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2024 SYMPOSIUM


WATER AS A NEXUS:

AGRICULTURE IN THE ARID WEST



The 2024 Symposium will be held on Friday, April 19th.


Registration is now open! The Symposium is free for all students.


REGISTER NOW
  • SCHEDULE – FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024

    8:00-9:00 – Breakfast, Check-In



    9:00-9:15 – Keynote


    Kate Greenberg (CO Commissioner of Agriculture) 


    9:30-10:45 – Competing Priorities: Ensuring a Sustainable Future  


    Agriculture stands as a cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and is integral to preserving the state’s distinctive way of life. Our inaugural panel features leaders from diverse backgrounds engaging in a thoughtful dialogue on innovative strategies to support vibrant communities and a robust agricultural industry. This conversation will explore the delicate balance required between municipal utilization and agricultural pursuits, highlighting the inherent tension and offering insights into navigating this dynamic landscape.  


    Speakers:

    • Kevin Rein (retired, CO State Engineer) 
    • Dan Steuer (CO Attorney General’s Office) 
    • Russ Sands (CO Water Conservation Board) 
    • Rick Marsicek (Denver Water) 
    • Erik Glenn (CO Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust)  
    • MODERATOR: Jayla Poppleton (Water Education CO) 

    11:00-12:15 – Groundwater and Agriculture as a Connector  


    From agriculture and industry to public supply and domestic use, groundwater has played a crucial role in supporting growth in Colorado’s arid regions. Our second panel will explore the careful considerations involved in securing water quantity and quality. We'll take a closer look at designated groundwater basins, considering factors like their proximity to continuously flowing natural streams and their distinction from decreed surface rights. The discussion will also explore innovative approaches to ensure sustainability while aligning with Colorado's compacts. 


    Speakers:  

    • Gregor MacGregor (CU Law, Acequia Assistance Project) 
    • Sarah Parmar (CO Open Lands) 
    • Bill Paddock (Carlson, Hammond, and Paddock) 
    • ​Chris Grimes (CO Groundwater Commission) 
    • Brandi Baquera (CO Master Irrigator Program)  
    • MODERATOR: Kate Ryan (CO Water Trust) 

    12:15-1:30 – Lunch 

     


    1:45-3:00 – Efficiency and Conservation: Agricultural Innovators  


    In our use-it-or-lose-it system of water rights, where conservation and agriculture have frequently been in contention, this panel convenes farmers, ranchers, engineers, and conservationists to deliberate on the convergence of these domains and how agricultural innovations can foster a more sustainable future. This panel highlights the potential synergy between agricultural conservation and innovation, showcasing how collaboration can yield mutual benefits and lasting progress. 


    Speakers: 

    • Simon Martinez (Farm and Ranch General Manager, Ute Mountain Ute) 
    • Perry Cabot (CO Water Center) 
    • Dallas May (May Ranch) 
    • Alyson Gould (CO Attorney General’s Office) 
    • Megan Knott (CO Cattleman’s Agricultural Land Trust) 

    3:15-4:30 – Commoditization of Water and Incentives in Farming  


    Water is fundamental to life itself. Yet, in the West, it is regarded as a tradable asset, subject to market manipulation. As climate change and drought become increasingly prevalent, the price of water is rising, as are the costs of the infrastructure needed to access it. Our final panel convenes representatives from diverse backgrounds - including government, business, nonprofits, and tribal communities - to explore the implications of this commodification on agriculture and rural regions, and to chart a path forward. 


    Speakers:  

    • James Eklund (Sherman and Howard) 
    • Andy Mueller (CO River Water Conservation District) 
    • Lorelai Cloud (Vice Chair, Southern Ute) 
    • ​Robert Sakata (CDA Agricultural Water Policy Advisor) 
    • Eric Wilkinson (retired, Northern CO Water Conservancy District) 
    • MODERATOR: Professor Romero (DU Law) 

    4:45-6:45 – Networking Happy Hour (Forum) 



    *All times are in Mountain Standard Time

  • CLE CREDITS

    The 2024 symposium is approved for CLE ethics credits and CLE general credits. More information to come.

  • SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

    If you are interested in sponsoring, please contact Nicole Pla, Claire Johnson, or the Water Law Review directly.



