on the Big Thompson River. Three concept designs (Dave Biedelspach and Jeff Crane) will be presented, and draft 30% designs developed by Otak will be presented. Basic water rights concerns, design criteria, and basic H&H considerations will also be discussed as time permits.

Fish Passage on the Big Thompson River: Low priorities that drive design & funding, and high priorities that win the day

rafting, fishing, hunting and generally enjoying western Colorado with his family.

Abstract: Trout Unlimited will highlight efforts made in the lower Gunnison Basin to modernize ag water infrastructure that address consumptive use demands while reducing system losses to improve stream flows. The presentation will also address how these efforts and improvements are related to demand management projects and what opportunities that can provide for the system and water users.

Greg Brunjak received his BS in fisheries biology from Colorado State University. He has specialized in Aquaculture, Aquatic Weed Management, Fisheries Management and river restoration since 1975. Greg is Chair of the Implementation Team for the Upper Arkansas River Restoration Project. The Project is responsible for the remediation and restoration of 16 miles of the Arkansas River and the Lake Fork of the Arkansas River in Lake County, Colorado. He is also Project Manager for the UARRP on private land.

It’s Officially “A Thing”: How Colorado’s Water Plan and the Basin Implementation Plans are Really All About Making Stuff Happen

Part I: Throwin’ Down for The Plan - James Eklund, CWCBJames Eklund is the director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. As a lawyer and a government official, Eklund is already a disappointment to much of his family on the Western Slope. He is redeemed in their eyes, however, because he drinks whiskey and fights over water (but never at the same time). The CWCB protects the state’s water with responsibilities ranging from Colorado’s Water Plan to our nine interstate compacts. Eklund is a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Denver College of Law (neither of which, his father is quick to note, made him any better at cleaning ditches or irrigating pasture). The Upper Colorado River endangered fish he most identifies with is the Razorback Sucker because he thinks of himself as sharp but also somewhat gullible.

Abstract: Coloradans rocked at providing input on the water plan, making it one of the largest civic engagement processes of its kind. As a result we not only have an action plan for the future, but are already involved in implementation of the plan on the ground. Come find out how to stay involved and what will happen after the plan is finalized this fall.

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Education and Engagement Moderator: Kate McIntire

Colorado Water Conservation BoardKate’s bio can be found on page 11.

Post disaster recovery process using the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP)John Andrews, Natural Resources Conservation ServiceJohn has 35 years experience with NRCS/SCS, and has been in the position of State Conservation Engineer for Colorado since July 1999. In this position, John is responsible for engineering services provided by Colorado NRCS staff. NRCS engineering services include direct technical assistance to NRCS clients, training of NRCS and partner organization employees, engineering policy development, maintenance of technical directives and practice standards, and quality assurance activities. John is also the Colorado program manager for the Watershed Rehabilitation Program and the Emergency Watershed Protection Program.

Abstract: In the past 3 years Colorado EWP disaster recovery projects have been allocated more than $80 million of Federal funds in the aftermath of severe wildfire and flooding events. The EWP Program provides 75% of the cost of installing recovery measures such as removing debris and protecting unstable channels or establishing cover on critically eroding lands. This presentation will discuss EWP program eligibility requirements and provide several examples illustrating how local-NRCS partnerships after the High Park and Waldo Canyon Fires in 2012 and the September 2013 Colorado Flood constructed watershed and stream corridor protection measures.

Proactive Watershed Planning: How watershed assessment, management, and stabilization prior to development, can create a resilient and functioning systemTC Dinkins, Stantec Consulting ServicesTC Dinkins is a water resource engineer with Stantec Consulting in Fort Collins Colorado. Since 2010, TC has conducted geomorphic assessments and worked on stream restoration projects throughout the U.S. TC enjoys conducting rod and reel surveys whenever he is not working.

Abstract: The Denver metro area is among the fastest growing cities in the country, creating a high demand for new residential and commercial development. Historical agricultural land is being developed, which could further degrade the watersheds they drain, if not proactively managed. Stantec Consulting is working with Urban Drainage and Flood Control District and the City of Parker to tackle this issue for a proposed residential development on an existing rangeland on the south side of Parker. This presentation will discuss the development and implementation of a full watershed assessment and monitoring plan to study the existing conditions and potential for transformation due to changes in land use and management.

James Eklund, CWCB; Al Tucker, Arkansas Basin Water Forum; Sandy White, Arkansas Basin Roundtable; Kevin Smith, San Luis Valley Irrigation District; Kevin Terry, Trout Unlimited; Frank Kugel, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy DistrictOverview: Hundreds of dedicated people in Colorado worked together over the past two years to create eight local basin implementation plans that chart a course for future water supply in our state. As these teams expand even further into the important roles of being “implementation catalysts” for the basin implementation plans, outreach within and between basins will continue to mobilize these efforts by establishing necessary partnerships and creating on-the-ground action for a variety of projects. This session will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn in depth about several established projects happening around the state now as a result of these activities.

Part II: Watershed Health Projects in the Arkansas Basin – Who Can Keep Up?! - Al Tucker, Arkansas Basin Water Forum and Sandy White, Arkansas Basin RoundtableAl Tucker is a retired engineer living Huerfano County, Colorado. Al serves on the Arkansas Basin Roundtable representing the municipalities. He is on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum, and is a representative on the Pike San Isabel Rural Advisory Committee. Al is vice chair of the Huerfano County Hospital District and newly drafted to the Public Education Participation and Outreach Workgroup (PEPO). Al Tucker is a retired engineer living Huerfano County, Colorado. Al serves on the Arkansas Basin Roundtable representing the municipalities. He is on the Board of Directors for the Arkansas River Basin Water

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Part III: Partners and Projects - It’s A Lot More Than Just a Nice Conversation in the Rio Grande Basin! - Travis Smith, San Louis Valley Irrigation District and Kevin Terry, Trout UnlimitedTravis Smith is the Superintendent of the San Luis Valley Irrigation District. The District owns and operates the Rio Grande Reservoir and Farmers Union Canal, providing water for 62,000 acres of highly productive farm ground. Smith currently serves on the Colorado Water Conservation Board as the Rio Grande Basin Director, and also represents the Rio Grande Basin on the Interbasin Compact Committee. Smith is a strong advocate for the Rio Grande Cooperative Project that has developed partnerships with many stakeholders in the basin. Smith and his wife Maureen own an irrigated ranch near Del Norte, CO.

Kevin Terry is a fisheries biologist who grew up fly fishing the Rio Grande and its tributaries in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. A sportsmen first and foremost, Kevin has built a career from that which he loves most. For the last two and a half years, Kevin has been working for Trout Unlimited’ s (TU) Western Water and Habitat project, and he and his family live in the San Luis Valley. In this role, Kevin splits his time between native Rio Grande Cutthroat recovery efforts and working with water users and administrators to help find and coordinate opportunities to improve environmental and recreational stream flows. The collaborative nature of this work is at the heart of TU’s mission in the west, where farms and fish can thrive together.

Part IV: Rumblin’ in the Gunnison! How Multi-Purpose Projects Can Bring Competing Interests Together for Win-Win Outcomes - Frank Kugel, Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy DistrictFrank Kugel is the General Manager of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District. He is a registered Professional Engineer with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Colorado – Denver. Frank was involved in construction engineering in the Denver area before joining the Colorado Division of Water Resources as a Dam Safety Engineer. He served in the Denver and Durango offices of DWR before moving to Montrose where he ultimately became Division 4 Engineer for the Gunnison, San Miguel and lower Dolores Basins. Frank joined the UGRWCD upon leaving DWR in 2006. He is a member of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable and chair of its Basin Implementation Planning Subcommittee. Frank currently serves as the Gunnison Basin representative on the board of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority.

Forum, and is a representative on the Pike San Isabel Rural Advisory Committee. Al is vice chair of the Huerfano County Hospital District and newly drafted to the Public Education Participation and Outreach Workgroup (PEPO).

Sandy White is a retiree comfortably ensconced in Huerfano County which he represents on the Arkansas Basin Roundtable. He is president of the Huerfano County Water Conservancy District, as well as of the county’s Federal Mineral Lease District, and serves as a member of the county planning commission and of the board of the La Veta Fire Protection District.

Water and Agriculture Nexus

Wednesday, October 7 10:30am - 12:00pm

The new rivers of the West: A comparison of irrigation canals and natural streamsErick Carlson, Colorado State UniversityErick is a 4th year PhD student in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University. He returned to academia to explore questions he developed while working at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. He is working with Dr. David Cooper, with continued support from the Colorado Water Institute. This work has taken Erick out of my botanical comfort zone into the world of aquatic invertebrates, physical soil properties and microbial biochemistry. My non-academic pursuits follow water to its mountainous source as a member of the backcountry Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol in the Rawah and Never Summer mountains. I also enjoy all forms of cycling, hiking, gardening and teaching my 18 month old son about all of those things.

