POND Committee
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The Colorado Water Congress POND (Professional, Outreach, Networking and Development) Committee facilitates the connection of water professionals of all ages and experience through industry outreach, networking opportunities and career development. It's an avenue for members to collaborate and get actively involved in the water community.
Whether new to the water community or an industry veteran, participation provides:
What We Do: POND plans get-togethers for the CWC Annual Convention and Summer Conference, as well as speaking engagements and networking opportunities throughout the year.
Anyone can join the POND Committee. Water Congress membership is not required. The POND committee is comprised of individuals from a wide variety of water-related organizations and professions. CWC encourages all ages to consider participation. 
Fly Fishing
What: Summer Water Congress POND Networking Activity Why: Opportunity to spend time on the water networking with colleagues When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Meet at the hotel entrance at 2:00 pm, leave at 2:15 pm and return about 6:00 pm. Cost: Free – but please bring your own fishing gear (waders, rod, flies, etc.). Also make sure you have a valid CPW fishing license (available online). Gear rental is available at the following locations in Steamboat:
CPW License Website: https://cpw.state.co.us/buyapply/Pages/Fishing.aspx Please have license and gear rented prior to the start of the event. Transportation: Please plan on carpooling to Sarvis Creek State Wildlife Area (~30 min away). Mask wearing in a vehicle will be at the discretion of the driver. Details: Please join us for the annual Summer Water Congress POND fly fishing adventure hosted by Chris Kurtz and Jacobs. This year we’ll be switching things up and traveling to Sarvis Creek SWA as other area rivers are under mandatory or voluntary fishing closures due to low flows and high temperatures. This location is subject to change due to potential stream closures and those who register will be notified. Note, your daily or annual CPW fishing license serves as your SWA pass and is required. Questions or Sign-up: Participation will be limited to 10 people! Reserve your spot early by emailing Chris Kurtz. Upon registering, please specify if you are willing to drive in the carpool and the number of seats available in your car. 
Uranium Mine Trail Hike
What: Summer Water Congress POND Networking Activity Why: Come enjoy wildflowers, an abandoned uranium mine and some of the best view of the Yampa Valley all while networking with colleagues. When: Thursday, August 25, 2021. Leave at 2:00 pm and carpool to trailhead. Cost: Free! 
This 3-mile out and back hike starts out steep but the creek at the end makes it all worth it. Along the way wildflowers abound as you trek through an aspen grove, and eventually even passing an abandoned Cold War era uranium mine. This moderate hike will be fun for everyone and is sure to offer a variety of sights that are sure to intrigue people of all types. Come enjoy panoramic views of the Yampa Valley and cooling off in the North Fork of Fish Creek at the end with some of your favorite colleagues. For those of us looking for more adventure after the hike, or trying to make the most out of the $5 parking fee, several other hikes are easily accessible from the parking lot, including:
Please wear comfortable shoes/clothes (maybe something that allows you to dip in the creek at the end), and bring sunscreen, a hat, snacks, and lots of water as the trail is known to be hot during the first segment. Please meet in the lobby of the Steamboat Grand by 2:00 pm. We will be coordinating rides so to volunteer to drive a carpool or if you have questions please feel free to email Stephen Foster. 
Craig Power Station Tour
What: Craig Power Station Tour Why: Opportunity see a coal fired power plant When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Meet at hotel entrance at 1:50 pm, leave at 2:00 pm sharp Cost: Free! Join POND for a special opportunity to tour the Craig Power Station. Space is limited to 20 people, and all tour registrations must be confirmed prior to August 23. All attendees must bring government issued photo ID for this tour and wear long pants. Please wear comfortable clothes, that can get dirty. Please be aware, inside the power plant can be quite warm during August. Sturdy- closed toe footwear must be worn at all times. Hardhats, safety glasses, and ear plugs will be provided. This will be an all-afternoon excursion leaving the hotel at 2:00 pm and not returning until about 7:00 pm. Our group can carpool (mask wearing in the vehicle will be at the driver’s discretion). Alternatively, attendees can drive themselves. The Craig Power Station is about 1hr drive from Steamboat Springs. Limit 20 people. RSVP via email to Rachel Pence by August 23. |
Upcoming POND Committee MeetingsNeed details on joining an upcoming meeting, reach out to POND.
