2006 Annual Conference
Keystone Resort in Keystone, Colorado.
Another great conference comes to an end. This year's event that was held in Keystone, Colorado, presented attendees with many opportunities to learn and share knowledge with people from around the world.
Print the final program (pdf).
The attendees were honored with a Pritchard Lecture given by the Honorable Judge Gregory J. Hobbs. Judge Hobbs serves on the Colorado Supreme Court and has a wealth of knowledge on water use law, the environment, and land-use. He spoke about the scarcity of water in the West and gave a great overview of the different issues that are at play on the subject. He explained the early doctrines that govern water in Colorado-senior/junior rights. Also, the fact that 80 percent of the water that falls on Colorado is in the west two-thirds of the state, but in the east third, is where 80 percent of the people live.
Dana York, USDA-NRCS associate chief, spoke at the second plenary and fielded questions from the large group of attendees. She told of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) human capital initiative-the need for, the issues surrounding it, and how the Society can help the agency invest in its workforce for the future.
Welcome Reception features
Conference attendees were welcomed by several long-time
The silent auction featured many unique items to the area including
House of Delegates
The Georgia Chapter Delegate, Mark Risse, introduced three out of the four 2006 issues to be discussed by the Delgates. The issues included:
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Improved Estimates of Conservation Tillage
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Improving the Soil Conditioning Index for Peanut Rotations, and
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Improving Recognition of the Benefits of Conservation Practices in Water Conservation and Drought Mitigation.
The fourth issue discussed was introduced by the California Chapter Delegate, David Rose and pertained to the Partnering of the
The Missouri Chapter’s Delegate, Renee Cook, withdrew the resolution to create a new membership option. The resolution asked to create a membership option that would include all membership options except receipt of the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation.
The vote was followed by a presentation from four of the Board of Directors on the roles and expectations that Chapters should expect from their elected Board of Directors. The presenters included: Theo Dillaha, Becky Fletcher, Peggie James, and Shannon Brown. (Click here to view regional presentations)
Vice-President Steve Oltmans closed out the discussion.
Fellows Forum debates competition for water
Members of the prestigious Fellows Forum met Sunday to discuss the topic, “Western Water for Wildlife and Farming – Is There Enough?” Competition for water is a major part of the issue, while the requirement for the state to deliver a set amount of water at the state line, the need to reconstruct endangered species habitat, concern about NRCS conservation practices reducing water availability for wildlife, and other interests complicate that in the West. Members listened to an expert presentation and afterward exchanged ideas and
comments to address the problem.
Thirty-eight individuals and groups were recognized Tuesday, July 25, at a special awards luncheon. Winners were selected for their outstanding contributions and leadership in conservation. To view all the award winners click here Photos are available to view or download at dotPhoto.
Craig Cox Hands out Missouri Show Me Craig Cox hands Peter Wright his Fellow award
State's Chapter Award
Thanks to the Colorado Chapter for hosting this year's conference. The Local Arrangements Committee put together an array of fun and education events stepped in the history of Summit County.
Kristi Gay (L) and Mary Miller (R) Co-Chairs
Local Arrangements Committee - Colorado
Join us next year!
2007 Saddlebrook Resort -
