The webinar was led off by Greg Peterson, Executive Director of the Colorado Ag Water Alliance, with a presentation on historical consumptive use and how to quantify and valuate your water rights. Greg was followed by Bill Fales of Cold Mountain Ranch – a conserved, cow/calf operation near Carbondale, Colorado along the Crystal River. Bill and his wife, Marj Perry, entered into an agreement with the Colorado Water Trust to reduce diversions from the Helms Ditch when the Crystal River needs water while still harvesting their hay crops. 

There are often misunderstandings about the “use it or lose it” concept in water law. Greg’s presentation will help landowners and water rights holders better understand if they should divert their entire decree and whether it could be up for abandonment based on historical consumptive use. The presentation will also explore the difference between conservation and efficiency as well as the practices that may be the best option as we face water shortages in the Colorado River Basin.