Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy, and the Environment

The American Bar Association House of Delegates approved a new policy urging the Federal Government to prioritize funding and staffing tribal water rights settlements. The policy centers on tribal sovereignty and the necessity of water to fulfill that sovereignty, provide for economic development, and advance well-being in tribal communities. The resolution and report, co-authored by Acequia Assistance Project Director Gregor MacGregor, as part of a working group of Native American Resources and Water Resources Committees members.

Tribal Water Rights Settlement Resolution – Getches-Wilkinson Center – For Natural Resources, Energy, And the Environment Posted on August 14, 2023August 14, 2023 by Tribal Water Rights Settlement Resolution The American Bar Association House of Delegates approved a new policy urging the Federal Government to prioritize funding and staffing tribal water rights settlements. The policy centers on tribal sovereignty and t...

We are hiring Student Research Assistants! We are seeking University of Colorado Law School students interested in research in the areas of water law, public lands, climate change, and natural resources as applied to the American west.

Now Hiring! Student Research Assistant – Getches-Wilkinson Center – For Natural Resources, Energy, And the Environment Posted on August 10, 2023August 10, 2023 by Now Hiring! Student Research Assistant Position Description The Getches-Wilkinson Center (GWC) is seeking a Colorado Law student interested in natural resources, energy, and environmental law to serve as the GWC Research Assistant. The Research Assistant w...

A memorial service celebrating the life of Charles Wilkinson will be held on Sat, Sept 23 2-3:30pm (MT) University of Colorado Law School. Registration for this service is requested:

Celebrating the Life of Charles Wilkinson Event Pass Information Event Pass TypeQuantity Guest Event Details The University of Colorado Law School and the Getches-Wilkinson Center mourn the profound loss of Charles Wilkinson, the Moses Lasky Professor of Law Emeritus and Distinguished Professor at our esteemed institution. Wilkinson passed....

Proposed Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 would appropriate additional funds to programs supporting clean water services to Tribal communities

Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 – Getches-Wilkinson Center – For Natural Resources, Energy, And the Environment Posted on August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 by Tribal Access to Clean Water Act of 2023 by Frannie Monasterio On July 19, 2023, Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, Colorado House Representative Joe Neguse, and New Mexico Senator Martin Heinrich introduced the Tribal Access to Clean Wa...

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit

United Nations Human Rights and CU Boulder are co-hosting the Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit this December, a three-day summit addressing the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change.

From rising sea levels, extreme weather events, wildfires and droughts, to food insecurity, health impacts, mass migrations and increasing global conflict, there is no denying climate change is a humanitarian crisis. By gathering some of the world’s foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders, we hope that, together, we can commit to specific outcomes that will address the adverse effects of climate change on human rights.

A special thanks to former Colorado Law Dean, GWC Board Member, and UN Summit CO-Chair, S. James Anaya, for making this event possible.

December 1-4, 2022
University of Colorado, Boulder
In person and virtual registration now available

Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit University of Colorado Boulder

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

University of Colorado Boulder Land Acknowledgment:
The University of Colorado Boulder, Colorado’s flagship university, honors and recognizes the many contributions of Indigenous peoples in our state. CU Boulder acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories and ancestral homelands of the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Ute and many other Native American nations. Their forced removal from these territories has caused devastating and lasting impacts. While the University of Colorado Boulder can never undo or rectify the devastation wrought on Indigenous peoples, we commit to improving and enhancing engagement with Indigenous peoples and issues locally and globally.

The University of Colorado School of Law’s commitment to American Indian Law traces to two American Indian students in the 1970’s, the Native American Rights Fund, and an extraordinary faculty. Learn more about the history of American Indian Law at our law school. Today, the American Indian Law Program continues to thrive and plays a vital role in the mission of our institution, while serving Indigenous Peoples throughout the United States and around the world.https://lawweb.colorado.edu/law/alumdev/AmicusSpring09.pdf

In the spirit of the day, we invite you to participate in the following events, which serve as extraordinary opportunities for learning about and engaging with Indigenous Peoples’ issues.

Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources
“Mobilizing the Global Community on Climate Change: An Indigenous Leadership Perspective”
Speaker: Fawn Sharp, President of the Quinault Nation and the National Congress of American Indians
Thursday, October 13, 2022
5:00 p.m., Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom
https://www.getches-wilkinsoncenter.cu.law/

11th Annual John Paul Stevens Lecture
"The Third Sovereign: Tribal Courts and Indian Country Justice"
Speaker: Justice Angela R. Riley, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma, and Professor of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles
Tuesday, October 18, 2022

Justice Riley's presentation, beginning at 5:30 pm, will take place at the Wolf Law building and will be followed by a Q&A with Colorado Law students. There is a special opportunity for in-person guests to attend a reception following the presentation at 6:30 p.m.
https://coloradolaw.secure.force.com/events/evt__quickevent?id=a1a8Y00000AEhkZQAT

The 54th Algonquian Conference: Launching the International Decade of Indigenous Languages 2022-2032
Oct. 20-23, 2022
Wolf Law Building
The conference begins at 5:00 on the 20th with a featured United Nations speaker discussing language rights as human rights, and then includes tribal leaders, linguists, and lawyers from the 21st to 23rd.
https://www.colorado.edu/linguistics/54th-algonquian-conference

We are also glad to share with you CU Boulder’s University Libraries’ guide on Indigenous Research & Knowledges in North America.
https://libguides.colorado.edu/c.php?g=1052968&p=7645906

54th Algonquian Conference An Arapaho camp at the site of Denver, Colorado du

Job Opportunity: BLM Chief of Recreation and Planning

Interested in working for the BLM as Branch Chief of Recreation and Planning? We're hiring!

This position is an excellent opportunity to get involved with our Resources program in BLM Colorado where you will supervise our Recreation and Planning teams. You can manage and join a dynamic organization full of different opportunities.

🌎 Location negotiable in one of these areas: Canon City, Craig, Dolores, Durango, Grand Junction, Gunnison, Kremmling, Lakewood, Meeker, Monte Vista, Montrose, Silt, Silverton
💰 Salary: $94,373 - $135,247 per year
📍Pay scale & grade: GS 13; Permanent and Full-time

Ready to apply? We have two separate applications depending on your status.

Members of the public/career transition applicants can apply here ➡ https://www.usajobs.gov/job/678697400

Current feds, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and career transition applicants can apply here ➡ https://www.usajobs.gov/job/678696300

2022 Ruth Wright Distinguished Lecture in Natural Resources

Mobilizing the Global Community on Climate Change: An Indigenous Leadership Perspective

Fawn R. Sharp
Quinault
President, National Congress of American Indians

Thursday, October 13, 2022
6:00 p.m.
Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom
Livestream/Zoom option available

https://www.getches-wilkinsoncenter.cu.law/events/2022-ruth-wright-distinguished-lecture-in-natural-resources-featuring-fawn-r-sharp-quinault/

A special welcome to the newest member of the Colorado Law Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Law faculty, Professor Michael Pappas.

Getting to Know Prof. Michael Pappas Michael Pappas joins the Colorado Law faculty this fall. A preeminent voice in property, natural resource, and environmental law, his scholarship draws upon interdisciplinary influences associated with economics and political economy.

Happy Birthday to the National Park Service! 106 years since President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Park Service Act on August 25, 1916.

NPS Birthday - NPS Commemorations and Celebrations (U.S. National Park Service) The National Park Service celebrates its birthday on August 25 of each year. Learn how you can get involved.

Prof. Mark Squillace, Raphael J. Moses Professor of Law and GWC Board Chair, spoke with CBS News about the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's new water restrictions and the potential for more federal thresholds and even deeper restrictions.

Colorado River Basin restrictions likely just the start The US Bureau of Reclamation Tuesday said water shortages in the Colorado River have passed a threshold leading to new water restrictions as seven states involved in the Colorado River Compact have failed to reach a new deal to replace the one signed 100 years ago.

Our 42nd Annual Conference on Natural Resources is off and running.

Registration is open for our 42nd Annual Conference on Natural Resources: "2026 May Be Too Late: Hard Conversations About Really Complex Issues." June 16 - 17.
To ensure a sustainable future, the harsh realities facing the Colorado River Basin will require innovative solutions and expanded collaborations. We look forward to bringing together a broad array of expertise and diverse perspectives from across the region to candidly discuss these complex challenges.
Please share!

42nd Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources – Getches-Wilkinson Center – For Natural Resources, Energy, And the Environment 42nd Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources Map Unavailable Date/Time Date(s) - 06/16/2022 - 06/17/20228:00 am - 5:00 pm Categories Water Conference 42nd Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources 2026 May Be Too Late: Hard Conversations About Really Complicated Issues Thursday...

The GWC Summer Conference is back! Save the Date for our 42nd Annual Conference onNaturalResources:
"2026 May Be Too Late: Hard Conversations About Really Complex Issues"
June 16 - 17. More information & registration here:
https://www.getches-wilkinsoncenter.cu.law/events/42nd-annual-colorado-law-conference-on-natural-resources/

Getches-Wilkinson Center at Colorado Law on Twitter “The GWC Summer Conference is back! Save the Date for our 42nd Annual . "2026 Is Too Late: Hard Conversations About Really Complex Issues" June 16 - 17. More information and registration coming soon!”

