Podcasts about colorado river basin

As water scarcity intensifies across the Colorado River Basin, public attention has increasingly focused on data centers, AI, and the growing demand for resources in the Sun Belt. But are these technologies really driving the region's water challenges—or is the story more complicated?In this episode of Ten Across Conversations, host Duke Reiter speaks with water policy expert Sarah Porter about the realities behind water use in the American West. Porter explains why shortages on the Colorado River are rooted as much in decades of over-allocation and management decisions as in climate change, and why common assumptions about population growth, urban development, and industrial water consumption often miss the mark.The conversation explores the rise of data centers, the public concerns surrounding their water and energy demands, and the challenges communities face in balancing economic development with long-term resilience. Porter also offers a candid assessment of Arizona's water future, the difficult choices ahead, and why protecting groundwater, improving efficiency, and developing new water supplies will be critical for sustaining growth in an increasingly arid region.A thoughtful and timely discussion about water, technology, public perception, and the decisions that will shape the future of the Ten Across geography. Relevant Articles and Resources  The Kyl Center for Water Policy at the Morrison Institute Arizona Water Blueprint Report: From Copper Cattle and Cotton to Chips and Cloud Computing: Large Water Uses in Central Arizona. (Kyl Center for Water Policy. February 2026) Arizona Becomes Bellwether In Debate Over Data Centers' Growing Demand Of Power And Water. (International Business Times. June 18 2026) Arizona Data Center Tax Incentive Pause Signed by Governor Hobbs. (Bloomberg Tax. June 15 2026)Tensions Are Rising Among States That Rely on the Colorado River. (New York Times. June 15, 2026)Groundwater supplies in the Colorado River basin are falling fast. Is there a solution? (WBUR. June 15, 2026) What's more important, Arizona, building houses or water? (Rhett Larson for The Arizona Republic, May 2026) Relevant Ten Across Conversations Podcasts Why 2026 Will Decide the Future of Water in the West, with Rhett Larson (June 4, 2026) The Hard Decisions Ahead for Lower Basin Colorado River States with guest Terry Goddard (December 5, 2025)Latest Deadpool Projections Inject New Urgency into Colorado River Negotiations with guests Kathryn Sorensen and Sarah Porter (September 19, 2025)Understanding Groundwater Risks in the Southwest with Jay Famiglietti (June 6, 2025) Checking in on Tense Colorado River Negotiations with Anne Castle and John Fleck (April 10, 2025) Episode Credits  Host: Duke ReiterAudio Production: Louie DuranResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler 

As the Colorado River approaches a pivotal moment facing historically low flows and record-breaking shortages, decisions made in 2026 will help determine the future of water, energy, and economic security across the American West. Today, Ten Across Conversations shares an episode from Arizona State University's Labcoat Optional podcast, featuring Ten Across friend and water law expert Rhett Larson.With existing Colorado River operating agreements approaching expiration, stakeholders across seven states, tribal nations, and two countries are grappling with how to manage a resource that faces increasing pressure from aridification and competing demands. Larson explains why these negotiations are among the most consequential water policy discussions in decades and what they reveal about the challenges ahead for communities throughout the Southwest.Drawing connections between water governance, urban development, climate adaptation, and regional resilience, Lab Coat Optional host Pete Zroika chats with Larson to explore how long-foreseen challenges in the Colorado River Basin are becoming a present-day reality—and why rethinking our assumptions about growth and sustainability may be essential for the future.Guest BioRhett Larson is a Professor of Law and the Richard Morrison Professor of Water Law at the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law, where his research focuses on the impact of technological innovation on water rights regimes, particularly transboundary waters, and the sustainability implications of a human right to water. He specializes in dispute resolution and improved processes in water rights adjudications in Arizona and the Colorado River Basin. Professor Larson also practiced environmental and natural resource law with law firms in Arizona, focusing on water rights, water quality, and real estate transactions.Relevant Articles and Resources What's more important, Arizona, building houses or water? (Rhett Larson for The Arizona Republic, May 2026)Agencies in 3 states sign MOU to share water across dry Colorado River basin (Times of San Diego, June 2026)West prepares for extreme measures to relieve pressure on Colorado River (Marketplace, May 2026)Explore the Kyl Center's Arizona Water Blueprint to find out the source of your waterJust Add Water: Solving the World's Problems Using its Most Precious Resource by Rhett B. Larson (Oxford University Press)Day Zero: How Cities Run Out of Water by Rhett B. Larson (Cambridge University Press, forthcoming 2027)Relevant Ten Across Conversations PodcastsThe Hard Decisions Ahead for Lower Basin Colorado River States with guest Terry Goddard (December 5, 2025)Latest Deadpool Projections Inject New Urgency into Colorado River Negotiations with guests Kathryn Sorensen and Sarah Porter (September 19, 2025)Understanding Groundwater Risks in the Southwest with Jay Famiglietti (June 6, 2025)Checking in on Tense Colorado River Negotiations with Anne Castle and John Fleck (April 10, 2025)Episode CreditsTen Across Conversations Host: Duke ReiterAudio Production: Louie DuranResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at Arizona State University's Knowledge Enterprise. Executive produced by Kate HowellsProduced by Alexander Chapin and Pete ZriokaHosted and reported by Pete ZriokaShot by Alexander ChapinEdited by Quinton Kendall and Alexander ChapinOriginal music from Patrick CheungMotion graphics by Andy RamosArt by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz

What will the rivers of the Colorado Basin have for flow this year? Many rivers already had one peak in March during the heat dome, and a second peak is expected in May. But as spring in the Rocky Mountains is unpredictable, it is currently snowing and raining in the northern basin. This episode is the third in a series of five interviews with the River Forecast Centers of the United States.  Our guest in this episode is Cody Moser, Senior River Hydrologist with the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. We talk through the soil moisture of 2025, the winter of 2026, the March heat dome, the wet spring, and what may happen if El Niño fires up a wet weather pattern for the rest of the year.  GUEST Cody Moser, Senior Hydrologist Colorado Basin River Forecast Center River Forecast Centers NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NWS National Weather Service   SPONSORSPoudre River Fund NRS NRS PFD for Whale Foundation Whale Foundation   PREVIOUS EPISODES ON RIVER FLOW FORECASTCalifornia & Nevada Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Apple Podcasts California & Nevada Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Spotify Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Apple Podcasts Columbia Basin Snowpack & River Flow 2026 - Spotify2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Apple Podcasts 2024 Snowpack & River Flow - Spotify 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow -  Apple Podcasts 2023 Western Snowpack & River Flow - SpotifyAtmospheric Rivers 101 - Apple Podcasts Atmospheric Rivers 101 - Spotify THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteRunoff signup (episode newsletter)InstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Roughly one in every 20 U.S. workers is holding down multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's fallen a fraction of a percent since last fall, when we saw the highest rate since 1999 — around the moment just before the dot-com bubble burst, when there were fears about what increasing automation meant for job-holders. Sound familiar? Then, we'll unpack a recent water-saving plan to address the ongoing water crisis in the Colorado River Basin.

Roughly one in every 20 U.S. workers is holding down multiple jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That's fallen a fraction of a percent since last fall, when we saw the highest rate since 1999 — around the moment just before the dot-com bubble burst, when there were fears about what increasing automation meant for job-holders. Sound familiar? Then, we'll unpack a recent water-saving plan to address the ongoing water crisis in the Colorado River Basin.

