#ArkansasRiver Basin #Water Forum, April 25

Here's the releasee from the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum (Joe Stone):

The premier water event in Colorado's largest river basin happens Tuesday and Wednesday, April 25-26, in Colorado Springs. The 27th Arkansas River Basin Water Forum will feature discussions and presentations on "Facing the Future Together" delivered by top water experts in Colorado and the Ark Basin.

Tuesday's keynote speaker will be Kelly Romero-Heaney, assistant director of water policy for Colorado's Department of Natural Resources. Kelly has over 20 years of diverse experience in natural resource issues, having worked as a consultant, hydrologist, environmental specialist and wildland firefighter. In her current position she advises top executives at DNR, the Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board about water policy issues and legislation.

Rachel Zancanella will deliver Wednesday's keynote address. Rachel was promoted to Division 2 (Arkansas River Basin) engineer in December 2022 following Bill Tyner's retirement. She has held multiple positions with DWR, ranging from deputy water commissioner to water resources engineer and lead assistant division engineer. Prior to joining DWR, Rachel worked as a water resources engineer in the private sector.

Mornings at the Water Forum will feature presentations on topics like projects in El Paso County to meet future demand for water, technological advances in snow measurement, transforming landscapes to conserve water, and PFAS mitigation in drinking water supplies.

After lunch, attendees can choose from several tours and field trips. Tuesday afternoon will feature:

Wednesday afternoon opportunities include:

Since 1995, the Ark River Basin Water Forum has served the basin by encouraging education and dialogue about water, the state's most valuable resource, and this year's Forum will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton.

The Forum remains a very good value:

The real fun begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday with Percolation and Runoff, a casual networking event that raises money for the Forum's college scholarship fund. The $20 cost includes dinner, drinks and entertaining conversation.

To register for the Forum, go to arbwf.org. For more information, contact Jean Van Pelt, Forum manager, at [email protected].