Story by Jessica Bennett

Learning more about the complexities and inner-workings of Western water law is the purpose behind the 2016 Interdisciplinary Water Resources Seminar series. Topics include the history and evolution of western water law; state compacts and federal water law; hybrid water law systems; water quality law; groundwater law; and environmental law. The seminar series provides attendees the opportunity for in-depth discussion about water-related court cases and interaction with prominent water resource professionals.

Each seminar is held Monday at 4 p.m. in the Behavioral Sciences Building, Room 103. All faculty, students, off-campus water professionals, and members of the Fort Collins community who are interested in water and Western water law are invited to attend.

For individuals unable to attend, the seminars will be recorded and uploaded online. The full semester schedule is accessible here. Or there’s more information regarding all of the Interdisciplinary Water Resources Seminars.

Dan Brown, Oct. 31

Dan Brown, an expert in water quantity and quality law, will be speaking at the Oct. 31 seminar titled “Water Courts and the Water Court Process.” During the seminar, two case studies will be discussed including the Jones Ditch, which went to the Colorado Supreme Court in 2006, and the Glade Reservoir.

Brown has practiced with the Fort Collins law firm Fischer, Brown, Bartlett & Gunn since 1999. Since joining the firm, he has worked extensively on water quantity, water quality and property matters. The main focus of his practice is representing a variety of clients before the Division No. 1 Water Court (South Platte Basin).

Prior to joining the firm, Brown clerked for the Hon. Walter Stauffacher in the District Court of Washington State.  In this capacity, he served as the lead clerk on the original adjudication of water rights on the Yakima River Basin in Washington State.