In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," Chris dives deep into the pressing issue of the Colorado River water crisis. As the lifeblood of many thriving cities and fertile fields in the southwestern United States, the Colorado River is now at the heart of a controversial and complex debate over water rights and sustainability in the face of an ongoing drought. But many participants in the debate overlook a surprising product created with the majority of the Colorado River's water. Key Takeaways: The Colorado River is a critical water source facing significant stress due to prolonged drought and historical policy misestimations. Alfalfa and other cattle feed crops consume over 50% of the Colorado River’s water, with substantial portions exported overseas. The 1922 Colorado River Compact's archaic provisions challenge present water rights negotiations, significantly impacting Indigenous and Mexican stakeholders. Environmental change can be driven by altering consumer habits, reducing the demand for water-intensive agricultural products like beef. Efforts are underway to conserve water within the river’s biggest irrigation districts, though solutions require collective policy and personal lifestyle adjustments. Notable Quotes: "The Compact of 1922 vastly overestimated the amount of water that would be in the Colorado River in an average year." "55% of all the water used in the Colorado River Basin is used to irrigate cattle feed crops." "An acre foot of water makes 650 cheeseburgers." Resources: Lake Powell water level crisis sparks emergency response - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/lake-powell-water-level-crisis-sparks-emergency-response-11849167 Water and Tribes https://www.waterandtribes.org/projects#dataltem-1111lvui The 20 Farming Families Who Use More Water From the Colorado River Than Some Western States - ProPublica https://projects.propublica.org/california-farmers-colorado-river/ How a California Clean Energy Program Became a Boon for Big Dairies https://sentientmedia.org/california-clean-energy-program-boon-for-big-dairies/ California farms face pressure to boost efficiency as water supply declines | PBS News https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/california-farms-face-pressure-to-boost-efficiency-as-water-supply-declines Eliminate the Imperial Irrigation District? - Legal Planet https://legal-planet.org/2025/12/19/eliminate-the-imperial-irrigation-district/ Provisional Upper Colorado River Basin Consumptive Uses and Losses Report: 2016-2020 https://www.usbr.gov/uc/DocLibrary/Reports/ConsumptiveUsesLosses/uc-ucrb-provisionalconsumptiveusesandlosses-2021-2025-508-20251200.pdf Dairy's Large Water Footprint - FoodPrint https://foodprint.org/blog/dairy-water-footprint/Water scarcity and fish imperilment driven by beef production https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1064&context=wffdocs The Colorado River's alfalfa problem - High Country News https://www.hcn.org/articles/landline-the-colorado-rivers-alfalfa-problem/ Western US states fail to agree on plan to manage Colorado River before federal deadline | The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/12/colorado-river-agreement-state-negotiators California, the biggest water user in the basin, pitches Colorado River framework • Nevada Current https://nevadacurrent.com/2025/12/17/california-the-biggest-water-user-in-the-basin-pitches-colorado-river-framework/ The Colorado River | Briefing | EESI https://www.eesi.org/briefings/view/021925riversThe Colorado River - Public Policy Institute of California https://www.ppic.org/publication/the-colorado-river/ 90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast website Follow the podcast on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads by searching "90 Miles from Needles". Donate to support the podcast: Text NEEDLES to 53555 or visit 90milesfromneedles.com/donate. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A “bathtub ring” lines the canyon walls of Lake Mead, marking the dramatic drop in water levels as the Colorado River system faces prolonged drought and overuse. Image by Tara W. / Pexels. As the Colorado River Basin faces historic drought, shrinking reservoirs, and intensifying climate pressures, new research reveals a striking reality: Some of the largest water users in the West pay little to nothing for their supply. In this episode of Terra Verde, host and producer Hannah Wilton speaks with Isabel Friedman, a senior advocacy associate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Noah Garrison, the Environmental Science Practicum Director at of University of California, Los Angeles's Institute of the Environment and Sustainability about their report, Free Water While It Lasts: An Analysis of Wholesale Water Pricing in the Lower Colorado River Basin States. Drawing on decades of policy and pricing data, Friedman and Garrison unpack how longstanding decisions about water allocation and cost have shaped today's crisis. They explore stark disparities between agricultural and urban water pricing, why artificially low costs can discourage conservation, and how these dynamics have contributed to the Colorado River's declining storage levels. They also explore emerging proposals — including a potential surcharge on federally supplied water — and the political deadlock states face as they struggle to negotiate the river's future. As California and the broader region confront deepening water scarcity, this episode asks: What would it take to align water pricing with the realities of a changing climate? The post Free Water While It Lasts appeared first on KPFA.

AI DATA CENTERS, EMP THREATS, AND THE FIGHT FOR AMERICA'S FOOD SECURITY On this powerful episode of Rural Route, Trent Loos welcomes JC Cole from New Jersey for a hard-hitting conversation about the risks facing America's infrastructure, agriculture, and food supply. The discussion begins with growing concerns about the rapid construction of massive AI data centers across the United States. Trent questions the wisdom of building these energy-hungry facilities in regions like the Northern Great Plains and the Colorado River Basin, where water and power are already under pressure. The conversation then turns to the serious threat of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and how vulnerable the nation's electrical grid could be. JC explains that while AI data centers could be shielded with protective Faraday cages, the real danger lies in the unprotected grid. With many transformers now manufactured overseas and few replacements available, a major grid failure could create catastrophic consequences across the country. Trent stresses that the United States must prioritize protecting critical infrastructure before disaster strikes. Trent and JC also examine the future of American agriculture and the growing trend of wealthy investors buying farmland as a financial asset rather than producing food. The pair warn that true food security depends on strong, productive farms and local food systems. JC introduces the idea of the “American Titanic Syndrome,” suggesting that many Americans believe we can not sink.

On this episode of Rural Route, host Trent Loos is joined by Dr. Fred Madsen from Illinois for a powerful conversation about the hidden environmental and health concerns surrounding the rapid expansion of AI data centers. Trent and Dr. Madsen raise serious questions about emissions, low-frequency sound waves, and other disturbances that may impact livestock, wildlife, and human health. Trent points to troubling cases, including livestock issues linked to low-frequency vibrations near energy infrastructure, warning that these emerging technologies may be creating unintended consequences for rural communities. The discussion also dives deep into the impact of electricity and electromagnetic activity on animal health. Dr. Madsen explains how stray voltage has been connected to dairy cow health problems like mastitis and explores his research on electron flow within the body and how it relates to life and biological function. Trent adds examples from agriculture, including a Kansas rancher using stray voltage to power electric fencing, and raises concerns about frequency-based tracking devices placed on livestock. The conversation then turns to the massive resource demands of AI data centers, including water use. Trent notes that a large portion of these facilities are located in the Colorado River Basin, a region already facing severe water shortages, and mentions discussions of a proposed moratorium on new data centers in North Dakota. Dr. Madsen also shares insights from decades of dairy research, including how producers manage heat stress in cattle in warmer states like Florida and Arizona. Finally, the episode explores the growing importance of personalized nutrition. Dr. Madsen explains how mitochondrial haplotypes and generational biology influence how individuals process food, challenging the idea that a single diet works for everyone. The discussion highlights how understanding genetics, environment, and nutrition can lead to better health outcomes for both people and livestock.

Kathryn Sorensen Director of Research, Kyl Center for Water Policy at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy | Phoenix, Arizona Kathryn Sorensen is a nationally recognized water policy leader and researcher with decades of experience advancing sustainable water management in Arizona and across the Colorado River Basin. She currently serves as Director of Research at…More

Negotiators from the seven Colorado River Basin states will likely miss a crucial deadline this weekend to submit a new plan for how to divide the dwindling water source. Without an agreement, the federal government retains the right to impose a contract on the states. The Feb. 14 deadline comes as the region faces record-low snowpack coupled with unusually warm temperatures this winter. - Show Notes - • USDA Snow Water Equivalent Map https://nwcc-apps.sc.egov.usda.gov/imap/#version=2&elements=&networks=!&states=!&counties=!&hucs=&minElevation=&maxElevation=&elementSelectType=any&activeOnly=true&activeForecastPointsOnly=true&hucLabels=false&hucIdLabels=false&hucParameterLabels=true&stationLabels=&overlays=&hucOverlays=&basinOpacity=75&basinNoDataOpacity=25&basemapOpacity=100&maskOpacity=0&mode=data&openSections=dataElement,parameter,date,basin,options,elements,location,networks&controlsOpen=true&popup=&popupMulti=&popupBasin=&base=esriNgwm&displayType=station&basinType=6&dataElement=WTEQ&depth=-8¶meter=PCTMED&frequency=DAILY&duration=I&customDuration=&dayPart=E&monthPart=E&forecastPubDay=1&forecastExceedance=50&useMixedPast=true&seqColor=1&divColor=7&scaleType=D&scaleMin=&scaleMax=&referencePeriodType=POR&referenceBegin=1991&referenceEnd=2020&minimumYears=20&hucAssociations=true&relativeDate=-1&lat=42.300&lon=-114.300&zoom=4.5