Abstract: Networks of irrigation canals and ditches are critical to supporting irrigated agricultural in many regions of the world. The riparian and aquatic ecosystems that develop along and in constructed channels have the potential to mimic natural streams though often in novel, upland settings. Constructed and natural channels often have structural and hydrologic similarities prompting the comparison of the type and quality of aquatic and riparian habitat of each. I investigated aquatic insect communities and riparian plant communities of constructed and natural channels in Larimer and Weld Counties, CO.

Moderator: Bill McKee Colorado Watershed Assembly

Bill McKee worked for the Colorado Water Quality Control Division for 30 years. Bill has been a board member of the Colorado Watershed Assembly for six years, member of the conference committee for the past fifteen years, and on City Council in Golden, Colorado for eight years.

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Agriculture and Drinking Water - A Proactive Protection Planning ApproachDylan Trujillo, Colorado Rural Water AssociationDylan R. Trujillo has been a Source Water Protection Specialist for Colorado Rural Water Association since June of 2014. His previous work includes field experience in environmental compliance monitoring and storm water quality monitoring while working at the Pueblo Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant in Pueblo, CO. A native of Colorado, he is passionate about protecting the state’s drinking water resources through public education and outreach. Since joining CRWA, he has assisted the Town of Monument with completing a Source Water Protection Plan, and in the coming months, is preparing to begin plans for an additional 4 public drinking water systems. In 2008, he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Abstract: Colorado Rural Water Association’s Source Water Specialists work with public water systems statewide in the development of Source Water Protection Plans that are aimed to help protect drinking water supplies. A SWPP identifies: the area in need of protection, the potential sources of contamination, and Best Management Practices that could help to reduce the risk of contaminants entering the source waters. CRWA is in the sixth year of contracting with the CDPHE and the USDA to conduct this program, with over 140 plans completed. This presentation will focus on source water protection planning and BMP implementation efforts that deal specifically with agricultural impacts on a community’s drinking water system, using real world examples from previously completed plans.

Restoration Ecology

The Use of Site-Specific Wetland and Riparian Plant Species in Restoration Design to Benefit Pollinator HabitatRandy Mandel, Golder AssociatesRandy Mandel has over 32- years of experience as a restoration ecologist. His major accomplishments include (1) Lead propagation specialist for the Suncor Revegetation Pilot Project in Alberta, Canada, (2) Revegetation specialist for the Yanacocha Minera Gold Mining Project near Cajamarca, Peru, (3) Professional botany mentor for the US Forest Service, White River National Forest, (4) Revegetation specialist, EnCana Natural Gas, Piceance Basin operation; (5) Comprehensive ecological services for Pitkin County Open Space; and (6) Lead Native Plant Ecologist for CWCB – Rocky Mountain FlyCasters Flood Recovery Grant. Mr. Mandel has been a key revegetation specialist for multiple restoration, reclamation, and remediation projects including 14 National Parks andMonuments; over 26 wetland, 32 lacustrine, and 29 riverine projects; as well as several Department of Justice projects including Telluride Mountain Village, the Beartooth Highway, and the Yellowstone Club.

Abstract: As the majority of native plants require insect pollination for successful reproduction, the recent population decline in native bumblebees, European honeybees, and selected butterfly species threatens the health and resiliency of wetland and riparian habitats. In response, federal agencies have been directed to address pollinator decline. Part of the resulting strategy includes the development of native species to increase nesting, cover, and forage habitat. Therefore, the purpose of this presentation is to discuss the importance of restoration with the intent of promoting pollinator – floristic relationships for wetland and riparian communities.

Using cottonwoods to reconstruct river flows and assess the condition of modern riparian ecosystemsDerek Schook, Colorado State University

Moderator: Gil Barth S.S. Papadopulos and Associates and Colorado Riparian Association

Dr. Barth provides quantitative assessments of water resource and environmental conditions at the local, basin and watershed scale to address questions associated with water planning, water rights, water quality assessment and remediation. He specializes in model development and calibration, with a focus on quantifying exchanges between surface-water and groundwater systems and the application of sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation. He has developed and applied groundwater simulation models to assist private and public clients in several Western States.

Derek is a PhD Candidate working in Colorado State University’s Fluvial Geomorphology research group. In 2007 he received a BA in Biology from the College of Wooster. In 2012 Derek received an MS in Ecology at CSU, where he characterized the physical drivers inciting wetland decline in Yellowstone National Park. He then worked for a year and a half as a research associate at CSU, where he focused on wetland restorations and plant-water interactions. In 2013 Derek began his PhD with Sara Rathburn, where he is

ILVK Upper Colorado River Irrigation and Restoration AssessmentChristian Romeyn, AECOMChris Romeyn, PE, CFM is a water resource engineer with 15 years of experience that includes stream restoration as well as a bunch of other boring stuff like hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; floodplain management; hydraulic design; water resources/rights engineering; drainage planning, analysis and design; residential and commercial development; county, state and federal permitting; debris flow mitigation, and general civil design. Chris is based in the AECOM Glenwood Springs office which gives him plenty of opportunity to get out of the office to ski, hike, bike, camp and spend time with his family.

Abstract: The Upper Colorado River has been significantly impacted by trans-basin diversions. The Colorado-Big Thompson project, authorized in 1937, resulted in the construction of 9 pump stations to address the project’s negative impacts on agriculture. Hydromodification of the Colorado River has resulted in failing diversion structures, loss of agricultural infrastructure and lands, severe bank erosion, and significant loss of aquatic habitat. AECOM performed a detailed geomorphic assessment of the Colorado River to find sustainable solutions to these issues that enhance the Colorado River ecosystem. This unique project demonstrates the close ties between agriculture and the river and how both can benefit from restoration.

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Clear Creek Channel RestorationJosh Hollon and Kevin ShanksJosh Hollon is a Water Resources Engineer with 18 years of experience specializing in stormwater and floodplain management.

Kevin Shanks is a Senior Landscape Architect with over 27 years of experience and has provided a full range of services including land use planning, master planning, design and construction administration.” Clear Creek Channel Restoration CDOT’s expansion of eastbound I-70 and construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Tunnels provided the opportunity for CDOT and several project partners to restore a portion of Clear Creek, just east of Idaho Springs. Many reaches of Clear Creek have been channelized, diverted and impacted by highway construction, mining, recreational uses and urban development such that natural riparian benches, floodplains and aquatic habitat are limited. Building off concept designs from CPW, CDOT expanded and enhanced Clear Creek restoration through design and construction. This project created over ½ acre of new riparian bench and floodplain, realigned the low flow channel and developed numerous pools and structures for aquatic habitat. CDOT’s expansion of eastbound I-70 and construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Tunnels provided the opportunity for CDOT and several project partners to restore a portion of Clear Creek, just east of Idaho Springs. Many reaches of Clear Creek have been channelized, diverted and impacted by highway construction, mining, recreational uses and urban development such that natural riparian benches, floodplains and aquatic habitat are limited. Building off concept designs from CPW, CDOT expanded and enhanced Clear Creek restoration through design and construction. This project created over ½ acre of new riparian bench and floodplain, realigned the low flow channel and developed numerous pools and structures for aquatic habitat.

Abstract: CDOT’s expansion of eastbound I-70 and construction of the Veteran’s Memorial Tunnels provided the opportunity for CDOT to join with several project partners to restore a portion of Clear Creek, just east of Idaho Springs. Many reaches of Clear Creek have been channelized, diverted and impacted by highway construction, mining, recreational uses and urban development, which has seriously diminished river health. CDOT, Clear Creek County and CPW partnered to restore river health by creating a sustainable solution that reconnects the creek with its floodplain, reestablishes native riparian plant communities and provides new aquatic habitat that also accommodates commercial rafting.

analyzing flow, climate, and floodplain ecosystem histories in the Yellowstone River Basin. Through building an understanding of ecosystem interactions, Derek’s work aims to inform land management and the maintenance of self-sustaining landscapes.

Abstract: Changes in river runoff regime threaten both water supplies and floodplain ecosystems, and predicting these changes and their hydrological and ecological effects is essential for effective river management. We collected nearly 1000 tree cores from plains cottonwoods in eastern Montana on the Yellowstone and Powder Rivers to reconstruct flows and understand modern and historic rates of river flow and channel migration. Flow reconstructions indicate that the decades of highest (1820s, 1850s) and lowest (1830s, 1900s) flows all occurred prior to the instrumental record, highlighting the value of an extended perspective when planning for river fluctuations. Cottonwood age distribution indicates that, like other western rivers, the rate of channel migration on the Yellowstone River declined in the 20th century. However, the Yellowstone River uniquely lacks mainstem dams and has a relatively natural runoff regime. The lack of younger cottonwood trees is likely caused by a decline in river migration rates, which may be attributed to i) climate change directly leading to a decline in fluvial processes driving river migration, ii) relatively minor manipulations to the flow regime, or iii) other land and water management practices. The recent changes to the hydrologic regime have negatively affected the floodplain ecosystem and associated habitats.

