
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Laurie Mellas, 277-5915
April 12, 2006
UNM Symposium Focuses on Rio Grande Reservoir Management
Management of the Rio Grande reservoirs will be the topic of a regional symposium hosted by the University of New Mexico School of Law's Utton Center for Transboundary Resources and the Natural Resources Law Journal Saturday, April 22.
Stakeholders and experts from state and federal government, the Indian pueblos, national labs, academia, environmental and legal organizations will speak at the law school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in room 2401 at the law school.
“The symposium is designed to raise awareness about issues associated with legal authorizations for reservoirs, taking into account history and constraints and opportunities that may exist for optimizing management of the reservoirs,” said Susan Kelly, Utton Center associate director.
A host of guest speakers include Kevin Flanigan, hydrologist for the Interstate Stream Commission, who will give an overview of reservoir management and New Mexico water operations from 9-9:30 a.m. followed by Kara Gillon of Defenders of Wildlife who will present environmental perspectives. At 10 a.m., Regis Pecos of Cochiti Pueblo will share the history of Cochiti Lake .
The State Bar of New Mexico will sponsor a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Everett Chavez of Santo Domino Pueblo, chair of the Six Middle Rio Grande Water Coalition. He will discuss collaborative efforts and opportunities for growth and progressive management of the reservoirs. Vince Tidwell of Sandia National Labs will follow with a talk about interactive planning tools for the Upper Rio Grande .
Former Interstate Stream Engineer Norm Gaume will address the challenges to optimization at 2:30 p.m. followed by roundtable discussions from 3-4 p.m.
Cost for the event, including the luncheon, is $75 or $25 for students.
To register and for a complete schedule, visit the UNM School of Law Web site, http://lawschool.unm.edu/, or call Susan Tackman, 277-8342.
The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
www.unm.edu