Episode Summary: In this episode of "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast," host Chris Clarke discusses the pressing environmental issues faced by the American Southwest with guest Zak Podmore. The discussion centers around the potential for San Juan County, Utah, to become a storage site for nuclear waste. The conversation explores the environmental and social justice implications of such initiatives, pointing out the burden placed on historically underserved communities that have already borne a disproportionate share of impacts from the nuclear industry. The episode also explores the possibilities for the future of the Colorado River and the diminishing Lake Powell. Zak Podmore provides insights into what lower reservoir levels mean for the region's ecosystems and water management strategies. Encouraging discussions about restoring Glen Canyon and possibly decommissioning Glen Canyon Dam, the conversation transcends mere environmental discourse, hinting at a broader narrative of resilience and adaptation. Key Takeaways: Nuclear Waste Storage Concerns: The proposal to store nuclear waste in Southeast Utah raises significant environmental and social justice issues. Glen Canyon Restoration: Lower water levels in Lake Powell reveal the adaptive potential of natural ecosystems, opening doors for restoration opportunities like decommissioning the Glen Canyon Dam. Climate Change Impacts: The episode reflects the looming threat of climate change-induced drought in the Colorado River Basin and its implications for water management in the Southwest. Community Resistance: Zak Podmore emphasizes the importance of community awareness and resistance against potentially harmful environmental policies. Historic Environmental Advocacy: Insights into past environmental battles, including the roles of figures like David Brower, remind listeners of the enduring fight for ecological preservation. Notable Quotes: "These meetings were held, the nonprofits involved said they were just listening sessions. They said, we're not trying to actually bring radioactive waste to your area. We're just here to listen and provide information." — Zak Podmore "I don't think that's a very valid argument. But even if you really believe that, they still leave out the impacts from all the rest of the nuclear fuel cycle." — Zak Podmore "The ecosystems are incredibly resilient and they're recovering faster than anyone expected." — Zak Podmore "It's a dire situation for 40 million people who get water from the Colorado River throughout the Southwest." — Zak Podmore "If you give Glen Canyon, this famous place that was lost to the Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s, a chance to recover, it will come back." — Zak Podmore Resources: Zak Podmore's Website Zak’s Substack "Life After Deadpool: Lake Powell’s Last Days and the Rebirth of the Colorado River" Listen to the full episode to engage deeply with these issues and explore further enlightening insights from "90 Miles from Needles: The Desert Protection Podcast." Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to unveil the stories and voices of the desert. Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Northern Arizona Healthcare pauses new hospital bid, man center to Flagstaff gun battle faces murder charges, Colorado River Basin snowpack at its lowest level in nearly 35 years, and more.

The U.S. Government Is Being Sued…for Murder. That story and more on H2O Radio's weekly news report. Headlines: The U.S. government is being sued under the “Death on the High Seas Act.” Governors of the Colorado River Basin met in Washington, DC, and were urged to find some love for each other by Valentine's Day. Like flying safely? Thank NCAR—while you can.

In a drying West, more producers are looking for options to remain viable, which is why today we're taking a look at dryland farming.   Relying on water from the sky in the Colorado River Basin, where it feels like irrigation is the norm, is not an easy task. That's why we're chatting with Gus Westerman, director at Colorado State University Extension and drought advisor, to learn how to make farming economically and ecologically viable in a part of Colorado that puts the "dry" in dryland.  Show notes: https://onland.westernlandowners.org/2026/podcast/dryland-farming-in-the-colorado-basin-with-gus-westerman/  

This week on the Regional Roundup, we'll pay a visit to the First People's Festival that took place in Estes Park, Colorado, earlier this month. The three-day event brought together Indigenous artists, educators, and community members for fashion, art, dance, and storytelling. We also learn about a program that teaches high school students trade skills, and puts those skills to work building affordable housing. We'll also take a closer look at the Colorado River Basin, where the U.S. Department of the Interior has released a draft environmental impact statement outlining potential paths forward for managing the river and its two largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead. We'll round out the show with a conversation with the filmmaker behind a new documentary examining the crisis in local journalism.

How Environmental Damage Fueled Iran's Protests. That story and more on H2O Radio's weekly news report. Headlines: Anger over the economic and political situation in Iran has fueled widespread protests, but environmental disasters also ignited the dissent. The governors of the seven states in the Colorado River Basin have been summoned to Washington, DC, to negotiate an agreement. News about Greenland might have you concerned that international cooperation is on thin ice. But thinning ice is, in fact, fostering cooperation. Newsflash! Most of the world just agreed about something.

Carli Kierstead is the Forest Program Director for The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming, where she leads efforts to understand and restore some of the West's most critical—and often overlooked—ecosystems. From beetle kill and wildfire to drought, Wyoming's forests face a range of challenges that ripple far beyond the state's borders. These high-country forests are the headwaters of several major river basins, providing water to millions of people across the American West. In this conversation, Carli and I dig into the past, present, and future of Western forests—how management philosophies have evolved over the decades, what's threatening their health today, and what can be done to make them more resilient in a changing climate. We talk about her team's groundbreaking work using snowtography—a deceptively simple but powerful way to study how forest structure affects snowpack and water supply—and how those findings could help guide future restoration across the Colorado River Basin. Carli also shares her personal journey from growing up in San Diego to finding her calling in Wyoming's wide-open landscapes, her insights on collaboration and trust-building in conservation, and a few book recommendations that shaped her path. It's a hopeful, science-grounded conversation about water, forests, and how collaboration can shape a more resilient future for the West. Thanks for listening, hope you enjoy! --- Carli Kierstead Wyoming forests + TNC Snowtography short film Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/carli-kierstead/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 2:34 – Intro and Wyoming forest health 7:16 – Beetle issues 8:30 – Why forest health? 12:35 – Economic benefit of forests 16:28 – Wyoming's claim to water 17:10 – Snowtography 23:18 – Lessons from the snow 27:33 – On the ground impact 33:53 – How it scales 40:42 – Relationship building 46:08 – The tendrils of the Colorado River Basin 46:46 – Carli's environment obsession 52:01 – How to build a relationship 55:10 – Book recs 58:38 – Last thoughts --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Southern Nevada relies on the Colorado River for 90 percent of its water supply, yet we receive the smallest share of the river. SNWA General Manager John Entsminger shares why ongoing collaboration between Colorado River water users is imperative to respond to climate change and aridification. John also talks about why Southern Nevada is one of the most water secure Colorado River Basin states, what future water sources the agency is considering, and how the community has helped protect its water supply.  Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/https://www.snwa.com/

U.S. and E.U.agree on details of trade deal; Hurricane Erin to drench parts of Virginia while brushing US east coast; As Trump remakes federal workforce, some Virginia families suffer; NM's acequia system eyed for Colorado River Basin solution; Ohio mayors push back as EPA ends $7B Solar for All program.

U.S. and E.U.agree on details of trade deal; Hurricane Erin to drench parts of Virginia while brushing US east coast; As Trump remakes federal workforce, some Virginia families suffer; NM's acequia system eyed for Colorado River Basin solution; Ohio mayors push back as EPA ends $7B Solar for All program.

