2024 Summer Conference

August 20, 2024 - August 22, 2024

Description

2024 CWC Summer Conference at the
Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs!

Welcome to the 2024 Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference! Join us for an exploration of pressing issues facing the water industry against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the stunning Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Our conference offers a diverse array of topics, from legislative updates shaping water policy to discussions on wildlife conservation and management. Dive deep into the complexities of the Colorado River Basin, exploring its ecological significance, management challenges, and the interplay between communities and water resources in the hydro-social context.

Engage with experts, policymakers, and stakeholders as we seek innovative solutions to safeguard our precious water resources for future generations. Whether you're passionate about environmental conservation, water law, or sustainable development, this conference offers valuable insights and networking opportunities in a stunning natural setting.

Come join us at the Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference and be part of the conversation driving positive change for our water future.

Be sure to check out the POND activities below! You can also find them on the POND Committee page HERE.

PROGRAM: Click HERE to see the full program (072924)
Session names and times are subject to change.

The 2024 Summer Event will feature 4 Pre-Conference Workshops:

• Innovations at the Intersection of Water and Energy
  The development of energy to support economic development has been inextricably linked to water for millennia: from the humble water wheel, to steam engines, to large reservoir hydro-power generation. Join us for a series of topics showcasing current innovations in the water/energy nexus. Experts will share pilot project case studies and new applications of established technologies. Collaboration between these two economically foundational industries can conserve both water and energy, while improving the economics for water utilities and food production and supporting the transition to cleaner energy.
  
  
• Water Quality Workshop
  Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management 
  How the CO Water Quality Control Commission Really Works
  Colorado’s New Dredge and Fill Permitting Program
  We will explore Colorado's new legislation on Green Infrastructure for Water Quality Management. This legislation directs the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University to work directly with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to study new pathways to restore rivers and watersheds in Colorado, improve water quality, and reduce emissions associated with water and wastewater treatment. Allowed under the US Clean Water Act, these water quality trading programs can avoid the construction and operation of expensive, energy and emissions intensive treatment upgrades in favor of achieving the same or better benefits to Colorado’s rivers and reservoirs through largely agricultural land-based incentives to reduce nutrient loading. Over the next two years, this group is directed to develop up to three pilots with communities and utilities that would actively restore watersheds using public and private sector investment, including the purchase of carbon credits based on avoided electricity demand from water treatment.
  
  The Clean Water Act in 1972 left us with decades of uncertainty as to what activities are covered. Definitions of wetlands, navigability, and Waters of the United States have blown with the winds of political change and US Supreme Court rulings. This year, the Colorado legislature completed the historic task of pulling together a wide range of stakeholders to trek through a jungle of complexities to establish a Colorado permitting program for activities not covered under the federal dredge and fill program. Although the framework has been approved, the Colorado Water Quality Control Commission and Division will spend the next 1-1/2 years working with the water community to design the program. Join us to learn more about Colorado’s new dredge and fill permitting program and this exciting time and opportunity for Colorado’s diverse water community to further develop the intricacies of the program.
  
  This workshop will also provide time to learn about the work of the Water Quality Control Commission, who the Commissioners are, and how they conduct business.
  
  
• State Agency Coordination and Vision - Sponsored by the Colorado Bar Association (CBA)
  Within the last six months, new leadership has been announced within the Division of Water Resources and the Water Resources Unit of the Attorney General’s Office. In March, Jason Ullman was announced as the new State Engineer and Director of the Division of Water Resources. In April, Derek Turner re-joined the Colorado Attorney General’s Office as the First Assistant Attorney General for the Water Resources Unit. The Water Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association is excited for Jason and Derek to join us at CWC’s Summer Conference for a joint presentation on their goals, policies, and philosophies for how their units will be run under their respective leadership. Understanding their roles and visions is essential to the Water Law Section and the water community. Please join us for a workshop to celebrate Jason and Derek’s new roles and learn more about their priorities and objectives.
  
  
• Cybersecurity 101 | Considerations for the Water Sector – Part I
  In a letter to all 50 governors, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said “Drinking water and wastewater systems are an attractive target for cyberattacks because they are a lifeline critical infrastructure sector but often lack the resources and technical capacity to adopt rigorous cybersecurity practices.
  
  Are you developing a risk assessment plan that addresses cybersecurity and set up backup systems? Learn more about how to take action to decrease your risk and increase your safety.
  
  This workshop is the first of a two-part series on cybersecurity. (Part II will be at the 2025 Annual Convention.)
  Covered topics will include:
  - Trends in Types of Cyber Attacks
  - Identity Theft- Business & Personal
  - Litigation Trends & Examples
  -Emerging Issues, including H.R. 7922 - establishing water risk and resilience organization requirement
  -Cyber Risk Transfer

EXHIBITORS: You can register HERE. Please review the registration directions and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out prior to signing up.

