While interacting with legislators and legislative committees, I had the opportunity to observe public debate on a number of controversial water management issues as a variety of water bills were debated and voted on. There is no shortage of water debates in Colorado. As Colorado faces the challenge of increased population growth, new recreation industries, and expanding animal feeding operations on the eastern plains, I see many opportunities for Colorado's academic expertise to serve the research and education needs of water users and managers, as provided for by HB 97-1218. These questions may take many forms and address a wide variety of topics.
Some questions deal with specific water problems in a legislator's district.
Others deal with past research projects that did not produce the results expected by a legislator. The discontinuity between the 'real world' and university research is of concern to a number of legislators. The ability of highly specialized disciplinary research to generate recommendations for integrated management problems is openly questioned. In addition, a concern over emphasis on theoretical research as opposed to 'what is really needed' has been expressed. I am truly thankful for this support.