Celene Hawkins is the new Colorado River Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, stepping into the role after years of impactful work in tribal water policy and place-based conservation across the basin. She's taking the baton from Taylor Hawes, who led the program for nearly 17 years and is now serving as the Colorado River Program's Special Advisor. It's a leadership transition at a critical moment for the Colorado River, and in this episode, I was lucky to sit down with both of them in person to talk through the handoff—what's changing, what's staying the same, and what the future of the river might look like. This is both Celene and Taylor's second time on the podcast, and we cover a lot of ground. We talk about the ongoing negotiations over new operating guidelines for the river—what's on the table, why the stakes are so high, and what happens if the basin states can't come to an agreement. We dig into tribal involvement—how things are (slowly) changing after decades of exclusion, and why stronger tribal participation is essential to any long-term solutions. We also explore how conservation groups are bringing new ideas, resources, and partnerships to the table, from modeling future scenarios to piloting creative water-sharing and resilience strategies across the West. And beyond the policy, we talk about what it actually takes to lead in a time of uncertainty—how to stay grounded, keep teams motivated, and maintain momentum when the challenges feel overwhelming. As always, Taylor and Celene bring a clear-eyed sense of purpose and a refreshing mix of realism and optimism to the conversation. We're releasing this episode just ahead of Colorado River Day, which falls on July 25th. So if you care about the West, public lands, rivers, or just want to better understand one of the most important water and conservation challenges in North America, this is a great place to start. Thanks for listening, I hope you enjoy! --- Celene Hawkins Taylor Hawes Announcement of Celene's new role as Director TNC's Colorado River Program Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/celene-taylor/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. During the last week of every month throughout 2025, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:02 - Intro, Taylor's career shift 7:27 - Celene's journey into Taylor's old role 9:07 - What Taylor's proud of 13:16 - Celene's pitch for the job 15:21 - Exciting initiatives 17:18 - Overview of the Colorado River Basin negotiations 22:42 - Sticking points 23:54 - Finding the Indigenous voice 28:38 - Alternatives 31:37 - Work outside of negotiations 37:07 - Federal funding freeze impacts 39:04 - Effects of uncertainty 40:57 - Not getting bogged down 44:49 - What Celene's learned from Taylor 46:28 - And how Taylor thinks Celene is well-positioned 47:22 - Book recs 51:37 - Wrapping up --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

Today, Sun water reporter Shannon Mullane breaks down the latest report that warns if we have dry conditions across the West over the next two years there could be some serious problems at Lake Powell and power coming from Glen Canyon Dam. And, what it means for Colorado. Take our survey: https://coloradosun.typeform.com/2025ReaderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's newscast: A community event in Snowmass aimed to turn wildfire risk into wildfire readiness; Gov. Jared Polis says Medicaid cuts in the Republican budget bill would throw hundreds of thousands of Coloradans off their health care; and the Colorado River Basin is losing more water stored underground than it's losing in the river itself. Tune in for these stories and more.

One of the development initiatives affected by the Trump Administration's shutdown of USAID is the Soybean Innovation Lab, which works to improve soybean yields and production in Africa to help boost farmers' income. Our guest discusses her work with the Soybean Innovation Lab and why helping improve farmers' yields is so fulfilling. Also, a recent study finds the Colorado River Basin has lost a tremendous amount of water in the last two decades, in part from thirsty farms pumping groundwater much faster than it can be replenished. We discuss the “Wild West” of unregulated groundwater, potential solutions and why the rapid depletion of ancient groundwater threatens the water supply for future generations. And the winner of the 2025 Goldman Environmental Prize for Asia was raised as a Mongolian herder and later became an engineer who worked on mining projects in the mineral-rich country. But when he learned that the Mongolian government was planning to mine the sacred Hutag mountain, he sprang into action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runoff in the Colorado River is expected to be 55 percent of normal this year which means Lake Mead water levels will drop. Lake levels and inflows to the lake can impact our drinking water supply. Limnologists Todd Tietjen and Deena Hannoun share how their research helps protect our drinking water, and how their studies help other Colorado River Basin water agencies on this episode of the Water Smarts Podcast. Hosts: Bronson Mack and Crystal Zuelkehttps://www.snwa.com/https://www.snwa.com/

Last week, news broke that the depletion of groundwater across the Colorado River Basin has been quietly, rapidly outpacing the more visible decline of the river itself. Even as the seven basin states negotiate reduced consumption of river water—inevitably driving dependence toward local aquifers instead—this newly published research shows that the majority ofmost of the water lost throughout the basin in recent years has been underground. In the Lower Colorado River Basin alone, groundwater has accounted for 71% of total water supply loss.  Jay Famiglietti, a longtime contributor to Ten Across, specializes in the use of satellite data to monitor the world's groundwater mass. His team's new findings focus on the U.S. Southwest—a region at the forefront of the nation's water supply challenges and the complex balances between resource limitations and economic growth.  As states and cities in the Colorado River Basin and elsewhere develop water management strategies to sustain themselves through future constraints, a growing understanding of groundwater supply is key to effective proactive policy. It is increasingly clear that time is of the essence for this uniquely finite resource.   Listen in as Ten Across founder Duke Reiter and Jay Famiglietti discuss the concrete findings in this report, the immediate and long-term implications for agriculture in the Southwest, and Jay's motivations for raising awareness of groundwater usage in the Ten Across region and beyond.  Relevant articles and resources:  Read the open access study: “Declining Freshwater Availability in the Colorado River Basin Threatens Sustainability of Its Critical Groundwater Supplies”  Read The Washington Post's analysis  More analysis from The Guardian and Inside Climate News  Catch up on the Colorado River negotiations  Listen to Jay's first podcast appearance  Related headlines:   “ADWR Director Briefs UA Water Resources Research Center Conference on Colorado River Negotiations” (azwater.gov, June 2025)  “It's not just big alfalfa farms. La Paz residents fear groundwater grab by big cities” (Arizona Republic, June 2025)  “Arizona wants this city to cut its groundwater use. Residents want flexibility” (Arizona Republic, May 2025)  “Even in wet years, wells are still dry. Why replenishing California's groundwater is painfully slow” (Cal Matters, February 2025)  “Opinion: Will We Have to Pump the Great Lakes to California to Feed the Nation?” (The New York Times, August 2024)  Credits:Host: Duke ReiterProducer and editor: Taylor GriffithMusic by: Lupus Nocte and TellsonicResearch and support provided by: Kate Carefoot, Rae Ulrich, and Sabine Butler

On today's newscast: Groundwater supplies in the Colorado River Basin are rapidly drying up, Mohave County supervisor has revived efforts to hand-count ballots, one of the largest egg providers in the Southwest lost 95% most of its chickens to the bird flu, Payson police are investigating the death of a 74-year-old hiker, and more.

Conservation Is Not Enough: Rethinking Relationships with Water in the Arid Southwest (University of Wyoming Press, 2025) by Dr. Janine Schipper reconsiders the most basic assumptions about water issues in the Southwest, revealing why conservation alone will not lead to a sustainable water future. The book undertakes a thorough examination of the prevailing “conservation ethos” deeply ingrained in the culture, critically analyzing its historical roots and shedding light on its problems and inherent limitations. Additionally, it explores deep ecology and an Indigenous water ethos, offering radically different ways of understanding and experiencing water. Using an exploratory and qualitative approach, Dr. Schipper draws on more than ninety-five interviews conducted over three years, revealing the complex relationships people have with water in the Southwest, and prominently features the voices of participants, effectively illustrating multiple perspectives and diverse ways of thinking about and relating to water. Schipper highlights various perspectives—including a water manager making conservation decisions, a Hopi elder emphasizing our connection to the water cycle, and a ski instructor reflecting on human-made snow—and interweaves personal experiences and reflections on her own relationship with water and conservation efforts. Conservation Is Not Enough encourages readers to reflect on their personal connections to water and consider new possibilities, and it also urges readers to think beyond conventional conservation approaches. This book helps to transform the collective approach to water and cultivate fresh ways of engaging with and relating to water and is of great interest to scholars, students, and residents concerned with water issues in the Colorado River Basin. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Conservation Is Not Enough: Rethinking Relationships with Water in the Arid Southwest (University of Wyoming Press, 2025) by Dr. Janine Schipper reconsiders the most basic assumptions about water issues in the Southwest, revealing why conservation alone will not lead to a sustainable water future. The book undertakes a thorough examination of the prevailing “conservation ethos” deeply ingrained in the culture, critically analyzing its historical roots and shedding light on its problems and inherent limitations. Additionally, it explores deep ecology and an Indigenous water ethos, offering radically different ways of understanding and experiencing water. Using an exploratory and qualitative approach, Dr. Schipper draws on more than ninety-five interviews conducted over three years, revealing the complex relationships people have with water in the Southwest, and prominently features the voices of participants, effectively illustrating multiple perspectives and diverse ways of thinking about and relating to water. Schipper highlights various perspectives—including a water manager making conservation decisions, a Hopi elder emphasizing our connection to the water cycle, and a ski instructor reflecting on human-made snow—and interweaves personal experiences and reflections on her own relationship with water and conservation efforts. Conservation Is Not Enough encourages readers to reflect on their personal connections to water and consider new possibilities, and it also urges readers to think beyond conventional conservation approaches. This book helps to transform the collective approach to water and cultivate fresh ways of engaging with and relating to water and is of great interest to scholars, students, and residents concerned with water issues in the Colorado River Basin. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Conservation Is Not Enough: Rethinking Relationships with Water in the Arid Southwest (University of Wyoming Press, 2025) by Dr. Janine Schipper reconsiders the most basic assumptions about water issues in the Southwest, revealing why conservation alone will not lead to a sustainable water future. The book undertakes a thorough examination of the prevailing “conservation ethos” deeply ingrained in the culture, critically analyzing its historical roots and shedding light on its problems and inherent limitations. Additionally, it explores deep ecology and an Indigenous water ethos, offering radically different ways of understanding and experiencing water. Using an exploratory and qualitative approach, Dr. Schipper draws on more than ninety-five interviews conducted over three years, revealing the complex relationships people have with water in the Southwest, and prominently features the voices of participants, effectively illustrating multiple perspectives and diverse ways of thinking about and relating to water. Schipper highlights various perspectives—including a water manager making conservation decisions, a Hopi elder emphasizing our connection to the water cycle, and a ski instructor reflecting on human-made snow—and interweaves personal experiences and reflections on her own relationship with water and conservation efforts. Conservation Is Not Enough encourages readers to reflect on their personal connections to water and consider new possibilities, and it also urges readers to think beyond conventional conservation approaches. This book helps to transform the collective approach to water and cultivate fresh ways of engaging with and relating to water and is of great interest to scholars, students, and residents concerned with water issues in the Colorado River Basin. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/native-american-studies