Creative Public PolicyModerator: Julie Ash

Otak, Inc.Julie Ash is currently employed with Otak and is a registered Professional Engineer in Colorado. She has 20 years of experience in river restoration and engineering to support ecological restoration projects. Julie focuses on restoring natural form and function to damaged systems to maximize habitat value and help restore health and resiliency given today’s reality of myriad and unavoidable constraints. She believes that intact natural systems, with their inherent resiliency, are the key to successfully meeting the diverse and often competing goals that we place on these areas…and that protecting them is the best way to protect ourselves.Julie also serves on the Executive Board of the Colorado Riparian Association, helping plan the Sustaining Colorado WatershedsConference each year. Julie’s work with the Riparian Association over the last 18 years has ranged from President to Secretary toMembership Committee. With either hat on, Julie loves to talk about anything riparian- or stream-related. Be sure to find her at theconference this year to talk shop!

The Crossroads of Duty and the Doctrine of Prior AppropriationKen MacKenzie, Urban Drainage and Flood Control DistrictKen MacKenzie is the manager of the master planning program for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District; serving 33 cities and 7 counties surrounding Denver, Colorado. He serves on the board of directors for the Urban Watersheds Research Institute and chairs a committee in the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) and the Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI-ASCE). Ken holds a MS degree in civil engineering and teaches engineering classes related to hydrology, hydraulics and stormwater quality.

Abstract: For several decades municipalities and counties across Colorado have been protecting lives, property, and the environment through the implementation of urban stormwater detention and controlled release. At first this was done for reduction of flood flows only, while allowing smaller and more frequent storms to pass through the detention facilities essentially undetained. Later, beginning in the early 1990s, detention facilities also often incorporated extended detention of these smaller

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From Fields to Flows and Back Again - The Success and Challenges of getting Water Sharing Projects on the GroundKaren Wogsland, Colorado Water TrustKaren is the Director of Programs at the Colorado Water Trust, a private, non-profit organization that engages in and supports efforts to restore and protect streamflows in Colorado. As Director of Programs, she leads the program team in implementing water transactions and other solutions to benefit streamflows. Karen earned her B.S. in Geology from Colorado State University and her M.S. in Geology from the University of Montana. After ten years in the environmental consulting field, she turned her attention to clean(er) water and western water rights, spending her next decade working for the City of Thornton Water Resources Division, Spronk Water Engineers, and Earth Asset Solutions, which she founded in 2012 while earning her MBA from the University of Colorado.

Abstract: One of the recommended no-and-low regrets actions in the draft Colorado Water Plan is to “minimize statewide agricultural acres transferred and implement agricultural sharing projects. However, many impediments exist, and ag-environmental water sharing projects have lingered as concept papers or as nascent pilot projects. The Colorado Water Trust is currently implementing two water sharing projects using two different legal tools - the McKinley Project, a permanent transfer that adds split-season instream flow use to a senior agricultural right; and the Rio Colorado Project, a Senate Bill 19 water conservation program. Using these examples, we will explore the challenges to getting ag-environmental water sharing projects on-the-ground.

Poudre River Health Assessment FrameworkJen Shanahan, City of Fort CollinsJennifer Shanahan is an environmental planner for the City of Fort Collins, Natural Areas Department. Jen leads and participates a variety of planning processes related to management of the Citys 42 natural areas with a particular focus on a spectrum of issues and projects surrounding the Poudre River. These include collaborative landscape-level planning, application of river science to policy and management, report development on integrative river models and monitoring projects, and communication of technical Poudre River issues to the broader community. She holds a masters degree from the Department of Forest Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship at Colorado State University, with a research focus in riparian restoration.

Abstract: Recognizing the central importance of the Cache la Poudre River to the community, the City of Fort Collins has many initiatives underway to support the vitality of the river ecosystem. The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and Utilities have collaborated on the creation of an assessment tool for supporting and sustaining the health of the Poudre River proximate to Fort Collins. The River Health Assessment Framework articulates the City’s vision for a healthy and resilient river by setting recommended ranges and an A-F grading system for the key physical, chemical and biological indicators of the river.An adaptation of the FACstream method, this tool allows us to communicate the functioning condition of the interlinked ecosystem for a resource typically discussed and managed in fragments. It serves as a common communication platform by bringing together all applicable existing data and filling in gaps using a rapid assessment style evaluation. This Framework establishes the methodology for a long term monitoring program and first State of the Poudre River Report (2016). It will support the City’s need to understand river condition over space and time for setting internal priorities and engaging in collaborative regional discussions.

and more frequent storms to promote the removal of sediment and associated pollutants. Finally, full spectrum detention was developed to protect the integrity of streams. Regardless of whether stormwater detention was implemented for flood flow reduction, pollutant removal, or stream protection, it was assumed across Colorado that this practice, when implemented in accordance with the well-documented “72-Hour Rule,” conformed to the Colorado State Engineer’s administrative allowance. Then, in May of 2013, this assumption was challenged. After two years of talks, it became apparent that the only permanent and statewide relief would be in the form of a legislative solution.This presentation will cover historical details of the nexus between stormwater and water rights, challenges encountered during the legislative process, the perspective of the public agencies and of the agricultural community, and a philosophical discussion of how the way we have historically developed land needs to change.

Wednesday, October 7 1:30 - 3:00pm

Hazard MappingModerator: Thuy Patton

Colorado Water Conservation BoardThuy is in charge of the FEMA Floodplain Map Modernization Program for the CWCB. She is a member of the Colorado Association for Floodplain Managers and the Association of State Floodplain Managers as well. Other areas of responsibility include:

• Managing significant federal investments to direct statewide modernization of floodplain maps, including the creation of digital floodplain maps and the eventual update and maintenance of such maps

• Coordinating floodplain mapping and local project development, developing scopes of work, and acting as the liaison between FEMA and local governments, insuring shareholder needs are met project to project

• Providing public outreach regarding the DFIRM project status and additional outreach for the Map Modernization Program. Thuy is leading the statewide effort to identify flood and natural hazard risk through a joint program led by the CWCB and the Governor’s Recovery Office that resulted as part of Senate Bill 15-245.

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Characterizing and mapping risk over river change from floods Joel Sholtes, Colorado State University; Michael Blazewicz, Roundriver Design; Katie Jagt, Watershed Science and DesignJoel’s bio can be found on page 12.

Mr. Blazewicz is founder and owner of Round River Design and has 15 years’ experience working to restore degraded rivers in Vermont, Washington and Colorado. Michael works to assess, plan, and restore rivers with an emphasis on geomorphology, channel-floodplain interactions, and reduction of risk and conflict associated with natural channel processes. As a member of the Stream Recovery Team Michael has played an active role in the Colorado flood-recovery effort.

Katie’s bio can be found on page 12.

Abstract: Floodplain management has typically focused on hazards related to flood inundation while largely ignoring hazards posed by changes in location of river channels and associated erosion. River movement during floods results from complex processes involving interactions among flood flow magnitude and duration, sediment supply, channel bed and bank characteristics, channel slope, and valley confinement. The resulting meander migration, scour, aggradation, and avulsions may threaten lives and infrastructure where current floodplain maps had otherwise suggested no or low risk. We present a framework for mapping these erosion hazard zones and present draft risk maps for Front Range rivers. The goal of this work is to advance the science behind predicting river change for improved guidance on flood hazards and river corridor management.

Developing Rapid Geomorphic Datasets to Identify Risk and Guide River Restoration and Long-Term Watershed Planning: A River Styles Case StudyLuke Swan, Otak, Inc.Luke is a Senior Fluvial Geormophologist at Otak, Inc in Boulder, Colorado. He has spent much of the last 2 years fully immersed in Front Range flood recovery and river restoration projects. He also recently led a study to compare methods for defining riverine erosion hazards that will be used to guide hazard delineations in Colorado. Luke found his way to geomorphology through a background in mathematics and a love for wild places. When not working he can be found hunting trout, riding his mountain bike, backcountry skiing, or laughing with his 15 month old son.

Abstract: With funding managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, many flood-impacted watersheds were charged with developing watershed master plans that contained a component intended to assess and identify geomorphic risk. For the Left Hand Creek Plan, the River Styles Framework was adapted and simplified in order to classify reaches in the watershed into six geomorphic stream types. Channel trajectories were developed as a product of channel state and valley configuration. They were then related to floodplain assets and used to develop risk rankings, defined as the product of hazard and consequence. The stream types were then also used to develop conceptual restoration plans that will help guide any future restoration work in the watershed.

