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Colorado State University Water Dialogue About Roundtable Process The HB 1177 Roundtable process has the potential to change our approach to water dialog and negotiation in Colorado. In the spirit of enhancing water communication in Colorado, Colorado State University organized a one -day Water Dialogue on December 13, 2005, on the CSU campus in Fort Collins. Conference co- sponsors included the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute (CWRRI), Colorado Institute of Public Policy (CIPP), Colorado Water Con- gress, and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. The purpose of the Water Dialogue was to bring new perspectives and thoughts about water to all participants — perspectives and ideas that can further enhance and enrich the Water Roundtable discussions and interbasin negotia- tions. Robert e- Robert Ward receives a retirement gift presented by David Robbins (Chair of the Advisory Com- mittee on Water Research Policy for the Colorado Water Resources Research Institute.) 18 One hundred and twenty water scholars, manag- ers, policy makers, and students examined the rapid changes taking place in our society and the resulting impacts and pressures on Colorado's limited water resources. CSU President Larry Penley, described a number of new water activi- ties on the part of CSU and the University's com- mitment to continued engagement in discovery and outreach relevant to the current water issues and future challenges in Colorado. DNR Direc- tor, Russ George, followed with a keynote ad- dress on the implementation of the Water Round - tables and the current progress in the formation of the Interbasin Compact Committee. The Water Dialogue program was divided into two major segments: a morning session which focused on current efforts to enhance water negotiations and dialogue, both within Colorado and between Colorado and the federal govern- ment; and an afternoon session that highlighted the experiences of higher education faculty and key water leaders in enriching Colorado water dialogues in a constructive manner. David Robbins, Eric Wilkinson and Robert Ward formed a panel to discuss the role of the federal government in seeking water agreements as Colo- rado enters into discussions about its future water supplies. It was noted by one participant that the federal government does not have a formal seat on either the Roundtables or the IBCC. Justice Greg Hobbs offered his observations on the history of water dialog in Colorado. He re- viewed the efforts of leaders such as Hank Brown as he struggled to find a workable compromise on the Wild and Scenic designation for the Poudre River. It took a number of years, negotiations and much persistence to achieve that designation which allowed a framework for both preservation and additional development. Justice Hobbs re-