Conservation Is Not Enough: Rethinking Relationships with Water in the Arid Southwest (University of Wyoming Press, 2025) by Dr. Janine Schipper reconsiders the most basic assumptions about water issues in the Southwest, revealing why conservation alone will not lead to a sustainable water future. The book undertakes a thorough examination of the prevailing “conservation ethos” deeply ingrained in the culture, critically analyzing its historical roots and shedding light on its problems and inherent limitations. Additionally, it explores deep ecology and an Indigenous water ethos, offering radically different ways of understanding and experiencing water. Using an exploratory and qualitative approach, Dr. Schipper draws on more than ninety-five interviews conducted over three years, revealing the complex relationships people have with water in the Southwest, and prominently features the voices of participants, effectively illustrating multiple perspectives and diverse ways of thinking about and relating to water. Schipper highlights various perspectives—including a water manager making conservation decisions, a Hopi elder emphasizing our connection to the water cycle, and a ski instructor reflecting on human-made snow—and interweaves personal experiences and reflections on her own relationship with water and conservation efforts. Conservation Is Not Enough encourages readers to reflect on their personal connections to water and consider new possibilities, and it also urges readers to think beyond conventional conservation approaches. This book helps to transform the collective approach to water and cultivate fresh ways of engaging with and relating to water and is of great interest to scholars, students, and residents concerned with water issues in the Colorado River Basin. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-west

Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles," host Chris Clarke sits down with Teal Lehto, a passionate water rights activist also known on social media as Western Water Girl. Teal shares insights into her work on public lands protection, the challenges posed by current legislative threats to environment-focused organizations, and the critical issues facing the Colorado River Basin. The episode delves deep into the complexities of water politics across Southwestern U.S. deserts. Teal discusses the antiquated water usage system governed by the doctrine of prior appropriation and its impact on current water scarcities. The conversation explores the political stand-off between upper and lower basin states within the Colorado River framework, highlighting the contentious role agriculture, particularly alfalfa farming, plays in the ongoing water crisis. Reflecting on her journey from frustrated activist to social media influencer, Teal elucidates how she has become a vital communicator of water issues, navigating both support and the vitriol commonly aimed at women in digital spaces. Key Takeaways: Advocacy Amidst Executive Orders: Teal explores current executive orders threatening public lands and non-profit environmental groups, emphasizing their purpose to dismantle the protections that keep these landscapes safe. Colorado River Basin Stalemate: The historical water distribution system faces scrutiny as upper and lower basin states stall on new guidelines essential for preserving water resources. Social Media as a Platform for Change: Teal's rise as Western Water Girl began as a reaction to being sidelined; now she uses Instagram and TikTok to educate thousands on water issues. Prominent Issues in Water Management: The widespread impact of alfalfa farming on water resources underlines a significant yet under-addressed element of Western water politics. The Influence of Engaging Narratives: Authentic content creation on TikTok significantly impacts environmental communication, allowing Western Water Girl to reach and inspire a broad audience. Notable Quotes: "I never started my platform expecting it to blow up. Like, I literally told my partner that if five people see my video, it'll make me feel better." - Teal Lehto "You can actually have a pretty direct impact on what side of the Internet somebody's content goes to just by leaving a comment." - Teal Lehto "People are really into engaging with water equity because it's so mind-blowing to learn the Navajo Nation only has running water in one out of each three homes." - Teal Lehto Resources: Teal Lehto on Social Media: Follow @westernwatergirl on TikTok and Instagram for updates and education on water politics. 90 Miles from Needles Podcast Website: For more episodes and donation opportunities, visit 90MilesFromNeedles.com (https://90milesfromneedles.com).Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's newscast: A few hundred protesters gathered yesterday at Sayre Park in Glenwood Springs for the May Day National Day of Action, highlighting concerns over cuts to public programs and the targeting of immigrants; a new report shows the Trump administration's plans to repeal clean-energy tax credits could increase energy bills for households; and while snowpack was near normal for much of the upper Colorado River Basin this winter, drought forecasters say the spring runoff will be well below normal. Tune in for these stories and more.

In this episode of 21st Century Water, we sit down with John J. Entsminger, General Manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) and the Las Vegas Valley Water District. John oversees the water supply for 2.5 million residents and 40 million visitors annually in one of the most water-stressed regions of the United States. He shares his journey from environmental law to leading a major water utility and highlights the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to water management, including the 2002 Colorado River drought and the 2007-2009 recession.John explains the vast scale of SNWA's infrastructure, from its 250 miles of massive pipelines to the 7,000 miles of distribution lines in the Las Vegas Valley Water District. With climate change and cybersecurity as the biggest challenges facing water utilities, he emphasizes how SNWA has aggressively tackled conservation. Through innovative measures like removing non-functional turf, enforcing watering schedules, and deploying water enforcement officers, Southern Nevada has added 800,000 people since 2002 while reducing total water consumption by 35-40%.We discuss the importance of strategic investments, including a $1.5 billion low-lake-level pumping station at Lake Mead, designed purely for redundancy to secure supply. John also shares insights into international and interstate water negotiations, where he has played a key role in agreements involving the seven Colorado River Basin states and Mexico. He highlights the delicate balance of ensuring every party “loses” just enough to reach a compromise that sustains long-term water management.A key advantage for Las Vegas is its ability to recycle nearly 100% of indoor water use. Thanks to its unique geography, all wastewater is treated and returned to Lake Mead, allowing for legal return flow credits. The city's only significant water losses come from outdoor irrigation, evaporative cooling, and septic systems, which SNWA is actively addressing. John also discusses their use of innovative leak detection technology, AI-powered predictive maintenance, and automated metering to enhance efficiency.One remarkable case study is how SNWA worked with Formula 1 to make the Las Vegas Grand Prix the first net-positive water race in history. By offsetting race-related water use with an atmospheric water generator installed at MGM, the event saved more water than it consumed. John sees AI playing an increasing role in optimizing pipeline maintenance and customer leak detection, making conservation even more effective.Another is the building 54 weirs, which are erosion-controlled structures to slow down the water. And over the last 20 years, the number one source of materials for those weirs is imploded old casinos.As we wrap up, John reflects on his legacy, emphasizing pragmatism and the importance of speaking truth to power. His leadership has positioned Southern Nevada as a global model for water conservation and resilience, proving that even in the face of extreme scarcity, strategic planning and innovation can secure a sustainable water future.More: Las Vegas Valley Water District: https://www.lvvwd.com/Southern Nevada Water Authority: https://www.snwa.com/ Aquasight Website: https://aquasight.io/