Debris Flow Hazard Mapping in Colorado: The Need and Plan for a Statewide AssessmentMatthew Morgan, Colorado Geological SurveyOriginally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Matt attended college at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where he received his B.S. in Geology in 1996. He moved to Denver in 1996 and began his career with the Colorado Geological Survey where he currently serves as Senior Research Geologist and is manager of the Geologic Mapping Program for Colorado. He graduated with a M.S. in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines in 2006 where he studied the Alamo Impact Breccia of Nevada. Matt has mapped 23, 1:24,000-scale geologic quadrangles in Colorado, 15 of those along the Front Range and is author of over 90 publications and abstracts. Recently, he co-authored the Colorado Geological Survey report on the 2.8-mile-long West Salt Creek landslide and mapped debris flow hazards following the 2013 floods along the northern Front Range. His interests lie in geologic hazards, stratigraphy, geomorphology, LiDAR, and meteorites.

Abstract: The flooding events of September 2013 underscored the need for a statewide, county by county assessment of potential debris flow hazard zones. This undertaking will include new mapping and modeling and discussion of active mitigation techniques. In 2014, the Colorado Geological Survey completed a debris flow hazard map of Boulder County. This dataset was generated by a multi-step process that included mathematical modeling, verification of outlined areas by professional geologists, and geoprocessing functions using GIS. These maps may be used by local governments to update their master and emergency plans, provide hazard zonation for future development, and aid post-disaster recovery efforts.

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Telling Stories with DataModerator: Bob McDade

Colorado Department of TransportationBob McDade serves as the Hydrologic Resource Specialist/Programs Manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Environmental Programs Branch. Bob has thirteen years’ experience providing water quality sampling and quantitative analysis and reporting for local, state and federal regulatory programs. Bob is also the Monitoring Committee Chair for Colorado Water Quality Monitoring Council (CWQMC). The primary work product of the council is the Colorado Data Sharing Network (CDSN). The CDSN is a revolutionary way for organizations and agencies to share data with the public and with each other. After data is collected around the state, it can be easily uploaded and viewable on the web. Each time data is shared, it not only increases the knowledge of water quality around the state, but hopefully saves time and resources for others who are interested in monitoring in a given basin.

Environmental Data Analysis Tools for Decision MakersKelly Close, Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc. Since 1992, Kelly has worked in many areas of water resources including planning, data collection and management, water rights litigation, modeling, and development of custom analysis tools. She works for clients ranging from farmers to utilities to state agencies and has found that across this variety of experience her greatest strengths lie in the application of computer technologies to meet data management and visualization needs unique to this field. Kelly has a degree from the University of Colorado focused on environmental planning and applied mathematics. She Co-Chairs the Colorado WQ Monitoring Council (CWQMC) TAC and is a member of the Colorado Lake and Reservoir Management Association (CLRMA). Kelly is a registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Colorado.

Abstract: Those empowered to influence decisions affecting our watersheds often have difficulty accessing anything but highly abstracted environmental data. As more data finds its way into databases, a great opportunity emerges, because databases are great at synthesizing and presenting data. But how do we connect this power with people that need it, without sending them all to database classes? Resources in the public domain are being used now to publish interactive data on the web for public outreach and engagement. With some thoughtful design and audience-targeting, the same approach can be used create tools that our decision makers will use and rely on. It just takes a little ingenuity on the back end to make it work. Let us demonstrate!

Water Education through Stories Using Open and Big DataSteve Malers, Open Water FoundationSteve Malers is founder of the Open Water Foundation (OWF), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that develops open source software solutions for water resources to help organizations make better decisions about water. Steve grew up in La Junta and has BS and MS degrees in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. He lives in Fort Collins and serves on the Fort Collins Water Board and the Poudre Runs Through It Study/Action Work Group. Steve has worked for twenty years developing Colorado’s Decision Support Systems (CDSS) software and uses software to analyze complex water resources issues in Colorado and other states. Steve participated in the CFWE Water Leaders Program in 2014. In 2015 he founded TriLynx Systems, which provides software for real-time data management and flood warning.

Abstract: Water resources issues are extremely complex, involving multiple stakeholders with multiple interests, positions, and values. Public understanding of complex water issues is confounded by conflicting messages such as the cost of water relative to other goods, and trade-offs between water uses. Public water providers are challenged with the need to explain their decisions within the context of specific business missions as well as social, environmental, and regional context. Calls for education about water issues are common, and significant resources are applied to education; however, the complexity and variability of water issues is a barrier to education. Increased data collection and use of technologies provides opportunities to enhance education by integrating data into stories that relate to individuals and society. However, organizations often are constrained in constructing broader stories because of their focused missions, lack of technical resources, and other reasons. The opportunity is to leverage publicly available open data and big data sets to construct compelling stories about complex water issues, presented in a way that is cross-jurisdictional yet relevant at a local level. Such stories, when developed outside of any particular water provider can subsequently be utilized by multiple water providers to educate their customers. Stories utilizing open and big data sets also can scale for application on statewide efforts such as the Colorado Water Plan.

Assessing Nutrient Management Targets and Tradeoffs in Colorado WatershedsDr. Mazdak Arabi and Tyler Wible, Colorado State UniversityMazdak’s bio can be found on page 10.

Tyler’s bio can be found on page 10.

Abstract: An integrative and adaptive framework for the development of system-level nutrient control strategies is presented. The framework facilitates assessing tradeoffs and targets associated with different nutrient management solutions. The application of the framework is demonstrated for two purposes:

1. Assess the feasibility of meeting nutrient targets and attaining designated uses for NHD- indexed water bodies (stream segments and lakes) in the demonstration watersheds under the prevailing governance and institutional agreements and climatic conditions;

2. Identify system-level sustainable technologies, practices and strategies for minimizing vulnerability to N and P pollution for the lowest cost under prevailing institutional agreements and climatic conditions that are most consistent with priorities of stakeholders.

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Sustainability indicators for characterizing vulnerability to nutrient pollution, cost of mitigation, chance of adoption, equity, and resilience and reliability of N and P control options are discussed. These indicators are then assessed at multiple spatial and temporal scales to explore tradeoffs at the system level. A stakeholder-centered decision dashboard is presented to help communities select N and P solutions in municipal wastewater, urban stormwater, agricultural, and hydro-geomorphic sectors to meet nutrient targets.

Capacity BuildingModerator: Casey Davenhill

Colorado Watershed Assembly and Cherry Creek Stewardship PartnersCasey is a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Accounting and over 20 years of accounting experience having worked for an international accounting firm and numerous small businesses and non-profits as a consultant. As Administrator for the Colorado Watershed Network and the Colorado Watershed Assembly, Casey has a long history of coordination with River Watch and other important programs and projects that have been facilitated by these two organizations. Cherry Creek is Casey’s home watershed and she has directed the watershed forum: Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners for over 10 years.

Recognizing the Role of the Philanthropic Community in Watershed HealthCaroline Bradford, Understanding Water Resources; Mark Turner, Colorado Nonprofit Association; Beth Conover, Gates Family FoundationBradford is an independent consultant specializing in strategic fundraising and coordination of diverse partnerships to support natural resource projects in the Intermountain West. Bradford was the founding executive director of the Eagle River Watershed Council, founding development director for Walking Mountains Science Center and represents Eagle County on the Colorado Basin Roundtable. Collaborative projects include Grand County’s Gore Canyon Whitewater Park, the restoration of the Ogden River through downtown Ogden, Utah and the balancing of interests through the 10,825 Water Supply Study among others.

Mark Turner is the Director of Public Policy for Colorado Nonprofit Association. Since 2005, he has directed the organization’s actions on state and federal policies, trained nonprofits on advocacy and lobbying strategies, and communicated with Colorado’s nonprofits about pertinent laws and regulations. Previously, he was the Membership Services Manager for the Association and worked as a Research Assistant for the Latin American Research and Service Agency in Denver. He earned a B.A. in Government and Legal Studies from Bowdoin College in 2000 and completed the Denver Community Leadership Forum in 2004 through the University of Colorado at Denver. He is the Treasurer of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Denver and serves on advisory committees to the Colorado Secretary of State and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Denver. In his spare time, he plays the drums, writes poetry, and plays Ultimate Frisbee.

Beth Conover has worked for over twenty-five years at the intersection of environmental protection and economic development. She is a senior program officer with the Foundation, leading its initiated grant making for natural resources, rural communities and smarter, greener, healthier urbanism. As policy advisor to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper from 2003-2007, she was the architect of Greenprint Denver, one of the nation’s earliest and largest urban sustainability programs, and helped lay the groundwork for the greening of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Beth worked for the Stapleton Redevelopment Foundation and the Stapleton Development Corporation from 1994-1998 as Director of Parks and Programs. Conover also worked in Zimbabwe, southern Africa from 1989-91 on a community forestry initiative, and was a consultant in private practice for 9 years, helping public, private and non-profit clients with strategic planning and program and policy development. Beth is a native of Denver, a graduate of Brown University and holds a joint MBA/Masters of Environmental Studies from Yale University. She is author/editor of How the West Was Warmed: Responding to Climate Change in the Rockies, a collection of over 40 essays by leading journalists and policy makers (Fulcrum Press, 2009), and author of Trees for Zimbabwe: An Illustrated Guide for Teachers (ENDA-Zimbabwe, 1991). Beth has served on numerous boards, including those for the Colorado Youth Corps Association, the Sand Creek Regional Greenway, Conservation Colorado, the Africa Schools Assistance Project and the Beim Family Foundation in Minneapolis, MN. She is a recipient of the University of Colorado Wirth Chair Sustainability Award (2008).

