Note to Editors: Members of the press are welcome to attend without charge. To arrange, call Kathryn Mutz at (303) 492-1293.
The CU-Boulder Natural Resources Law Center will celebrate its 25th Annual Summer Conference by exploring one of the most important natural resources of the 21st century: groundwater.
Titled "Groundwater in the West," the conference will be held June 16-18 at the Fleming Law Building on the University of Colorado at Boulder campus. Participants will discuss law, policy and management of groundwater in the West.
"As demands on surface water increase and drought seems more the norm than the exception, our attention is increasingly turning to groundwater," said Kathryn Mutz, conference organizer and a researcher with the center. "Cities, farmers, tribes and conservationists must all look for innovative ways to protect both short-term and long-term water supplies for both our communities and the environment."
Robert Glennon, author of "Water Follies: Groundwater Pumping and the Fate of America's Fresh Water," will deliver the keynote speech June 16 at 7 p.m. in the Lindsley Memorial Courtroom of the law building. Prior to his speech, Glennon will hold a book signing. A reception will follow the lecture.
The book signing, lecture and reception are free and open to the public.
According to Mutz, the three-day conference will provide the basics of the science and law of groundwater and explore innovative management efforts.
Conference sessions will highlight case studies of groundwater use and management throughout the West, focus on innovative solutions for a rapidly growing West and explore interstate and international transboundary issues.
Sessions on Friday, June 18, are available for separate registration and will focus on Colorado groundwater resources, issues and solutions.
The conference is open to the public and continuing legal education and real estate credits are available. A complete conference schedule, registration fees and on-line registration are posted at or call (303) 492-1288 for information.