This week, Chris shifts focus to recommending several podcasts that align with the mission of desert protection and conservation. Marissa Ortega Welch’s “How Wild” challenges conventional perceptions of wilderness by exploring cultural narratives that shape our understanding of solitude in nature. With Emily Guerin’s investigative series, "California City," listeners uncover the tantalizing history and real estate tales of this less-known Mojave Desert town. Michael Elizabeth Sakas captivates audiences with "Parched," a series that unpacks the critical water shortages plaguing the Colorado River Basin. And Jennifer Errick from the National Parks Conservation Association's podcast The Secret Lives of Parks gets Chris and Luke Basulto out in the field to talk desert protection Highlighting gems from these productions, this episode celebrates the intricate beauty and significance of deserts in contemporary discourse. Key Takeaways: Discover various perspectives on wilderness concepts with Marissa Ortega Welch in "How Wild," which critiques the cultural narratives surrounding solitude and wilderness. Explore the thrilling investigative journey of Emily Guerin's podcast "California City" to explore historical and ongoing real estate dynamics in the desert. Gain insights into the pressing water issues facing the Colorado River Basin with Michael Elizabeth Sakas' comprehensive series "Parched." Hear from Jennifer Errick and Luke Basulto on the newly designated Chuckwalla National Monument and the importance of connecting desert landscapes for better ecological health. Resources: How Wild with Marissa Ortega Welch https://www.howwild.org/ California City by Emily Guerin https://laist.com/podcasts/california-city Parched, Hosted by Michael Elizabeth Sakas https://www.cpr.org/podcast/parched/ The Secret Lives of Parks, with Jennifer Errick https://thesecretlivesofparks.org/ The Border Chronicle https:/theborderchronicle.com Desert Oracle https://www.desertoracle.com/radio/ Desert Advocacy Media Network https://thedamn.org Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're diving into an important development in Colorado’s hydropower landscape. The Blue Mesa power plant, part of the Blue Mesa Reservoir on the Gunnison River, is getting some much-needed updates thanks to funding from the Department of the Interior. Let’s break down what this means for the facility and the broader Colorado River Basin.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About the Guest: Kyle Roerink is the Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network. Roerink has been a pivotal figure in advocating for sustainable water management across the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. His organization has played a significant role in addressing critical issues related to water rights, environmental protection, and the ecological impact of industry and urban development in the arid Southwest. Episode Summary: In this engaging episode of "90 Miles from Needles," Chris Clarke speaks with Kyle Roerink, Executive Director of the Great Basin Water Network, about the ongoing battles and emerging concerns regarding water rights and environmental conservation in the arid regions of the Great Basin and the Colorado River Basin. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about an unusual statement from the former president regarding a mythical "faucet" to solve water issues in California, setting an intriguing tone about broader misconceptions and real challenges. The episode delves deep into current projects and proposals that threaten the water security and ecological balance in the regions. Roerink highlights the pressing issues surrounding lithium mining in Green River, Utah, and its potential environmental impact. The conversation explores the novel direct lithium extraction technology and the legal precedents it may set, impacting future mining projects in the area. The discussion also touches on the alarming number of proposed new dams and diversions in the Upper Colorado River Basin and the implications for downstream water rights and ecological health. Key Takeaways: Direct Lithium Extraction and Environmental Concerns: The controversial lithium mining project in Green River, Utah, utilizing direct lithium extraction technology, poses several environmental risks and legal challenges, particularly concerning groundwater rights and public welfare. Over-Allocation of Colorado River Water: The ongoing issues of water over-allocation on paper versus actual availability, exacerbated by climate change and decreasing water flows, put immense pressure on water management across the Colorado River Basin. Ecological and Legal Implications of New Dams and Diversions: The numerous proposed dam and diversion projects in the Upper Colorado River Basin underscore the need for rigorous scrutiny and sustainable planning to prevent exacerbating water shortages and ecological damage. Glen Canyon Dam and Long-term Water Management: Discussion on the feasibility and future of maintaining both Lake Mead and Lake Powell reservoirs, with a growing consensus favoring prioritizing Lake Mead due to infrastructural and water delivery benefits. Community and Environmental Advocacy: Highlighting the importance of grassroots advocacy, collaboration among diverse stakeholders, and the significant role of public knowledge and engagement in addressing the complex water issues in the arid Southwest. Notable Quotes: Kyle Roerink: "We can only do the green energy transition once. There's no room for error, there's no margin for error." Chris Clarke: "There's a whole lot of money that you can make in destroying the desert, but not too much in saving it." Kyle Roerink: "Mother Nature is the best teacher." Kyle Roerink: "I think, like post federal lands Policy and Management act, that post Flitma era and push that really bolstered the environmental movement." Kyle Roerink: "If we're to believe the nation's best scientists, the worst is yet to come." Resources: Great Basin Water Network https://greatbasinwater.org/ Living Rivers http://www.livingrivers.org/ Glen Canyon Institute https://www.glencanyon.org/ UC Berkeley Climate Futures Lab https://nature.berkeley.edu/ClimateFuturesLab For more groundbreaking discussions about desert protection and water conservation, don't forget to listen to the full episode and stay tuned for more insightful content from "90 Miles from Needles." The desert needs your support and awareness now more than ever.Become a desert defender!: https://90milesfromneedles.com/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Smith is the Conservation Director for The Nature Conservancy's Colorado River Program, and Austin Rempel is the Riparian Restoration Program Manager at The Nature Conservancy. Both Nancy and Austin are working on the front lines of some of the West's most innovative water and habitat conservation projects– projects that benefit everything from groundwater supplies to wildlife habitat, climate resiliency to ecosystem health. - If you've listened to many of these TNC-focused episodes, then you'll know that TNC works extensively throughout the Colorado River Basin on a wide range of conservation issues that affect people, wildlife, and landscapes. In this episode, we're going to zoom in on one very specific, very simple, and very effective process that has the potential to have massive positive impacts on ecosystem health throughout the West. - The process is called “low-tech process-based restoration,” which is the practice of adding simple, low-cost structures made of natural materials like rocks, wood, and posts to simulate natural processes like beaver dams in streams and wetlands, kick-starting natural cycles of recovery. These structures require minimal permitting, can be built quickly by hand without heavy equipment, use locally sourced materials, and can be installed by local workers who do not need extensive training. The end result creates surprisingly effective outcomes that can be scaled quickly across vast stretches of the West. - We recorded this conversation the day after Colorado River Day, which was a fitting time to highlight such an important project and process. We started out by discussing how this project came to be, which involved a significant amount of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. We discuss how rivers have historically looked in the West versus how they look now, as well as the ecological complexities of riverscapes and riparian corridors.  We then dig into the details of “low-tech process-based restoration”-- timelines, challenges, opportunities, partnerships, and measuring success. We also talk about beavers, shifting cultural norms around conservation, overlaps between forest and riparian restoration, favorite books, and much more. - As you'll hear, Nancy and Austin provide such an excellent overview of several varieties of low-tech process-based restoration. But for those of you who want to dig deeper into details of the various processes and case studies, they've provided me with extensive additional resources that you can access in the episode notes. I'd also encourage you to check out the short film embedded on the episode's webpage, which will give you a visual overview of the process and its results. - A big thanks to Nancy and Austin for the fun conversation, and thank you for listening. --- Nancy Smith Austin Rempel Riparian Restoration short film Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/nancy-austin/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the last Tuesday of every month throughout 2024, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 4:00 - Nancy's intro 5:26 - Austin's intro 7:15 - The impact of wet upland meadows on the Colorado River (Nancy) 10:00 - How the Inflation Reduction Act has funded TNC's important partnership work (Nancy) 13:30 - Defining the low-tech, process-based, restoration (LTPBR) involved in this project (Austin) 16:30 - What meadows have historically looked like in the American West (Austin and Nancy) 21:00 - Describing more of the structures TNC uses in this work, like beaver dam analogs (Austin) 26:30 - What kind of land TNC does this restoration work on (Austin) 29:30 - How long this work takes (Austin and Nancy) 33:30 - What success will look like for this work (Nancy) 37:30 - How LTPBRs help empower crucial work by being simple 40:45 - What could make or break this project (Austin and Nancy)  44:00 - TNC's ability to balance innovation with responsible stewardship of funding (Nancy) 46:30 - Overlaps between river and forest restoration (Austin) 50:30 - What would make a good staff member for this work 55:45 - Nancy's book recommendations 57:00 - Austin's book recommendations 59:18 - Nancy's parting words of wisdom 1:00:10 - Austin's parting words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