Abstract: The presentations will cover the following topics: • Howbesttoengagephilanthropyintheworkofwatershedgroupsaroundthestate;• ProvideopportunityforengagementandQ&Awithbroadcross-sectionoftypesoffunders;• Connectingthepublichealth,economicdevelopmentandenvironmentalvaluesinacommunity;• CreatemomentumtowardscollaboratingonimplementationstrategiesasoutlinedinSection9.5recommendationsof

Colorado’s Water Plan;• Howtoengagepolicymakersintheworkofwatershedgroupsaroundthestate.

Colorado Stream Restoration Network (CSRN): Leveraging Local Expertise for Our Colorado RiversJulie Ash, Otak Inc. Julie’s bio can be found on page 19.

Abstract: The CSRN is an ongoing series of bi-monthly workshops with a mission to maximize the use of natural materials and methods in our Colorado stream systems by reducing roadblocks in design and construction thinking. The 2013 floods called into focus many river management practices that are not serving us well. The CSRN was developed as a knowledge share program to transfer the vast expertise in our Colorado riparian community to educate practitioners, agencies, and developers on what’s needed to work more successfully in our streams. The presentation will focus on the CSRN partnership and vision, the success and challenges with outreach to our target audience, and our approach to changing minds and traditions.

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Water FlexibilityModerator: Zach Smith

Colorado Water Trust

Wednesday, October 73:30 - 5:00pm

The Use of Flexible Water Transfers and Water Markets to Serve Mutiple PurposesBrett Bovee, WestWater ResearchMr. Bovee is the Regional Director for WestWater Research, which focuses on understanding water markets and the value of water in the Western U.S. Brett has been working in water rights and water resource engineering since 2004, and is a professional civil engineer and hydrologist.

Abstract: We have a variety of tools to accommodate increases in M&I water demands and provide the necessary flows to sustain our river economies and ecology. Among these tools are methods that reallocate water from its current use to a new use, such as Alternative Transfer Methods (ATMs) promoted in the Colorado Water Plan. This talk will review the nature of reallocation methods, show that both our past decisions and future plans support reallocation as a tool, and provide successful examples of market-based reallocation methods both in Colorado and other Western states that serve multiple purposes. The talk will hopefully motivate continued work on ATMs and water markets in Colorado.

Zach Smith has been the Colorado Water Trust staff attorney since 2010, where he develops and manages water rights transfers that benefit Colorado’s rivers and streams. A Denver native and a DU Law graduate, he is an alum of the Colorado Foundation for Water Education Water Leaders program and is the current President of the Colorado Watershed Assembly Board of Directors.

The Promise and the Challenge: Attitudes Toward Sharing Water in the Arkansas ValleyBrian Devine, University of Colorado, BoulderBrian Devine is a recent graduate of the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has been researching patterns of water transfer activity, asking “What areas have been involved in a water transfer, and with what effects?” His masters’ thesis compares the large-scale transfer of water from the Arkansas Basin’s Colorado Canal to Front Range cities with the proposed water-sharing scheme known as Super Ditch, in the same basin. This research encompasses water users’ attitudes towards methods of transferring water, legal approaches taken in each case, and the technical requirements that a transfer must meet. Brian frequently writes and speaks about water, agriculture and urban growth for a variety of audiences. He currently lives in Durango.

Abstract: Farmers and cities in the Arkansas Basin have begun a pilot project of water leasing to avoid traditional “buy-and-dry” transfer methods. The project presents an opportunity for flexible water sharing between farmers, cities and instream flows that respond to user needs and ecological conditions, but not everyone is on board. This is a presentation of research into the attitudes of water utilities, farmers and rural community leaders toward the prospect of leasing water on a large scale over multiple years. Utilities and farmers have unique concerns that must be addressed by proponents of more flexible water management. Based on this research, some suggestions are presented for structuring water projects that meet our needs and accord with our values.

HB 13-1248 & the CWCB’s Rotational Leasing Fallowing Pilot Program - Colorado’s First Approved Pilot Project and Possibilities for the FutureLeah Martinsson, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy DistrictLeah Martinsson is an attorney and focuses her practice primarily on water rights law, representing both public and private clients in all aspects of water court litigation and related administrative proceedings. She also has extensive experience assisting clients with all aspects of water rights acquisitions. Ms. Martinsson has worked in support of alternative transfer methods to avoid the permanent “buy and dry” of irrigated agricultural lands. She represents the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District and worked on the District’s behalf to obtain approval for the first rotational fallow-leasing pilot project under HB 13-1248.

Abstract: In January 2015, the CWCB approved the first Rotational Land Fallowing-Municipal Leasing Pilot Project under HB 13-1248.The Catlin Pilot Project involves the rotational fallowing of 1100 acres irrigated under the Catlin Canal to generate up to 500 afy available for lease to three municipal participants and is operated by the LAVWCD & the Super Ditch Company. The presentation will provide: (1) background/overview regarding rotational fallowing-leasing and the pilot program established by HB 13-1248; (2) process/requirements for approval of pilot projects; (3) general overview of the Catlin Pilot Project and operational update; and (5) expansion of the pilot program under SB 15-198 to include recreation, environmental, industrial and agricultural uses as permissible end uses.

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Long-Term PlanningModerator: Matt Betz

Boulder County Transportation Department

Anticipating the Long Haul: Exploring Threshold Boundaries with Basin-wide Stream Depletion MappingGilbert Barth, S. S. Papadopulos and AssociatesGil’s bio can be found on page 18.

Abstract: Models can be used to explore resiliency and the potential conjunctive use of surface and groundwater under a variety of conditions, helping identify threshold boundaries of watersheds. Many basins in Colorado would benefit from this approach in order to anticipate conditions in the “long haul”. The models can help characterize groundwater conditions, aquifer-stream interactions and map stream depletion relationships throughout a watershed, providing preliminary screening of conjunctive use options. The results can be used to generate capture ratio maps, summarizing the spatial distribution of stream depletion, and graphs of transitions with time. Together these graph and map products provide tools for decision-makers to focus on river reaches of interest.

Snow-Flow: Integrating Water Data into Public EducationJD Kurz, Pagosa Springs High SchoolJ.D. Kurz has a B.S. in Watershed Science from Colorado State University and a M.A. in Science Education from the University of Northern Colorado. He is currently teaches Chemistry, Physics, and Global Science at Pagosa Springs High School. Before becoming a science teacher 12 years ago, he gained experience developing sediment rating curves and monitoring river restoration effectiveness while working for the USFS as well as for hydrology consulting and engineering firms.

Abstract: Snow-Flow is a relevant and engaging problem-based learning unit that I facilitated at Pagosa Springs High School. Using historic streamflow and snow course data, we attempted to answer two questions about the San Juan River. Is the amount and timing of spring runoff changing? Can we accurately predict the amount and timing of the spring runoff? Students experienced the power and limitations of modeling, and learned the important role that Colorado’s snowpack has on the annual hydrograph. The unit can be adapted to any snow-dominated watershed in the West and will provide watershed organizations with an example of how water data can be integrated into public education.

Didymo on the Fryingpan: Anglers, Dams and Climate ChangeHeather Lewin, Roaring Fork Conservancy and Jenn Moore, Colorado Mountain CollegeJenn Moore has a BS from Virginia Tech and MS in Environmental Engineering from CSU. She worked at USGS as a research hydrologist before joining the Natural Resource Management team at Colorado Mountain College, Leadville, where she is an adjunct faculty and manages the internship program. Her research included studying surface water chemistry, designing watershed water quality monitoring programs, and studying the transport of salt and selenium in the Mancos shale of Western Colorado.

Heather Lewin is the Watershed Action Director at Roaring Fork Conservancy, where she focuses on studies, on-the-ground projects and policy work to maintain and protect the Roaring Fork watershed. She has a BS from Providence College and MS in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Abstract: The study of Didymo is an integral piece of the Lower Fryingpan Comprehensive Assessment. This mat forming diatom is concerning because it negatively impacts both macro and fish populations. Didymo is known to grow in areas of sustained low flow with low temperature and nutrient content. RFC partnered with CMC’s Natural Resource Management Program to develop an original study examining the extent of Didymo on the Fryingpan. This study will be repeated in 2015 to verify patterns and enhance understanding. By conference time, data from two summers along with management plans will be presented. Understanding how and why Didymo appears and spreads is important to sustaining healthy rivers and fisheries.

