February 14, 2019 E-News

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February News President's Message As we ready ourselves to begin a loaded legislative calendar, I want to remind all of our membership how important it is to stay engaged with Colorado Water Congress and the water community.  As President of the Board of Directors, it will be my duty to direct and support the Board, compiled of individuals who represent the geographic, municipal and business, and professional interest categories defined by our membership. Our Board strives to be transparent in how we derive decisions from thoughtful deliberation to our member base, and all of our Board Meeting Documents are available for review at www.cowatercongress.org. For those of you who attended the Annual Convention, thank you for your support.  I would like to also thank the exhibitors, sponsors and Colorado Water Congress staff whose efforts are key to our success.  We had a record-breaking attendance of 612, and we hope to experience as much interest at our upcoming summer conference in Steamboat Springs; August 20 - 22, 2019.   If you are interested in serving or learning more about the Colorado Water Congress Board of Directors, click here for more information.   In Colorado we are blessed with significant water resources, but those resources are finite. The demand for water continually increases as Colorado strives to sustain its people while protecting the environment, respecting wildlife and providing recreational opportunities. As Colorado identifies its water resources more thoroughly, we must also prioritize the  use of those resources.  The Statewide Water Supply Initiative (SWSI) is the foundation document that describes Colorado’s water challenges. Developed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), the SWSI determined that the gap between water supply and water demand is widening dramatically eventually putting Colorado’s economic vitality at risk. In recent years, conservation initiatives have been implemented to make the state’s water go further and do more. Farmers have improved irrigation practices and many urban centers now recycle large amounts of residual water. Although conservation has yielded meaningful results, it is clear that conservation cannot provide the additional water supplies identified in the SWSI. The realization is causing great concern among state officials and water administrators. In 2013, Governor Hickenlooper issued a directive for the CWCB, the state’s water leadership and in conjunction with other state water agencies, to create a Colorado Water Plan. Want to be featured as the next Member Spotlight? Contact us at kkucera@cowatercongress.org Save the Date - CWC Summer Conference Steamboat Springs, CO August 20 - 22, 2019 SUMMER CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS ​The high-energy Summer Conference is packed with great topical content. It's a don't miss event for those who wish to stay informed about water issues in Colorado while engaging in numerous professional development activities. Here is what you can expect for 2019: Expert presentations on issues including land use planning, growth, and climate. A new, interactive conference format. Engaging Tuesday Workshops to choose from. Networking with hundreds water industry professionals. Wednesday afternoon POND activities in Steamboat. Opportunities to earn CLE credits. UPCOMING EVENTS - POND COMMITTEE Teach A Vet to Fish: Woodland Park Rallies Behind Denver Nonprofit 'Project Healing Waters' Pikes Peak Courier The Nation's Largest Wholesale Water Provider is Right Here in Colorado KDVR Poll Finds Support for Public Lands Protections in the West  Arvada Press