If you're a longtime Mountain & Prairie listener, then you'll definitely remember Pete McBride. He's a renowned photographer, filmmaker, and author, and he's joined me on the podcast twice before– once to discuss his epic hike of the length of the Grand Canyon, and then to chat about his global search for silence in a very loud world. I'm glad to say that he's back again, and this time, we're chatting about his backyard river– the mighty Colorado– and the challenges, opportunities, and realities facing the people and wildlife that depend on it. - Pete's newest book is titled “The Colorado River: Chasing Water,” and it features Pete's stunning photography and insightful essays, along with a foreword by Nick Paumgarten and an introduction by Kevin Fedarko. The book follows the Colorado River from its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains all the way down to the Colorado River Delta, where it peters out just before reaching the Gulf of California. - I've read a lot of books about the Colorado River and water in the West, but “Chasing Water” opened my eyes to a number of very specific and sometimes-maddening challenges facing the Colorado River Basin. The book delves into issues such as the unchecked exportation of water-intensive alfalfa to foreign countries, how dust leads to increased evaporation and water loss, as well as more optimistic topics, such as how Las Vegas has become an imperfect-yet-inspiring case study in responsible water conservation. But at its core, the book demonstrates Pete's deep love and respect for the Colorado River, and showcases his two decades of dedication to telling the story of this world-famous waterway. - We met up at Pete's house in Basalt, overlooking the Roaring Fork River, and talked about all things water and conservation. We started by talking about Pete's father, and how his advice many years ago led Pete to shift his focus from global adventure photography to the Colorado River. We discussed the disconnect between people and their water sources, the challenge of using an over-appropriated water source to grow food for an entire country, Pete's firsthand experience observing changes in the river and surrounding landscape, his work with Indigenous communities throughout the basin, and his preferences between photography, filmmaking, and writing. We also discuss some of his recent favorite books, and much, much more. - Be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of everything we discussed and links to all of Pete's books. - A big thanks to Pete for graciously letting me barge into his house and hassle him with questions yet again, and thank you for listening.  --- Pete McBride The Colorado River: Chasing Water by Pete McBride Seeing Silence: The Beauty of the World's Quietest Places by Pete McBride The Grand Canyon: Between River and Rim by Pete McBride Into the Grand Canyon documentary Full episode notes & links: https://mountainandprairie.com/pete-mcbride-3/ --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - All the places Pete has seen in the Colorado River watershed 6:30 - How Pete's dad influenced Pete's career  11:30 - The immense changes to the Colorado River over the course of Pete's father's lifetime 13:00 - Reconciling how much of the West's water comes from the Colorado, and how few people know it  14:30 - Pete's hope for his new book 18:00 - Pete's style of writing for this visual book  21:00 - Discussing how much Colorado River water goes to cattle and cattle feed, and the water challenges that face agriculture 29:00 - The impact of dust on Rocky Mountain snow, and how that impacts the Colorado River 34:30 - Highlighting an unexpected water conservation success story: Las Vegas, and how southwestern cities can start conserving their water.  39:00 - How many times Colorado River water has been reused along its trek to Mexico, and discussing the state of the Colorado River Delta 44:45 - How Peter wants to divide his time between books and films, and a discussion about “earning” hope 53:00 - Pete's work with Indigenous communities' access to Colorado River Water 1:01:00 - Pete's book recommendations --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

When it comes to conservation, can a group of high school students really make a difference? Join Jared and Hallie as they dive into a story involving the Colorado River, an ancient endangered fish, and a group of high school students who are becoming the next generation of stewards.   More on the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program: https://www.aspentimes.com/news/colorado-river-endangered-fish-recovery-nets-some-success/ Epic migration of razorback sucker in the Colorado River Basin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNfVxKACAfM More photos for this story: https://onland.westernlandowners.org/2023/stewardship-in-action/teens-take-on-species-recovery/ Webinar on the Upper Colorado Endangered Fish Recovery Program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=192ZjnaAm2A   Complete show notes are available at https://workingwild.us/  

As snow is melting and running down rivers across the US, this episode talks with hydrologists at 5 regions of the National River Forecast Center to gain perspectives on how much snow and rain fell over the winter and how it will melt and what the rivers will look like this spring and summer.  We focus on the Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, California, some of Nevada, and the Colorado River Basin. SPONSORSROCKY TALKIE5 Watt Radio, WaterproofDiscount Code 10% off:  RIVERRADIUS10InstagramFacebookYoutubePADDLE WAYSDownload the Paddle Ways app on your phone, then go to the Paddle Ways website with discount link here and subscribe there to gain the discountUse Discount Code 25% off: RADIUSPaddle Ways Instagram NRSInstagramGUESTSNational River Forecast CenterNortheast River Forecast Center, NERFCRon HorwoodSoutheast River Forecast Center, SERFCTodd HamillCalifornia Nevada River Forecast Center, CNRFCBrett WhitinNorthwest River Forecast Center, NWRFCAmy BurkeColorado Basin River Forecast Center, CBRFCAshley Nielson PREVIOUS EPISODE2023 Western Snowpack & River FlowTHUMBNAIL PICTaylor from Walker Knives   THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Celene Hawkins is the Colorado River Tribal Water Partnerships Program Director for the Nature Conservancy, and Izabella Ruffino is the Tribal and Indigenous Engagement Program Manager for the Colorado Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Both Celene and Izabella use their skills to advance and support tribal-led land and water conservation work throughout the American West. - Most of Celene's work is centered around the Colorado River Basin, and she has played an integral role in many cutting-edge water conservation projects that have sought out Tribal voices and Indigenous perspectives to create some of the West's most effective and equitable solutions to complex water challenges. Perhaps most notably, she worked with the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, and her colleagues at TNC to create a first-of-its-kind water agreement that was a true win-win for nature and people. - Izabella's work builds on TNC's strong foundation of partnerships with Tribal Nations for land and water issues, and she is also focused on expanding Tribal and Indigenous engagement into all aspects of TNC's wide-ranging conservation work. Additionally, she is responsible for internal efforts to fortify organizational cultural awareness and humility within TNC's Colorado Chapter. As you'll hear, Izabella is doing everything from leading internal educational initiatives to working with wide-ranging stakeholder groups on projects such as determining the best uses for TNC-owned land and preserves. - In this episode, we dig into the details of many of their specific projects and initiatives, but we also talk more broadly about the importance of seeking out Indigenous perspectives to help guide TNC's critical conservation work around the world. They both offer plentiful resources– online courses, books, podcasts, essays, and more– that will help me (and you, the listener!) better understand the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives to guide the next chapter of conversation work in the West and beyond. - Celene and Izabella mention so many excellent books, people, and resources, so don't forget to check out the episode notes for links to everything. A big thanks to them both for such a fun, inspiring, and educational conversation. I hope you enjoy! --- Celene Hawkins Izabella Ruffino A Win-Win-Win Solution for the Colorado River --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy and TNC chapters throughout the Western United States. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the last Tuesday of every month throughout 2024, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West and beyond. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in the West and around the world, visit www.nature.org --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - Introductions 8:30 - The win-win partnership between the Jicarilla Apache Nation, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, and TNC 14:00- Challenges and opportunities related to putting together the partnership deal 19:00 - Benefits to all parties as a result of the deal 21:30 - Positive ripple effects resulting from the partnership 24:15 - TNC's strategies for managing its preserves, including the Medano Zapata Ranch 29:15- The process of gathering Indigenous and local perspectives 32:00 - Strategies, tactics, and frameworks for building cross-cultural relationships 36:30 - Balancing the time it takes to build solid relationships with the reality that “time is of the essence” 40:30 - Upcoming exciting projects 44:30 - Resources for further learning 50:30 - Why they each chose to apply their talents, skills, and careers to the cause of conservation 55:30 - Heroes and mentors 1:05:00 - Favorite books 1:11:00 - Parting words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

In her new book H Is for Hope, author Elizabeth Kolbert explores the landscape of climate change in a series of 26 animated essays arranged in alphabetical order-from "A", for Svante Arrhenius, who created the world's first climate model in 1894, to "Z", for the Colorado River Basin, ground zero for climate change in the United States. Kolbert is a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of several books, most notably Pulitzer Prize winner The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, which chronicled previous mass extinction events and compared them to the accelerated, widespread extinctions of our present time.