SPONSORS: You can sign up for sponsor options through the registration link to the right. You can find our complete list and perks for each sponsorship HERE.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS - Cutoff date: July 29 at 5 pm MT

If you have a room reservation you will not be able to use and need to cancel, please email the confirmation number to AnnaLee Taylor. She will then transfer the room to another member to preserve the room rate/block for our group and remove the reservation from your name.

• Book your hotel reservations online HERE or call 1-800-588-0250. 
• Room rate is $209/night for a standard double queen. 
• Group rate available three days pre/post event, subject to room and rate availability.
• There is a $35 per room/per night resort fee that will be charged in addition to the nightly room rate. The resort fee includes self-parking, unlimited personal wi-fi access, unlimited local/800 calls, in-room coffee/tea, golf bag storage, access to the Country Club of Colorado and its golf course (green fees apply), spa, fitness facility, aquatics center, recreation courts, and fitness classes. 
• Check-in is 4 pm.
• Check-out is 12 pm.

ALTERNATE HOTEL RESERVATIONS - The Cheyenne Mountain Resort is nearing capacity. If you cannot secure a hotel reservation at the event hotel, we suggest the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Colorado Springs. You can make hotel reservations HERE. The hotel is a 6-minute drive to the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.

Here are a few other hotels nearby in the area:
Fairfield Inn
La Quinta
Hampton Inn
Courtyard Colorado Springs South

CONFERENCE TOURS & ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY POND - SIGN UP TODAY! 

Enhance your conference experience by joining one of the exciting tours or activities sponsored by the POND Committee! These experiences provide excellent opportunities to network with other professionals, learn about the region, and get some fresh air. These will fill fast. Sign-up today! 

Colorado Springs Utilities Tour – The Slopes and Waterways of Pikes Peak
12:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Ride the COG Railway up Pikes Peak and learn about the management of this mighty mountain, the breathtaking and critical water systems that supply Colorado Springs and its careful watershed management. From recreational pursuits to engineering feats, you’ll learn about the great partnerships and hidden gems on America’s mountain.

Transportation provided by Colorado Springs Utilities

Check out the flyer and sign-up!

Colorado Springs Utilities Tour – The Unique Faces of the Arkansas Basin
1:00 p.m. – 5:50 p.m.

Join Colorado Springs Utilities for an overview of the water supplies, farming, infrastructure, and multi-use projects in the central Arkansas Basin. Learn about this water-short river and its unique water sharing and conservation initiatives. In this tour you’ll get a better sense of the special characteristics and quirks of this important waterway and its communities. This tour is limited to the first 15 participants so make sure to sign up ASAP.

Transportation provided by Colorado Springs Utilities

Check out the flyer and sign-up!

Golf at The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort
First tee time starting at 1:00 p.m.

Please join fellow members of the water community for an afternoon of golf at The Country Club of Colorado at Cheyenne Mountain Resort – coordinated by the POND committee of Colorado Water Congress. Golfers of all skill sets are encouraged to attend this casual networking event! The first tee time is at 1:00 pm and the subsequent times will run 9 minutes apart until about 1:45 pm or shortly after. The POND committee will coordinate tee time reservations and make pairings (we currently have 6 times reserved). Please know that if you decide to play 18 holes (which usually takes a little more than 4 hours), you will probably be late for the “Water Buffalo Reception and Presentation” which begin at 5:30 pm at the hotel. Individuals can decide whether they wish to play 9 or 18 holes and will be responsible for paying their green fees during check-in at the golf course.

The Country Club of Colorado Course is part of the Cheyenne Mountain Resort and the club house is within walking distance of the Hotel. For more on Country Club of Colorado, visit their website HERE.

Cost: $185 for 18 holes or $105 for 9 holes (plus tax) – includes a golf cart and range balls before the round (if time allows).

RSVP by August 13th. See the flyer for instructions.

Check out the flyer and sign-up!

POND Hike

Join POND for a group hike!  The Palmer Trail is a 6-mile loop with 1300 vertical feet of elevation gain. This loop provides amazing views of the Garden of the Gods and the Rampart Range. There should be some shade throughout. The plan is to hike together along the trail and enjoy the beauty of Colorado Springs. There will be an option for those interested in forming a trail running group that will go out ahead of the hiking group. Participants can then join together at Cerebrus Brewing for a post-hike beer or people can return to the resort.

Check out the flyer and sign-up!

POND Mountain Bike Ride

Come check out the gorgeous area near the resort! We will be riding trails at the Stratton Open Space or Cheyenne Canyon Park trail systems. The trailhead is only 3 miles from the Cheyenne Mountain Resort. The exact trails will be determined after the number and skill level of registrants are determined, and we may end up breaking into two or more groups. This event is open to Mountain Bikers of all abilities.

Check out the flyer and sign-up!