The session will start off with a screening of the film "Mirasol, Looking at the Sun" that relays the emotional story that farmers in the Arkansas River Basin are facing with the growing demand for their land and water. After the film Rebeccal Jewett , President and CEO of the Palmer Land Conservancy will talk about what motivated them to produce this film and what work they are doing to help protect irrigated agriculture. Patrict Stanko, a local rancher, will talk about the pressures in Routt County as he and his family look to continue their family ranch operation. And finally Robert Sakata, the first ever Agricultural Water Policy Advisor will speak to the challenges across the entire state as Colorado has seen over a 32% decline in irrigated farmland over the past 25 year. After the panel discussion Robert will moderate a discussion with the audience to see what is working and what is not working in efforts to protect irrigation farms.

Experience Level: Intermediate