This year marks the 42nd Annual Conference on Natural Resources at Colorado Law. Over its rich history, the conference has addressed many different natural resource issues. In more recent years, the Center’s summer conference has explored the major issues in water law and policy in the West.

There is no debate – demands for water across the Colorado River Basin exceed the shrinking supply. Chronic drought, record heat, increasing aridity, and rampant wildfires are diminishing the Basin’s overall health and resilience. The historically low levels in Lake Mead and Lake Powell have also brought about a looming energy crisis. To ensure a sustainable future, these harsh realities will require innovative collaborations. We look forward to bringing together a broad array of expertise and diverse perspectives from across the region to candidly discuss these complex challenges. Please add your voice as we examine innovative options to advance sustainable water management, expand basin-wide conservation in every sector, and strengthen watershed resilience.

Date/Time
Date(s) – 06/16/2022 – 06/17/2022
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Thursday, June 16: Where We Currently Stand in the Colorado River Basin

The Science: What Does the Climate Science Suggest for the Short- and Long-Term?

The Status, Scope and Timeline of Ongoing Negotiations for the 2026 Guidelines.

Institutional Uncertainty: 100 Years Later, What We Still Don’t Know About the Compact.

The Good (13 MAF/year), the Bad (11 MAF/year), and the Ugly (9 MAF/year). How does the Law of the River work (or not) along this continuum?

Friday, June 17: Building Pathways to a Sustainable Future for All

Crafting a Rural-Tribal-Urban Social Compact in a Warming World.

Water Resiliency Across the System.

Next Generation Voices.

Click HERE to learn more.