2020 Agenda
7:50 – 8:00 a.m.
Welcome
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Session I
NISP: Status Check
The Northern Integrated Supply Project has cleared several regulatory hurdles to begin construction. What approvals remain for the $1.1 billion project, and what does this long controversy say about Northern Colorado’s water usage, demand and supply?
Reagan Waskom (moderator)
Director, Colorado Water Center
Colorado State University
Chris Matkins
District Manager, Fort Collins
Loveland Water District & South Fort Collins Sanitation District
Michael Welsh
Professor of History
University of Northern Colorado
Jeff Stahla
Public Information Officer
Northern Water
9:10 – 10:10 a.m. | Session II
Water and the COVID Effect
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global economy, and no sector has been left untouched, including the critical water sector. How has demand for water changed under COVID, and what should municipalities and other water suppliers do to adjust?
Rose Nash, PhD (moderator)
Director of Research and Development
GT Molecular
Bob Gowing
Director of Public Works
Town of Wellington
Sean Chambers
Director of Water & Sewer
City of Greeley
Tom Gonzales
Public Health Director
Larimer County Department of Health and Environment
10:20 – 11:20 a.m. | Session III
Fire in the Watershed
Fires wreak havoc on natural resources, but they also can produce lingering effects on watersheds, as ash and debris loot water supplies. How can these effects be mitigated, and what should municipalities and water suppliers be doing to address the problem.
Jen Kovecses
Executive Director
Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed
Chuck Rhoades
Research Biogeochemist
USDA Forest Service
Stephanie Kampf
Professor, Watershed Science
Colorado State University, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability
Jared Heath
Watershed Specialist
City of Fort Collins Utilities
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Session IV
Water Rights: is NoCo the new Western Slope?
Thornton has long been acquiring Northern Colorado water, but now other communities such as Aurora are getting into the game. Will Northern Colorado be the next battle ground for water rights.
Brett Bovee (moderator)
Regional Director
WestWater Research
Patrick McMeekin
VP of Land Development, Partner
Hartford Homes
Brad Wind
General Manager
Northern Water