Free event on Thursday April 21 at 5pm mtn. In-person or live stream.
Author John Leshy & panel will discuss his book "Our Common Ground: A History of America's Public Lands." The little-known story of how the U.S. government came to hold nearly 1/3 of the nation’s land & manage it primarily for recreation, & .
Learn the fascinating history of managing now >600M acres of forests, plains, mountains, wetlands, deserts, & shorelines. For anyone who cares about as the world grapples with the challenges of change and loss.

John Leshy
Emeritus Harry D. Sunderland, Distinguished Prof of Law
University of California, Hastings College of Law

Moderator
Prof. Mark Squillace, University of Colorado Raphael J. Moses Professor of Law

Panel
Eric Dude, U.S. Dept of the Interior, Attorney/Advisory (2019 Colorado Law Wyss Scholar)

Alison Flint, The Wilderness Society, Sr Legal Director

Maria Handley, The Wilderness Society, Sr Director of Strategic Partnerships & Organizing

Prof. Patty Limerick, University of Colorado Center of the American West

Johnsie Wilkinson, Colorado Law rising 3L (2021 Colorado Law Wyss Scholar)

Free; register here for either
In-person & livestream.
https://coloradolaw.secure.force.com/events/evt__quickevent?id=a1a8Y000009cjJNQAY

Cool summer job alert! The Yellowstone Tribal Center Coordinator supports the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, a pilot project that highlights Native American artists, scholars, & presenters. Yellowstone Forever, alongside the NPS, are committed to working with Tribal partners, educators, & advocates to elevate the Tribal presence and representation in Yellowstone NP.
https://www.facebook.com/151418891540140/posts/5712504028764904/

Job alert!

Yellowstone Forever is currently seeking applicants for a Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center Coordinator. We’re looking for someone with a strong commitment to Tribal engagement and education to take on this summer seasonal role.

The coordinator will support the Yellowstone Tribal Heritage Center, a pilot project located at the Haynes Photo Shop at Old Faithful, that elevates Tribal presence and representation in the park. This position plays a critical role in coordinating this summer’s Tribal guest presenters, including recruitment, scheduling, onboarding, and supporting presenters. Housing is available at Old Faithful for the duration of the position (April-September 2022).

For more information about the position and to apply, visit: https://www.coolworks.com/yellowstone-forever/job-details/1370-yellowstone-tribal-center-coordinator

Photo (YF / Matt Ludin): Haynes Photo Shop at Old Faithful

student Jacob Jose (’23) has been named the 2022-2023 Wyss Scholar in U.S. Lands Conservation. Big thanks to the for all they do to suppprt and train next-gen conservation leaders & congratulations Jake!
https://t.co/2mP1O7aGIm

www.getches-wilkinsoncenter.cu.law

This will be fantastic! The Schultz Lecture in Energy will be presented by Audrey Zibelman, VP of X - The Moonshot Factory, re decarbonization of the electrical grid.
At Colorado Law, 5:30 (mtn) on Thur March 31. In person or live stream.
Join us and please SHARE!
Register: http://bitly.ws/pjWA

Megadrought in the West is the WORST in 1,200 years.

How Bad Is the Western Drought? Worst in 12 Centuries, Study Finds. Fueled by climate change, the drought that started in 2000 is now the driest two decades since 800 A.D.

Support Our Boulder County Community in Need!
While the mission of the GWC expands well beyond our region, our people are very much a part of the Boulder Valley community. Those who live, work, and play here awake this morning to tremendous devastation and the pain of our family, friends, and community members. From Superior to Louisville, Boulder to Lafayette, we all experienced a traumatic last 24 hours, and our hearts are with you all as we begin to assess the damage to our community.

Our deepest appreciation to our first responders, firefighters, and police who have served and protected us throughout. A special thank you to Sheriff Joe Pelle and Incident Commander Mike Smith, and our community leaders as they continue to guide us through this tragedy. Thank you to Governor Polis, Representative Neguse (who had to evacuate), and Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper for your help procuring aid as we look toward healing and rebuilding.

Thank you to all of you who have given to our annual Dean’s Match, we cannot thank you enough for your support of the GWC. However, on this final day of our annual giving campaign we have a new ask. Please consider an additional donation to all of those impacted directly by the fire. These are our friends and neighbors and they need our support.

The Community Foundation Boulder County has set up a Wildfire Fund for people wanting to help with cash donations. See link below.

And! There is still time to support the Dean's Match!
https://bit.ly/31f359b
The Center’s longstanding commitment to excellence is propelled by the dedication and support of our community. Doubling your investment will broaden the GWC’s impact: enhancing our efforts to produce cutting-edge research, build collaborations with thought leaders throughout the country, and deliver critical outreach and education.