Networking EventsPOND activities during the Summer Conference in Steamboat
Afternoon at the Storm Peak Brewing Company
What: Afternoon at the Storm Peak Brewing Company Why: Opportunity to network with POND colleagues and try local beer! When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Meet at hotel entrance at 2:00 pm Cost: Free to attend – all beers are assumed to be paid for by attendees. Join POND for an afternoon at the Storm Peak Brewing Company! The taproom has twenty rotating taps brewed in house. They keep a variety of beer brewing because they love to experiment, grow and give patrons the opportunity to try something new. Please bring yourself and a good attitude for an afternoon networking with colleagues and learning about the brewing process! There will be no formal tour, but brewery staff are happy to answer individual questions about the brewing process. If there is an interest, the group may decide to venture to other breweries along main street, TBD! This is a professional event to enjoy a few local beers brewed in Steamboat. Transportation will be will either be carpooling with sober drivers or public transportation. RSVP and questions...email Jack Greene. 
Golf at Haymaker Golf Course What: Golfing at Haymaker Golf Course Why: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of golf and networking with Colorado Water Congress Summer Convention attendees When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. First tee time is at 2:30 pm Cost: $135 for 18 holes or $76 for 9 holes (plus tax) – includes a golf cart and range balls before the round. Rental clubs available from the course, if needed. Please join fellow members of the water community for an afternoon of golf at Haymaker Golf Course – coordinated by the POND committee of Colorado Water Congress. Golfers of all skill sets are encouraged to attend this casual networking event! The first tee time is at 2:30 pm and the subsequent times will run 10 minutes apart until 2:50 pm. The POND committee currently has 12 spots reserved (3 tee times). Please RSVP early and we can increase the number of spots if there is room. Individuals can decide whether they wish to play 9 or 18 holes and will be responsible for paying their green fees during check-in at the golf course. Transportation is the responsibility of the attendee and will not be provided by POND for this event. For more on Haymaker Golf Course, visit their website at https://www.haymakergolf.com/ Sign-up: Please RSVP via email by August 16th, 2021 to Kevin Werbylo with the email subject: POND Steamboat Golfing with the following information:
Strawberry Hot Springs Tour & Soak
What: Strawberry Hot Springs Tour and Soak Why: Opportunity to see and ask questions about the Strawberry Hot Springs and soak in the natural spring water. When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Meet at hotel entrance at 2:00 pm, leave about 2:15 pm. Cost: $20 (cash only) Join POND for a behind the scenes peak at Strawberry Hot Springs. Take a quick tour of the facility and learn about the history and plumbing of the hot springs before enjoying a soak in the natural pools. Cost $20 per person (cash only). Please bring your bathing suit, towel, sunscreen, and water bottle. More Information: https://strawberryhotsprings.com/ Limit 15 people. RSVP and questions...email Tyler Benton. 
Group Mountain Bike Ride
What: Water Congress POND Networking Activity Why: Opportunity to spend time outdoors networking with fellow attendees (and because biking is fun!) When: Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Meet at hotel entrance at 2:00 pm, leave about 2:15 pm (Alternatively meet us at the stables parking lot at 2:45 pm) Cost: Free! (Please bring your own bike, helmet, water, and snacks) Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult: Approximately 12 miles and 1,500 ft of climbing/descending We know you’ve been looking forward to it… Please join us for the annual Summer Water Congress POND group mountain bike ride. This year we’ll be riding a beautiful loop through the trail network on Emerald Mountain providing excellent views of town, the ski area, and surrounding mountains. The route begins at the stables parking lot behind the Steamboat Rodeo Grounds and ascends the Lower Lupine trail to Morning Gloria and before descending (Quarry Mtn to Blair Witch to MGM). A number of us will ride from the hotel to the trailhead (via Mt. Werner Road & the Yampa Core Trail), but also feel free to meet at the stables. Please bring your own bike, helmet, water, snacks, etc. Trail information: http://maps.steamboatsprings.net/trails/ https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7031094/emerald-mountain-flow-fest Questions or RSVP (optional), email Greg Johnson or call 720-214-3262. 
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Thank You 2021 Event Sponsors!
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Thank You 2021 Annual POND Sponsors!
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Babalot USA
Cocktail Connection Cognitive Surplus Eli Pointer ERO Resources Corporation Jack Greene LRE Water Por Tu Salude, LLC Stonebridge Companies Tyler Benton Yeti |
AE2S
Martin and Wood Water Consultants |
Leadership
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Co-Chair
Lauren Hix Hix Risk Consultants, LLC |
Co-Chair
Tyler Benton Colorado Spring Utilities |
Co-Chair
Jack Green Jacobs Engineering |
Treasurer
Irene Wilson Healing Waters International |
CWC POND Representative
Peter Levish |
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