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. The series will discuss topics including 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 will provide 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.
There will be no seminar on Nov. 21 while CSU is on Fall Break.
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.
Dick Wolfe, Nov. 28
Dick Wolfe was appointed State Engineer and director of the Colorado Division of Water Resources in 2007. Wolfe will be speaking at the Nov. 28 seminar, “Water Law Administration and Management.” He will discuss why water administration needs to transparent and accountable, and endeavor to explain the complicated administration system that started in 1879 and has continued to evolve in the present day.
As State Engineer, Wolfe is responsible for the direction and management of the Colorado Division of Water Resources, which has a staff of approximately 260 employees and an annual budget of approximately $25 million. The Division is responsible for distribution and administration of water in accordance with legislation, the implementation of a statewide dam safety program, permitting ground water and construction of wells, and dissemination of data on water use and streamflow. Wolfe has been with the Division since 1993.