We wish you all a safe, healthy & happy New Year!

Boulder County Wildfire Fund On December 30th, 2021 multiple fires broke out across Boulder County. At this time 35,000 have been evacuated and it is clear multiple homes and businesses will be impacted. Community Foundation Boulder County, in partnership with Government and nonprofit organizations will work to support the need...

In Memoriam: Gregory J. Hobbs Jr.
1944 - 2021
The water & law communities across the West are mourning Greg Hobbs' unexpected passing. A master of water law and jurisprudence whose interests were as deep & varied as the western waters he knew so well. A true Renaissance man. We hope this tribute brings you some joy.
http://bitly.ws/k8GX

DOUBLE the impact of your gift & Protect the West! Thanks to the generosity of Law Dean Lo**ta Buckner Inniss, your donation will be matched through Dec 31.

This Dean's Match will double the impact your tax-deductible gift, hreatly enhancing the Center's efforts to sustain our unique Western landscapes and ecosystems.
👉You MUST NOTE it is for the GWC at the Law School!👈

Getches–Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment | CU Boulder | Giving to CU To support the Universtiy of Colorado Law School's Programs, Curriculum and Research in the fields of Natural Resources, Energy and the Environment.

"Throughout COP26, a rallying cry arose: 'Keep 1.5 alive.' Referring to the 1.5 C (2.7 F) target, this year’s summit focused on this number in a way that hasn’t happened since 2015.

For good reason, said Walt Meier, senior research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center. This is only a global average temperature. That means that arctic, alpine and low-lying tropical regions could see higher temperature increases...

“A couple degrees in Boulder, Colorado is something you maybe don’t notice all that much. But if you go from 31 F to 33 F in the Arctic Ocean, that’s the difference between ice skating and swimming,” said Meier. “You’re looking very much at a changed arctic.”

COP26: How this climate summit was different, and what needs to happen next The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties recently came to an end, and participants came away with the Glasgow Climate Pact––a rulebook for complying with the 2015 Paris Agreement. Leaders must now follow through.

Conference video now online!
41st Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources, “Equity in the Colorado River Basin: How to Sustainably Manage a Shrinking Resource." Diverse stakeholders discussed how to develop the new management guidelines in a time where demand exceeds supply and – record heat, and – threatens the Basin’s health and resilience.
Tribal members and federal agency representatives discussed how to improve access to for Tribal communities.

41st Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources – Getches-Wilkinson Center – For Natural Resources, Energy, And the Environment Posted on October 7, 2021October 26, 2021 by 41st Annual Colorado Law Conference on Natural Resources Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1 Equity in the Colorado River Basin: How to Sustainably Manage a Shrinking Resource Simply put – demands for water in the Colorado River Basin exceed su...

The GWC is proud to co-sponsor "Indigenous Peoples & Climate Change: Preparing for COP26" at Noon on 10/20.
World leaders will soon gather in Glasgow for COP26, a major summit on climate change. As the U.S. rejoins the Paris Agreement, Indigenous Peoples, their traditional knowledge, and relationship with the earth are also at risk. Join Colorado Law for a discussion with Indigenous leaders and advocates to learn what’s at stake for all of us. Join via Zoom at: https://cu.law/AILP
Featuring:
Andrea Carmen, Executive Director, International Indian Treaty Council.
Kim Gottschalk, Staff Attorney, Native American Rights Fund.
Fawn Sharp, President' National Congress of American Indians.
Kristen Carpenter, Council Tree Professor of Law, Director of the American Indian Law Program at Colorado Law.

Presented by the American Indian Law Program at Colorado Law

A full afternoon! Raising Underrepresented Voices in the Negotiations [Ag, NGOs, Tribes], Water Sharing with Mexico, Mike Connor - Biden nominee for Army Corp, and a broad group discussion - Time To Get Real.

Water sharing with Mexico: Karl Flessa showed video about tree planting /restoration in the Delta area using water from the agricultural canal system [not ].

What a morning! Terry Fulp, Carly Jerla, Brad Udall, and a fantastic simulcast with the Colorado River District meeting in GJ featuring Dr. Gigi Richard and Interior's Asst Sec of Water & Science - Tanya Trujillo.
41st Annual Conference on Natural Resources: Equity in the Colorado River Basin, How to Sustainably Manage a Shrinking Resource.

Impactful day at Colorado Law with focus on access to clean water for Tribal communities, ecosystem health of the Colorado River Basin and other important watersheds, endangered fish programs, & forest management.
Join is Friday! Live or virtually here: https://t.co/m9nIW7y5oM