In The Current: Dolores River Water Issues Series

KSJD's five-part series to examine the history and hydrology of the Dolores River, and how the various water users are working together to consider the future of the water within this critical natural resource. Aired January 16th-20th, 2012.

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Perspectives on the Future of Water Management in the Dolores River
KSJD's Tom Yoder talks with David Graf from the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife and Don Schwindt, local irrigator and board member for the Dolores Water Conservancy District about the challenges and opportunities of the Dolores River Dialogue and how to balance the interests of the various stakeholders involved in managing water in the Lower Dolores River. Originally aired in January 20th, 2012.
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The Hydrology of The Dolores River and How It Is Measured
The hydrology of the Dolores River plays an important role in how water from the river is utilized, and informs water policy decisions that affect irrigators, boaters, and downstream habitat. In this segment, KSJD's Tom Yoder discusses these topics with Ken Curtis from the Dolores Water Conservancy District and Don Magnuson from the Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company. Originally aired January 19th, 2012.
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State and Federal Water Law and The Dolores River
The laws that govern water in Colorado and across the nation are complex and in many ways exemplify the challenges that Dolores River water managers face. In this segment, KSJD's Tom Yoder talks with Ted Kowalski of the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Dan Keppen from The Family Farm Alliance about water law and how it affects what happens in the Dolores River.
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The Dolores River Dialogue and A Way Forward
The Dolores River Dialogue is a diverse coalition of water users and managers looking at opportunities to improve ecological conditions downstream of McPhee Reservoir in the Lower Dolores River. In this segment, KSJD's Tom Yoder talks with Mike Preston, General Manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District, and Peter Mueller of the Nature Conservancy about their work with the Dolores River Dialogue and what the latest research says about managing flows for native fish species in the Lower Dolores River. Originally aired on January 17th, 2012.
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A Brief History of Dolores River Water Rights, Allocation, and Use
The story of water diversion in the Dolores River has a complicated and important history that continues to affect water policy today. KSJD's Tom Yoder talks with John Porter, President of the Southwestern Water Conservation District, and Les Nunn, former manager of Montezuma Valley Irrigation Company about this history and their perspectives on current water issues. Originally aired on January 16th, 2012.
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