Originally from Chicago, Matt Betz came to Colorado from Texas (Texas Tech), where he was researching community responses to water scarcity. Although he moved to CO to study drought, Matt’s work and research here has focused largely on flood recovery, first with ditch companies and now with private infrastructure. He also works with the South Platte Basin Roundtable, which affords him a unique position to participate in high-level water planning and local recovery planning concurrently. Matt also works with the Colorado Riparian Association. Aside from water, Matt is a homebrewer, a gear-head (bicycles and engines), and an ultra-runner. If you can’t find him at the conference, he is probably on his mountain bike somewhere or getting lost on a run.

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Leadership Skills

What is your Career Value?Mary Horan, Merrick & CompanyMary Horan is the Director of Organizational Development and Human Resources at Merrick & Company. She has almost 20 years of experience in employee engagement, performance management, management consulting, training and development. Mary joined Merrick & Company in 2008 and has participated in helping to grow the company from six U.S. locations to 20 locations including Canada and Mexico with engineers working on projects in over 30 countries. Prior to Merrick & Company, as president of an HR consulting firm, she advised senior management and middle management on human resources design, job design and training development. In another role, she provided services to the mortgage and home building industries as an HR practitioner. Mary has a M.S. in Organizational Leadership, B.S. in Management and Human Resources and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). She is also a member of local and national Human Resource organizations.

Abstract: Do you know what your career value is? In other words, can you comfortably discuss and sell the professional value you bring to your employer? It is important to market your value so key people know your potential and identify you as a person to invest in. This interactive session will discuss ways for you to get above the everyday grind, to promote and market yourself within your organization and develop a diverse professional portfolio. You will be able to identify those barriers that hold you back, learn ways to promote your untapped skills and become the go-to person on the team!

Moderating & Public Speaking: A Crash Course in Becoming ExceptionalBrian Epstein, Colorado Water Conservation BoardBrian Epstein is a hydrologist with the Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Stream and Lake Protection Section. Over the course of his career he has worked as a Water Commissioner, research hydrologist, and consulting hydrologist. He has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Policy Studies from Michigan State University and a Master of Science in Hydrogeology from University of Nevada, Reno. A lifelong learner, he has continued to study: geomorphology, mediation, leadership, and the Human Validation Process Model. When not on the road conducting field work or at desk analyzing data, Brian is in the mountains hiking, biking, or skiing with his wife, Gabriela, and dog, Balu, or wrapped up in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the martial art known as human chess.

Abstract: To develop moderating and public speaking skills this session will explore the idea of developing a process that works for you and then working the process. The philosophic grounding of this process based method is that making connection around the desired topic is fundamental to creating the climate for engaged learning. We will discuss the roles that moderators and speakers are expected to play, the process to effectively do the job, and techniques that may be used.

Leadership & Communicating with Decision MakersState Representative Diane Mitsch-BushDiane Mitsch Bush has represented Eagle County and Routt County (House District 26) in the Colorado House of Representatives since 2013. Before that, she served as a Routt County Commissioner (2007-2012) and as a Routt County Planning Commissioner (1996-2006)Diane moved to Steamboat Springs in 1976 from St. Paul, Minnesota and has worked with the Agriculture Community in Routt County since 1988. She is proud to represent two rural headwaters mountain counties.Representative Mitsch Bush serves on the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee, the House Health, Insurance, and Environment Committee, and is Vice Chair of the House Transportation and Energy Committee. This 2015 Interim, she will again serve on the Joint House/Senate Water Resources Review Committee and the Joint House/Senate Transportation Legislation Review Committee.In both 2013 and 2014, all her bills passed with bipartisan support. She engages stakeholders before introducing a bill, so that the bill reflects a consensus and evidence based policy. This year with a split chamber, 6 of her 8 bipartisan House Bills passed, including HB15-1228 co primed with Representative Jon Becker(R-Fort Morgan) to reduce red tape and make sure that the special vehicle propane tax is levied only on vehicles, not rural homes and businesses. Once again, she partnered with Representative Don Coram (R-Montrose) on a bill to streamline and clarify permitting for small hydroelectric projects, HB15-1364. Both of these bills were the product of extensive stakeholder meetings to reach a consensus.Unfortunately, her HB15-1234, a tax deduction to help beginning farmers and ranchers, passed with strong bipartisan support out of the House, but was killed in the Senate Finance Committee. The bill was the product of many stakeholder meetings. Chair of the Senate Ag Committee Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling) was the Senate sponsor. Diane earned her BA Summa Cum Laude and then her PhD from the University of Minnesota. Professionally she was a sociologist specializing in quantitative policy analysis for 26 years. For 11 years, 1982-1993, she commuted weekly from Steamboat Springs to Fort Collins where she was a tenured Associate Professor of Sociology at Colorado State University. There she won teaching and

Moderator: Stephanie DiBetitto Colorado Water Conservation Board

Stephanie DiBetitto is an employee of the Colorado Water Conservation Board working with both the Water Supply Planning and Flood and Watershed Protection Sections. Here she contributes to work on special projects, helps to manage watershed restoration grants, and has been greatly involved with the completion of Colorado’s Water Plan. Her love for Colorado’s water resources began in 2012 as an AmeriCorps member with the Colorado Watershed Assembly. While with the Assembly she worked with watershed groups throughout the state to build capacity through stakeholder engagement and fundraising. She is a graduate from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Environmental Science and Ecological Design. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s at the University of Colorado Denver in Public Administration with a focus in Environmental Policy, Management and Law.

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research awards and published widely in peer reviewed social science journals.In the 1990’s she taught at CMC in Steamboat, where she was twice recognized as faculty of the year at the CMC Alpine Campus. In 1997, she was named CMC College wide faculty of the year.Diane and her husband Michael Paul love to ski, rock climb and mountain bike. Michael was a co-manager of ski and bike tuning and repair at Ski Haus in Steamboat Springs from 1979 to 2014.As a State Representative, Diane has earned the reputation for working across the aisle and bringing people together for common sense, evidence based, fiscally responsible solutions.

Abstract: This presentation will cover tips on how you can effectively advocate for your issues and become a trusted resource for your elected representative. Presentation participants will get a behind the scene look at how a bill becomes a bill, etiquette and protocol for working at the Capitol, and examples of best practices encountered at legislature.

Thursday, October 8 Post-Conference Workshops 9:30am - 12:30pm

Camp Hale Field WorkshopOn Thursday, October 8th, the Colorado Riparian Association will proudly present the 2015 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Field Workshop to be held at Camp Hale. The workshop will feature National Forest Foundation, USFS White River National Forest, and Industry Expert speakers to discuss the upcoming restoration work, ecology, and hydrology for the Camp Hale site. Camp Hale is located between Red Cliff and Leadville in the Eagle River valley and was a U.S. Army training facility constructed in 1942 for the 10th Mountain Division. Soldiers were trained in mountain climbing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, cold-weather survival as well as various weapons and ordnance. When it was in full operation, approximately 15,000 soldiers were housed there. Additionally Camp Hale has variously served as a WWII Prisoner of War Intern Site, a CIA Training Site for Tibetan Guerillas, and a Youth Training Center. Today it is a National Historic Site and is being restored to improve watershed viability and ecosystem function.

Anticipated speakers and topics include:• Aaron Mayville, USFS – Overview/Cultural History of Camp Hale• Mark Weinhold, USFS – Hydrology/Fluvial Geomorphology of Camp Hale River Restoration• Jonathan Lowsky, Colorado Wildlife Science - Avian Ecology• Corey Engen, FlyWater – Macro-invertabrates• Gil Barth, S.S. Papadopulos and Associates – Groundwater Impacts on Camp Hale Riparian Restoration• Randy Mandel – Willow / Sedge propagation

PostersWednesday 5:00 to 8:00pm

Prevention: Addressing the Problem at the Source to Reduce Water Contaminants that Threaten Human and Environmental HealthCarol Lyons, Institute for Environmental SolutionsCarol Lyons is the Executive Director of IES, which she founded in 2004. IES’s mission is to engage stakeholders to deliver technically sound solutions to complex environmental and health problems -- without unwanted side effects. Carol is a chemical engineer with over 30 years of experience in environmental engineering and management. Specialties include air and water pollution prevention and control, project management, stakeholder involvement, and youth education. Carol has a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology (Pasadena) and a bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry from the Université des Sciences et Techniques du Languedoc (Montpellier, France).

Abstract: IES will present our Reduce Your Chemical Footprint program to equip watershed managers, local governments, and community members with effective actions to reduce and prevent harmful chemicals found in common household and personal care products from polluting the water. Communities can tackle and solve the problems of chemicals of concern that are harmful to human health and the environment but are not treated or regulated. IES uses scientifically proven community based social marketing to foster sustainable behavior. Strategies are voluntary, sustainable, and low- or no-cost. Local entities can fix and prevent water pollution.

