Uncharted Waters: Incorporating Farmer and Rancher Perspectives to Address Systemic Water Shortages in the Colorado River Basin

Please join us for the next NC CASC webinar on Thursday, November 9, 11 AM - 12 PM MDT

Presenters: 

Dr. Drew Bennett (Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, University of Wyoming)

Max Lewis (Haub School of Environment & Natural Resources, University of Wyoming)

Abstract:

The Colorado River Basin is in crisis. As a result of climate change induced long-term drought, the Basin faces chronic water shortages with significant impacts across economic sectors. The agricultural sector is the largest water user in the Basin, meaning that farmers and ranchers are central to both the impacts of and solutions to water shortages. Their involvement will be key to developing effective policy solutions to today’s water crisis. This webinar will present findings from a survey of 1,020 agricultural water users throughout six states to understand their perspectives on the present crisis, current adaptation strategies, and preferences for water conservation programs to address water shortages going forward. It will also highlight case studies of conservation program preferences and adoption in two headwater subbasins in Colorado and Wyoming and the current status of efforts to adapt to increased uncertainty. Given the importance of agriculture as the primary water user in the Basin, proactively engaging agricultural communities will be critical to successfully managing water shortages. Understanding the perspectives and preferences of agricultural water users can help guide the development of solutions that work for producers and other users in the Basin.

Registration link:  Register in advance for this meeting: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAscOuorzMrG9behehUtBBcV04yLkd9wq66 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.   

About the speakers: 

Dr. Drew Bennett

Drew Bennett is the Whitney MacMillan Professor of Practice of Private Lands Stewardship in the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming. He holds a PhD in Resource Geography from Oregon State University, a MA in Geography from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA from the University of Denver. Drew's work focuses on strategies to balance agricultural production and the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources on private lands in the American West. He has previously worked with The Nature Conservancy on a cattle ranch in eastern Colorado, and for the Mesa Land Trust in western Colorado where he assisted landowners in exploring conservation opportunities for their land.

Max Lewis

Max Lewis is a current MS student in Environment, Natural Resources & Society at the University of Wyoming and his research focuses on water conservation on private property. Originally from Maine, Max quickly found his way West to work with the United States Forest Service in southeast Alaska and later with Trout Unlimited in Missoula, Montana where he completed fisheries and stream ecology research that contributed to ecological restoration projects on private lands. In 2018 Max moved to Wyoming to study native trout and the habitats that they rely on while working for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Friends of the Teton River.