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2006 Annual Conference
July 22 -July 26, 2006
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. Hobbs described how Colorado has formed seven water courts, that are really roundtables, whose charge is to monitor and plan for water use issues through 2030. (Read Judge Hobbs' Twenty Basic Water Policy Themes at the Start of the 21st Century).
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. York highlighted programs in NRCS that will help soil and water protection in the future. While answering questions from the audience with Craig Cox, she covered a wide range of topics from green payments, to how off-farm owners impact conservation. It was very informative.
Welcome Reception features Summit County pioneers
Conference attendees were welcomed by several long-time Summit County pioneers, Max and Edna Dercum, who founded Keystone on November 21, 1970, almost 30 years after they moved to the Snake River Valley. They learned a bit about the history of the area while browsing exhibits and items at the Silent Auction. Exhibitors were on hand to speak to participants about their products and services. The FSA exhibit even featured live raptors, snakes, and owls during one day of the event.
The silent auction featured many unique items to the area including Colorado wines, a gift certificate to the Keystone Resort and a mounted bull elk. Money raised will go to the Chapter’s scholarhsip fund and to provide awards at local science fairs.
House of Delegates
Sunday, July 23, Society delegates came together from across the nation to discuss important environmental management issues in the upcoming year. The Soil and Water Conservation Society’s (SWCS) Vice-President, Steve Oltmans called the meeting to order and discussed the role of the House of Delegates meeting. The Executive Director, Craig Cox, introduced the Board of Directors and gave an overview of the Society from the staff’s point of view. SWCS’ President Jean Steiner gave an uplifting address on the State of the Society. The House of Delegates then discussed the progress of the 2005 resolutions with input from the Board of Directors and staff.
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 California and Nevada Chapters.
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.
SWCS award winners recognized
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
MEET OUR SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
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 - Tampa, Florida, July 21-25
2008 Starr Pass Resort - Tucson, Arizona, July 27-30
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