Wetland capacity for nitrate transformation and uptake at the edge of irrigated agricultural fieldsErick Carlson, Colorado State UniversityErick’s bio can be found on page 17.

Abstract: Nitrate levels in irrigation, drinking water, and monitoring wells in agricultural areas of Weld County, Colorado often exceed the EPA drinking water standard of 10ppm. I investigated the potential for natural ecological functions of wetlands to trap and/or transform nitrate through soil microbial denitrification and plant uptake. Biotic and abiotic characteristics of wetlands including: water table dynamics, microbial activity, plant community structure, soil carbon, residual and inflowing nitrate levels were examined to help determine potential factors limiting nitrate uptake and transformation.

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Holy Cross City Fen RestorationJacob Mohrmann, Colorado Mountain CollegeMr. Mohrmann obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from Northwest University in 2003 and his Master of Science in Geology from University of Montana in 2007. Following graduate school Mr. Mohrmann was employed as a hydrogeolgist for an engineering firm in Montana. Mr. Mohrmann holds a license as a Professional Geologist in the state of Utah, and while his expertise is in hydrology, he enjoys learning new skills and working in all areas of environmental science. Mr. Mohrmann joined the Colorado Mountain College Natural Resource Management team in 2011 and currently helps manage the CMC NRM Timberline

Improving Colorado’s Watersheds: How IES teaches kids to become watershed stewards and make a real difference for Colorado’s water!John Kelly, Institute for Environmental SolutionsJohn Kelly is the Institute for Environmental Solutions’ Tree Project Team Manager. He has been with the IES since June 2014. He has a Master’s Degree in American Environmental History from the University of Iowa, and Bachelor’s degrees in History and Political Science from the University of Colorado-Boulder. His master’s thesis explored the ecological effects of forestry policy in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. Kelly’s research interests include urban and rural forestry, environmental policy, climate change adaptation, and watershed protection.

Abstract: The Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) will present an innovative approach to teaching students and community members how to restore their local watersheds and riparian environments using tree science. The IES award winning Preserve the Greenbelt Elementary Education Program use hands-on classroom and field activities to teach students to become the next generation of environmental watershed stewards, significantly increasing tree survival. The goal is to create life-long environmental stewards while providing green infrastructure improvements to threatened riparian ecosystems and watersheds in Colorado’s Front Range.

Quantifying Whitewater Recreation Opportunities in the Colorado River: Aggregating Acceptable Flows and Hydrologic Data to Identify Boatable DaysNathan Fey, American WhitewaterNathan is currently American Whitewater’s Regional Director in Colorado and the Southern Rockies. In this role, Nathan oversees program staff, teams of engineering, legal, and hydrology firms, and over 300 volunteers, while actively serving as the lead recreation representative in several high-level stakeholder efforts working on River Management Plans for the Upper Colorado, Dolores, Yampa and San Juan River basins, including negotiations for Alternatives to Wild and Scenic River designation.In 2012, Nathan was awarded the Partner in Conservation Award by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, for his scientific advancements and contributions to the US Bureau of Reclamation’s Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study.

Abstract: The structural norm approach was combined with the Potential for Conflict Index (PCI2) to define recreation streamflow needs for the Colorado River. Survey respondents defined ranges of acceptable, optimum and unacceptable flows for whitewater recreation. These ranges were then evaluated against historical hydrologic records to quantify when defined whitewater flows exist across different year types, i.e. average Boatable Days. Results provide resource managers with better information on whitewater flow-needs in the Colorado River Basin, which can be used in the development of annual operating plans for the Colorado River Basin and help managers understand how changes in flow impact the quality of recreational opportunities.

Just Say “KIC-NET” -- A Hyperlocal Program to Meet Stormwater Permit Requirements and STEM Education NeedsDonny Roush, Earth Force & Denver Public WorksDonny has worked with Earth Force as a partner since 2009 and for Earth Force as a program developer since 2011. Donny self-identifies as an environmental educator, but has answered to service-learning coordinator, editor and publisher, development director, communications specialist, information and education officer, and executive director at different times in his career. He holds an MS in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources from Ohio State and Certified Master Environmental Educator status in Colorado.

Abstract: We’ve built an urban watershed education network mutually benefiting Denver Public Works and K-12 schools. Called “Keep It Clean - Neighborhood Environmental Trios,” KIC-NET guides students through investigations of their neighborhood waters, teaching science content and civic engagement via hands-on environmental action projects. Our pilot had 10 schools, 757 students, and 55 teachers. Our toolkit aligns to Next Generation Science Standards and Guidelines for Excellence in Environmental Education. It also underwent an equity evaluation, meant to increase accessibility for linguistically and culturally diverse students. By 2017, we will expand to 25 schools and more than 1,500 students in CO, plus 10 schools and at least 650 students in NM.

Water Quality Standards in Indian CountryCurtis Hartenstine, Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Abstract: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is actively seeking EPA authority to adminsiter the Tribe’s Water Quality Standards.  The Tribe has engaged an active water quality program on the Reservation since the early 1990’s, focusing on water quality monitoring and non point source pollution reduction programs.  Building on those foundations, the Tribe now seeks the authority to implement Tribal specific water quality standards and administer a Tribal 401 certification program.  Unique challenges and opportunities face the Tribe in the assumption of these authorities in the combination of cultural considerations and economic development.  The need for Tribal specific standards to protect Tribal waters from potential impacts like the Gold King Mine Spill and other upstream development is clear given the Tribe’s inherent soverignety as an independent Governmental Body.

29.

The Creation of a Watershed Toolbox to Incorporate Wetlands into Watershed Planning Joanna Lemly, Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramJoanna Lemly is a Wetland Ecologist at the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University, where she oversees CNHP’s work on wetland mapping and assessment. Since 2008, CNHP has worked closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wetlands Inventory and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to create a statewide digital map of wetlands. Their most recent effort is to add functional attributes to wetland mapping in order to summarize and analyze the functions provided by wetlands on a watershed basis. CNHP and CPW have also developed an online mapper to view wetlands data and CNHP is currently working on a more interactive mapping tool to aid with watershed planning. In addition, CNHP leads the state’s efforts to assess the condition and habitat quality of Colorado’s wetlands, one river basin at a time. Joanna has also been heavily involved in the development of both printed and digital educational resources for wetlands. Joanna has worked in various aspects of plant ecology for over 10 years, with a particular emphasis on wetland ecology. She holds an M.S. in Ecology from Colorado State University, a Certificate in Wetland Science and Management from the University of Washington, and a B.A in Environmental Science from the Colorado College.

Abstract: Watershed groups and agencies are actively incorporating wetlands into watershed plans and restoration activities, but limited resources necessitate prioritization of projects in space and by desired function. A current endeavor by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program for the Upper South Platte and the Arkansas Headwaters uses new wetland mapping and classification methodologies to create an online “toolbox” for management activities that identifies wetlands providing important services that need protection, degraded wetlands in need of rehabilitation, and locations that historically supported highly functioning wetlands in need of restoration.

Black Forest Fire Aquifer Protection- Surface flows through damaged well casings and the risk of contaminationRachel Zancanella, Division of Water ResourcesDuring the 2013 Black Forest Fire, nearly 500 structures were destroyed in an area almost exclusively served by wells.After the fire the Division of Water Resources worked with the El Paso County Public Health Department to inspect and cover all of the damaged wells. This was a unique challenge do to a lack of specific location information, owner cooperation (looting concerns) and man power shortages in a post-fire, pre-monsoon floods time frame. After the fire when the first rains occurred the risk of suspending contaminants in the surface water from burned houses (asbestos, carbon, etc.) and washing it down the open well casings was a major concern for contaminating the Denver Basin Aquifers.

Abstract: Rachel is originally from Glenwood Springs, CO and attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins where she graduated in 2008 with a degree in Civil Engineering. She is currently a Water Resources Engineer with Colorado Division of Water Resources in the Pueblo, Colorado office where she leads the Water Information Team, which is responsible for groundwater administration in Division 2 as well as providing support to Division of Water Resources staff and the public on water issues, including Substitute Water Supply Plans, well permitting, reporting and use. From 2011 to 2014 Rachel was a Deputy Water Commissioner in District 10, which is all of the surface water tributary to Fountain Creek. This area covers basically Pike’s Peak to Calhan and the Palmer Divide to the confluence with the Arkansas River. In this position she administered surface water rights and also did the accounting and augmentation plan coordinating for the Denver Basin Augmentation Plans. In 2012, the Colorado Springs area was hit by the Waldo Canyon fire and the area suffered the after effects of post burn flooding and administrative issues. In 2013 The Black Forest Fire occurred in the northern part of the district. Though both were wild land fires that caused substantial loss of property and loss of life, they results were very different. In the Black Forest Fire over 500 structures were lost, the majority of which were served by individual on lot wells drilled into the confined aquifers of the Denver Basin. As a Water Commissioner, Rachel worked with County officials as the “boots on the ground” to conduct inspections and protect these structures to avoid further devastation from contamination, and learned a lot in the process, which is presented here.