Margaret Bowman shares insights into the strategies she has deployed to effectively fund nonprofit collaborations. Margaret emphasizes the importance of trust-building and transparent communication within organizations. She also shares insights about evaluating effectiveness in nonprofit work through setting clear benchmarks.Episode Highlights:How to be effective at supporting nonprofit collaborationsNavigating the complex dynamics between nonprofit leadersMargaret Bowman Bio:Margaret Bowman - Principal, Bowman Environmental ConsultingWith over 35 years of environmental experience, Margaret Bowman helps foundations and NGOs promote sustainable and equitable water solutions through better policy, strategy, and investments. Margaret ran sustainable and equitable water investing and grantmaking programs at Spring Point Partners, advanced water supply solutions in the Colorado River Basin at the Walton Family Foundation, and supported policy-relevant scientific research at the Pew Charitable Trusts. She has also advocated for river restoration at American Rivers and supported environmental law drafting in Central Europe at the Environmental Law Institute. Margaret serves on the board of the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and on the Advisory Committee of the Conservation Finance Network. She is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Harvard Law School.Links:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-b-bowman-5688538 If you enjoyed this episode, listen to these as well:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/174-special-strategies-to-enhance-donor-relationships/id1556900518?i=1000651750997 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/171-strategies-to-leverage-federal-dollars-with-margi/id1556900518?i=1000649546992https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/172-how-a-nonprofit-effectively-implements/id1556900518?i=1000650335387 Crack the Code: Sybil's Successful Guide to PhilanthropyBecome even better at what you do as Sybil teaches you the strategies and tools you'll need to avoid mistakes and make a career out of philanthropy.Sybil offers resources including free mini-course videos, templates, checklists, and words of advice summarized in easy to review pdfs. Check out Sybil's website with all the latest opportunities to learn from Sybil at https://www.doyourgood.comConnect with Do Your Goodhttps://www.facebook.com/doyourgoodhttps://www.instagram.com/doyourgoodWould you like to talk with Sybil directly?Send in your inquiries through her website https://www.doyourgood.com/ or you can email her directly at sybil@doyourgood.com.

Four states and six tribes in the Colorado River Basin are working on an agreement on water usage into the future. The agreement could be finalized as early as April. It comes as a flurry of agreements — and lack of agreement — involving other states and tribes is competing for a comprehensive water sharing agreement in time for an imposed 2026 deadline. We'll hear differing perspectives from tribal representatives about the evolving conversations about the vital and diminishing resource. GUESTS Ethel Branch (Diné), Navajo Nation Attorney General Joelynn Ashley (Hopi and Navajo), chair of Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission Chuck Cullom, executive director of the Upper Colorado River Commission

It is well known at this point that humans are using more water out of the Colorado River, then the river can support…for humans as well as other life forms that live along and within the river. Agriculture is using approximately 80% of that water. We talk with Aaron Derwingson, Water Projects Director of the Colorado River Program for the Nature Conservancy. Aaron and his team do freshwater conservation restoration projects across the whole Colorado River Basin, involving a combination of work from science and policy to direct project work on the grounds. By working to build relationships with the agricultural community, the team hopes to help ensure that there are sufficient water supplies for both people and nature.

There are numerous authors and media professionals doing work to explore river topics.  To close out the 2023 river and podcast year, this episode hosts two of the best.  Heather Hansman is an author writing books and magazine articles.  Teal Lehto, a.k.a., “Western Water Girl” is a social media content creator.  We talk through their respective crafts, leadership in river conservation and trending topics.  SPONSORSCovered with CarrieDenver Area Nissan DealersInstagram GUESTSHeather HansmanWebsiteInstagramLink TreeTeal LehtoInstagramTik Tok THE RIVER RADIUSWebsiteEmailInstagramFacebookApple PodcastSpotifyLink Tree

Lorelei Cloud is a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council. Lorelei's commitment to conservation, leadership development, and Ute language, traditions, and culture is evident by the staggering number of leadership roles she holds– she is Co-Chairman of the Indigenous Women's Leadership Network, a Board Trustee for the Nature Conservancy, and serves on the Colorado River Basin's Water & Tribes Initiative. Earlier this year, she was appointed by the Governor of Colorado to serve on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, making her the first-ever Tribal member of the board. - Lorelei was born and raised on the Southern Ute Reservation, which is located in the far southwestern corner of Colorado. From the very beginning, water has played a central role in Lorelei's life– much of her childhood was spent without running water and access to drinking water continues to be a challenge on the Reservation to this day. Much of Lorelei's early career was spent working in various businesses, including banking and energy, all while being a mother and raising four children. In 2015, she was elected to the Tribal Council, which began this new phase of her life and career– a phase devoted to serving her Tribal Community, as well as the communities, landscapes, and natural resources of the American West. - I've been hearing such great things about Lorelei for years, so I was honored to have the opportunity to chat with her on the podcast. We enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation about her upbringing on the Southern Ute Reservation, the history of the Southern Ute Tribe, her recent appointment to the CWCB, why she decided to devote herself to public service, the goals of the Indigenous Women's Leadership Network, her work with the Nature Conservancy, the need to elevate Tribal voices on issues of water and land conservation in the West and beyond, advice for aspiring leaders, her favorite books, ways the listeners can get involved and support the work of the Southern Ute Tribe, and much more. - Be sure to check out the episode notes for a full list of topics discussed and links to everything. A huge thanks to Lorelei for taking the time out of her busy schedule to talk with me and for her deep commitment to doing such impactful work in Colorado and beyond. Enjoy! --- Lorelei Cloud Southern Ute Indian Tribe Colorado Water Conservation Board Full episode notes and links: https://mountainandprairie.com/lorelei-cloud/ --- This episode is brought to you in partnership with the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Guided by science and grounded by decades of collaborative partnerships, The Nature Conservancy has a long-standing legacy of achieving lasting results to create a world where nature and people thrive. On the fourth Tuesday of every month throughout 2023, Mountain & Prairie will be delving into conversations with a wide range of The Nature Conservancy's leaders, partners, collaborators, and stakeholders, highlighting the myriad of conservation challenges, opportunities, and solutions here in the American West. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy's impactful work in Colorado and around the world, visit www.nature.org/colorado --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:30 - Lorelei's youth on the Southern Ute Reservation 6:15 - How Lorelei's family would get water 8:15 - Lorelei's childhood personality, school years, and early jobs 13:30 - Whether or not Lorelei wanted to stay on the reservation 15:30 - A brief Ute history 19:00 - How Lorelei's appointment as the first Indigenous representative on the CWCB 22:15 - What the CWCB does 27:30 - How Lorelei decided to pursue public service 30:15 - About the Indigenous Women's Leadership Network 34:00 - Lorelei's advice for aspiring leaders 36:15 - Lorelei's mentors 40:30 - About Lorelei's role as Vice Chairman of the Southern Ute Tribe 43:00 - How Lorelei became involved with TNC and how she evaluates whether or not to pursue a professional opportunity 48:15 - Whether or not Deb Haaland has elevated Tribal voices through her work 52:00 - Lorelei's book recommendations 55:00 - How you can help Lorelei's work 56:00 - Lorelei's words of wisdom --- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie - All Episodes Mountain & Prairie Shop Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie Leave a Review on Apple Podcasts

 Western states hope to strike on how to divvy up water from the Colorado River Basin, The FBI conducts a search of President Biden's house in Rehoboth Beach, and the city of Seattle's homelessness and drug troubles continue to rise. Cynch: Download the Cynch app and get your first tank exchange for just $10 with promo code WIRE. Visit http://cynch.com/offer for details. Indeed: Start hiring with Indeed: https://indeed.com/wire