Press Release - Drought & Climate Conference
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1, 2008
CONTACTS:
Ben Wade, 303.866.3441 ext. 3238, ben.wade@state.co.us
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370, evan.dreyer@state.co.us
GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES DROUGHT & CLIMATE CONFERENCE
Gov. Bill Ritter announced today he will be hosting a 2½-day conference that will examine proactive measures to manage the effects of drought and climate change in Colorado.
Sponsored by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), the Governor's Conference on Managing Drought and Climate Risk will address drought risk, impacts and preparedness. It will be held Oct. 8-10 at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver.
"Colorado is fortunate to enjoy abundant natural resources, and as a headwater state in a semi-arid environment we constantly face critical water-resource challenges," Gov. Ritter said. "The issues of drought and climate risk are becoming increasingly important. It is imperative that we develop a thorough scientific understanding of climate risk and its potential effects and impacts.
"This conference will help water providers, manager and planners from the public and private sectors prepare for the effects of drought and climate change by sharing the latest research, lessons and best practices."
Gov. Ritter will be on hand to help open the conference at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 8.
In addition to drought risk and impacts, experts will address drought early warning, preparedness and mitigation planning, proactive adaptation measures and needed improvements for managing the impacts of climate change.
Colorado's comprehensive State Drought Plan will also be discussed, said Veva Deheza, section chief of the CWCB's Office of Conservation and Drought Planning.
Click here for more information about the conference, or go to www.cwcb.state.co.us or call Ben Wade at (303) 866-3441 ext 3238.
Click here to read Gov. Ritter's Colorado Climate Action Plan.
CWCB was created in 1937 for the purpose of aiding in the protection and development of the waters of the state. The agency is responsible for water project planning and finance, stream and lake protection, flood hazard identification and mitigation, weather modification, river restoration, water conservation and drought planning, water information, and water supply protection.