Field Institute and the Headwaters of the Arkansas Watershed Group (HAWG).

Abstract: During an abandoned mine lands site visit in 2011, USFS personnel noted a fen wetland that had been ditched and drained. Given the location relative to the mines around Holy Cross City, it was suspected that the drain was constructed sometime in the late 19th century to early 20th century. The Colorado Mountain College Natural Resource Management program was tasked with restoring the fen. During the summer of 2015, CMC NRM students worked under the direction of Mark Weinhold, hydrologist with the White River National Forest to restore the hydrology of the wetland. Utilizing a combination of local resources, the ditch was filled and the wetland was once again flooded. Over the next three years, students will return to the site to assess and monitor the reclamation efforts.

30.

Thank you to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for donating their sponsor ad to the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund!

Randy Mandel • Steve Rogers • 303.980.0540ENGINEERING EARTH’S DEVELOPMENT, PRESERVING EARTH’S INTEGRITY

connected excellence in all we do

Technical excellence in stream restorationIn every challenging environment and sensitive situation, we see solutions.Using advanced science and practical approaches, we provide timely and cost-e� cient solutions for our clients’ � ood recovery and stream restoration challenges. From planning and funding through construction and program management, we are committed to innovation and excellence in serving watershed coalitions, communities and industrial/commercial customers around the world.

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amecfw.com

31.

Randy Mandel • Steve Rogers • 303.980.0540ENGINEERING EARTH’S DEVELOPMENT, PRESERVING EARTH’S INTEGRITY

connected excellence in all we do

Technical excellence in stream restorationIn every challenging environment and sensitive situation, we see solutions.Using advanced science and practical approaches, we provide timely and cost-e� cient solutions for our clients’ � ood recovery and stream restoration challenges. From planning and funding through construction and program management, we are committed to innovation and excellence in serving watershed coalitions, communities and industrial/commercial customers around the world.

twitter.com/amec_fw linkedin.com/company/amecfw youtube.com/user/amecfw facebook.com/amecfw

Oil & Gas | Clean Energy | Environment & Infrastructure | Mining

amecfw.com

32.

Community. Restoration.Healthy rivers help define healthy communities.

Design with community in mind. stantec.com

Cleaning up local rivers Leading watershed planning

Educating future generations

Empowering citizen scientists Enhancing riverfront habitat

www.roaringfork.org

Bringing People Together to Protect Our Rivers Since 1996

Come visit the Conservation Gardens

atNorthern Water

Gardens are open to public seven days per week. Tours are available by calling 800-369-7246.

Northern Water 220 Water Ave. Berthoud, CO

33.

Come visit the Conservation Gardens

atNorthern Water

Gardens are open to public seven days per week. Tours are available by calling 800-369-7246.

Northern Water 220 Water Ave. Berthoud, CO

34.

Sustainable Restoration

WoodStraw®

Coalition for the Upper South Platte www.cusp.ws 719-748-0033

A healthy watershed now ~ and in the future

Protecting our watershed through collaboration, innovation

and education. Stormwater and Floodplain Management - Stream Reclamation - Stormwater Quality - Master Planning - Floodplain Evaluations - Hydrology/HydraulicsWater and Waste Water UtilitiesTraffic/Transportation PlanningStructural/Bridge Design

Lakewood, CO | 303-988-4939 | www.mullereng.com

Proud 2014 Conference Sponsors

River Watch Wetland Wildlife Conservation Program

&

Sustainable Restoration

WoodStraw®

35.

Proud 2014 Conference Sponsors

River Watch Wetland Wildlife Conservation Program

& Engaging in the protection, defense and enhancement of water in the rivers and streams of the Roaring Fork watershed supported by a dedicated voter approved tax.

530 E. Main St. Suite 302

Aspen, CO 81611healthyrivers@pitkincounty.com

“ It’s up to all of us to conserve our lands and waters for future generations.” -Geoff & Betsy Blakeslee,Yampa River Project Director & Carpenter Ranch Outreach Manager for The Nature Conservancy.

“Colorado is My Place...”

Together, we make a difference.

Support The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org/colorado C o l o r a d o | O r e g o n | W a s h i n g t o n | A r i z o n a

www.otak.com

River Restoration

H&H Modeling

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Working to create resiliency in our communities, economies, and river systems.

5345 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 1BBoulder, CO 80303(303) 575-4403

1821 Blake Street, Suite 3BDenver, CO 80202

(303) 296-3304

5

36.

MAP OF CONFERENCE FACILITIES

THE MARKET

ELEVATORS RESTROOMS

RESTROOMS

GONDOLA BALLROOM

ANDWESTIN VILLAS

BEAVERCREEK

EXPRESSGONDOLA

TO BEAVERCREEK

TO AVON TRANSIT CENTER

BEAVER CREEK SPORTS

SLIFER SMITH & FRAMPTON

REAL ESTATE

LOBBY TERRACE

SPA ANJALIP1

GRAND LOBBY

MAINENTRANCE

FRONT DESK

TEENCLUB

KIDSCLUB

GRANDSTAIRCASE LOBBY

BAR

BUSINESS CENTER2ND FLOOR

UPPER TERRACE/RIVERSIDE BALLROOMS - P1

CIMA

RIVERSIDE TERRACEP1

ATHLETIC CLUBP1

LOCKER ROOMSP1

SWIMMINGPOOL

P1

WEDDING LAWNP1

EAGLE RIVER

RECREATION PATH

HOT TUB

HOT TUB

P1 HOT TUB

ELEVATORS

VALETSKI VALETTHE LIFT

reSorT map

t 970.790.6000 800.937.8461westinriverfrontbeavercreek.com

This map was produced by the Community Development Department. Use of this map should be for general purposes only. Town of Avon does not warrant the accuracy of the data contained herein. Author: JTK, 04/11/12

U S HWY 6

NOTTINGHAM RD

HURD LN

PRATER RD

W BEAVER CREEK BLVD SWIFT GULCH RD

RIVERFRONT LN

VILLAGE RD

LAKE

ST

CHAPEL PL

BUCK CREEK R

D

AVO

N R

D

E BEAVER CREEK BLVD

MILLIES LN

BEAVER CREEK BLVD

METC

ALF RD

BENCHMARK RD BEAVER C REEK PL

SUN RD

PLAZA

WAY

U S HWY 6

BE

NCHMA R K RD

VAIL ---->

<---- EAGLE

70

Westgate Plaza

The Westin

ChapelSquare

City Market

ChristySports

Christie Lodge

The Seasons

Town Hall

AvonCenter

Sheraton

Post Office

70

Avon Station

Nottingham Lake

Eagle River

Harry A. Nottingham Park

Comfort Inn

EAGLE-VAIL ---->

<---- EDWARDS

<---- BACHELOR GULCH

BEAVER CREEK ---->

MOUNTAIN

STA

R ---->

<---- WILD

RID

GE

Elk Lot

Bear Lot

RecCabin

River Edge

Aspens MH Park

Avon CrossingCanyon Run

EaglebendNorth

Eaglebend West

Town of Avon Colorado - Summer 2012 Visitor's Map

Riverfront Express Gondola (Closed For Summer)The

Landing

Lower Beaver C

reek Express Lift (Closed For S

ummer)

970-748-4000 www.avon.org-The Heart of the Valley-

6

6

WhitewaterPark

MM166

MM167

Avon RecCenter

Streets

Paved Trails

Railroad

Public Art

Grocery StoreCoffee Shop

Shopping/ServicesBike Rental

ATMParkingGas StationRestaurant

Bus Stops

MAP OF AVONConference site (Westin Hotel) circled in red.

TABLETOP VENDORSThank you to our table top vendors

Don’t forget to stop by to learn more about them!

SPONSORSGolder Associates, Inc. AMEC Foster Wheeler Muller Engineering Mountain Pine Engineering NRCSCDM Smith

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Colorado Watershed AssemblyColorado Foundation for Water EducationColorado Riparian AssociationAmerican RiversHeadwaters of the Arkansas Watershed Group Colorado Mountain CollegeEPA/Colorado Natural Heritage ProgramThe Conservation CenterColorado Data Sharing NetworkCross Watershed NetworkMiddle Colorado Watershed CouncilWater Center at Mesa UniversitySpecial District Association of Colorado

BUSINESSES/AGENCIES Geotech Environmental Equipment, Inc. Headwaters CorpLogan SimpsonWestervelt Ecological ServicesOne Fish EngineeringPawnee ButtesLynker TechnologiesOtterTail EnvironmentalTDMA

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