    Colorado River Sponsor - $5000


    • Ten complementary conference registrations ($1,000 value)

    • Verbal acknowledgment of sponsor support during opening remarks both days of conference and prior to keynote

    • Printed materials (signage) as provided by sponsor plus name recognition on official day of symposium signage

    • VIP nametags

    • Recognition as a sponsor in select electronic materials, which includes:

    • Electronic invite/online registration form sent to our extensive listserv of alumni, water practitioners, educational institutions, judges, political figures, businesses, and nonprofits;

    • Logo and sponsorship level featured in rolling background in-between panels during the conference;

    • Posting of event (name recognition) on the main Sturm College of Law events calendar;

    • Pre- and post- event information (name recognition) posted on the University of Denver Water Law Review website;

    • Social Media Post

    • Full page sponsor recognition at the beginning of the conference program



    Rio Grande Sponsor - $2500


    • Five complementary conference registrations ($500 value)

    • Verbal acknowledgment of sponsor support during opening remarks both days of conference

    • Printed materials (signage) as provided by sponsor plus name recognition on official day of symposium signage

    • Recognition as a sponsor in select electronic materials, which includes:

    • Electronic invite/online registration form sent to our extensive listserv of alumni, water practitioners, educational institutions, judges, political figures, businesses, and nonprofits;

    • Logo and sponsorship level featured in rolling background in-between panels during the conference;

    • Posting of event (name recognition) on the main Sturm College of Law events calendar;

    • Pre- and post- event information (name recognition) posted on the University of Denver Water Law Review website;

    • Social Media Post

    • Full page sponsor recognition at the beginning of the conference program 



    Platte River Sponsor $1000


    • Three complimentary conference registrations ($300 value)

    • Verbal acknowledgment of sponsor support during the conference introductions prior to a panel discussion plus name recognition on official day of symposium signage 

    • Recognition as a sponsor in select electronic materials, which includes:

    • Electronic invite/online registration form sent to our extensive listserv of alumni, water practitioners, educational institutions, businesses, and non-profits;

    • Logo and sponsorship level featured in rolling background in-between panels during the conference;

    • Posting of event (name recognition) on the main Sturm College of Law events calendar;

    • Pre- and post- event information (name recognition) posted on the University of Denver Water Law Review website;

    • Social Media Post

    • Half-page sponsor recognition in the conference program 



    Arkansas River Sponsor - $500


    • Two complimentary conference registrations ($200 value)

    • Recognition as a sponsor in select electronic materials, which includes:

    • Electronic invite/online registration form sent to our extensive listserv of alumni, water practitioners, educational institutions, businesses, and non-profits;

    • Logo and sponsorship level featured in rolling background in-between panels during the conference;

    • Pre- and post- event information (name recognition) posted on the University of Denver Water Law Review website;

    • Social Media Post

    • Quarter-page sponsor recognition in the conference program



    San Juan River Sponsor - $250


    • One complimentary conference registration ($100 value)

    • Recognition as a sponsor in select electronic materials, which includes:

    • Electronic invite/online registration form sent to our extensive listserv of alumni, water practitioners, educational institutions, businesses, and non-profits;

    • Logo and sponsorship level featured in rolling background in-between panels during the conference;

    • Pre- and post- event information (name recognition) posted on the University of Denver Water Law Review website;

    • Social Media Post

    • Business card size sponsor recognition in the conference program 



    For sponsorships above $5,000 and associated benefits, please contact Claire Johnson or Nicole Pla directly.


  • REGISTRATION

Kate Greenberg

KEYNOTE SPEAKER


Kate Greenberg was appointed to serve as Colorado’s Commissioner of Agriculture by Governor Jared Polis in December 2018. As Commissioner, Greenberg provides leadership and direction to the Colorado Department of Agriculture and its 300 employees. Commissioner Greenberg has worked in agriculture for more than 12 years, from boots-on-the-ground experience to advocating for family farmers through two federal Farm Bills.


As Commissioner, Greenberg serves on numerous boards and commissions, including the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the Colorado State Fair Board. While she currently spends much of her time on Colorado’s Front Range and traveling the state, she still calls Durango, Colorado home.


 PARKING & LOCATION INFO


All scheduled events are located in Ricketson Law Building


Parking is reserved in the L lot



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