Denver Law Tribute to Professor Emeritus and Former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior John A. Carver Jr.

One of Denver Law's most esteemed former professors John A. Carver Jr. was recognized last week at a luncheon hosted by Dean Martin J. Katz and attended by many well wishers.

Professor Carver, who taught environmental and natural resources-related courses at Denver Law from 1972 through 2004, has been a pillar in the American environmental and natural resources communities for six decades. During that time he has served in many capacities including Administrative Assistant to former U.S. Senator Frank Church, as Assistant Secretary and Undersecretary of the U.S. Department of Interior, and as a member of the Federal Power Commission.

Dean Katz praised Professor Carver's commitment to public service as well as his many contributions while a member of the law faculty.

Among those attending the festive event were members of Professor Carver's family, including his wife Ruth Carver and children Craig Carver and Candace Kramer, several grandchildren, former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm, former Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court Gregory Scott, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Fred Cheever, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Dan Vigil, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation David Phillips, many former teaching colleagues, current members of the faculty and staff, and members of the Denver legal community.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, which Professor Carver headed at one time, said, "John A. Carver Jr. is one of the most respected and loved individuals ever to be associated with Denver Law. There are very few people in the American West who better understand the relationship of development, environmental protection, and natural resources than Professor Carver. Over the years he has shared his experiences and his insights with several generations of DU students as well as the community more generally.

"I can tell you from firsthand experience that he is a man of integrity, who is committed to public service and the pursuit of learning. May we all aspire to be as great and selfless as our friend Professor Carver."

The tribute to Professor Carver was organized by Professor Lucy Marsh, Alumni Relations Director Laura Dean, Caryl Shipley, and Jeff Rideout.

To learn more about the life and career of John A. Carver Jr., visit the "John A. Carver Jr. Oral History" website by clicking here.

Editor's Note: Top photo is Dean Katz and Professor Carver. Bottom photo is Professor Carver and former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm.

University of Denver Water Law Review Annual Dinner: A Gathering of Water Law and Policy Leaders and Analysts

One of the most enjoyable nights of the spring semester each year is the annual dinner of the University of Denver Water Law Review. And tonight was no exception.

The Water Law Review is unique among American law school journals since it focuses entirely on water law. It includes the highest quality articles from the leading figures in water law. Moreover, student prepared summaries of key water cases are valuable to all water practitioners.

Chairing the annual dinner marked one of the final responsibilities for current editor-in-chief, Ryan McLane, who received a standing ovation for his contributions to the Review. It also provided incoming editor-in-chief Matt Brodahl an opportunity to look ahead to next year's issues. Many of the Review's impressive staff of students were also on hand to enjoy the evening.

The Water Law Review really is one of the "crown jewels" at Denver Law. A highly respected source of the most current information about water developments, The Water Law Review is consulted each year by many of the nation's top water lawyers. In fact, a recent article has resulted in a currently on-going debate in Montana about whether to revise the state's water policy.

Joining in the dinner and collegiality were several individuals who have also been strong supporters of the Water Law Review including water law expert Professor George (Rock) Pring, faculty advisor since the inception of the Review, and Professor Tom Romero, who also teaches water law and will be joining Professor Pring as a faculty advisor. Both received warm applause from students who benefit enormously from their expertise and guidance. Professor and Associate Dean Fred Cheever also attended along with Adjunct Professor Star Waring, who teaches Water Law and has been involved in a recent series of the most important cases involving Colorado water law.

This annual event marks a proud night in Denver Law's long-standing commitment to environmental and natural resources law. Few institutions anywhere can boast of such an impressive group of professionals -- professors, students, members of the water law and policy community -- involved with water law.

Prospective law students who are interested in water issues should seriously consider Denver Law as a place to learn about water law as well as rub shoulders with sterling leaders such as Professors Cheever, Pring, Romero, and Warring as well as current students who are the water law and policy leaders of tomorrow.

Don C. Smith
Director
Environmental and Natural Resources Law

"The Next West: 20th Anniversary Land Use Conference" Successfully Concludes: "The Largest Gathering of its Kind in the U.S. West"

The 20th Anniversary Land Use Conference organized by the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute (RMLUI), the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy took place last Thursday and Friday.

This year's conference, entitled "The Next West," explored "both change and continuity in the region's communities and landscapes over the past two decades while beginning to look ahead to the next 20 years," according to Bill Shutkin, Director of the RMLUI.

The program included presentations by the nation's leading land use practitioners as well as some of the leading figures in developing land use policies including Ralph Becker, Mayor of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Jim Mazzocco, Planning and Development Services, City of Tucson, Arizona.

Among the most thought provoking panels (and there were many) were:

• Water: Beyond Dams and Diversions
• Embracing Sustainability in Community Plans
• Living Outside the City: Designing for Rural Communities
• Public Rail Transit in the Rocky Mountain West: The Potential of Regional Transit for Smart Growth in the 21st Century
• Federal Agency Planning and Initiatives for Sustainability in the Rocky Mountain West

Fred Cheever, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law, pointed to the important of the conference and its wide appeal in the land use planning field when he described the event as "the largest gathering of land use lawyers, planners, and other professionals in the western United States and probably the whole country."

DU to Host 2011 Rocky Mountain Sustainability Summit: Law Professor K.K. DuVivier Forms Panel of Experts to Consider "Urban Eating"

The University of Denver will host the 2011 Rocky Mountain Sustainability Summit at the DU campus on February 17 and 18, 2011.

Sturm College of Law Professor K.K. DuVivier coordinated a panel of DU experts who will discuss “Urban Eating,” improving communities through more sustainable ways of obtaining food. The Urban Eating session will be in Driscoll 1880 from 2:35 to 3:45 p.m. on Friday. Summaries of each session can be accessed by clicking here.

Professor DuVivier, who teaches Energy Law, will provide a framework describing the role of energy in the production and consumption of food. DU Professor David Ciepley will discuss his experiences establishing a student garden on the DU campus. Erin Hough, a 4th year DU undergraduate student will discuss her efforts to bring more sustainable food to the DU campus. Law student Jeffrey John enlisted JD Sawyer, an expert in aquaponics, to talk to those attending the session. Mr. John will discuss the new College of Law student group FARM’s efforts to promote urban gleaning, edible urban landscapes, and other urban agricultural issues.

Sturm College of Law Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Federico Cheever, was one of the founders of the university-wide Sustainability Council at DU, and he served as its first chair.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program said, "Studying and researching the law and policy implications of sustainability is a growing field. We are fortunate at the College of Law to having two of the leading voices in this field -- Professors Cheever and DuVivier -- who have contributed a great deal to our understanding of the issues, both at a local level and in a wider perspective."

"Colorado Water Case of the Century" to be Argued at University of Denver Sturm College of Law January 20, 2011

A case that some experts have described as the "Colorado water case of the century" will be argued at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law on January 20, 2011, from 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The Burlington Ditch Reservoir & Land Company and Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company case (also known as the FRICO case) will be heard by the Colorado Supreme Court meeting in room 165 at the College of Law. The water rights case involves a determination of the historic consumptive use of the 1885 Burlington direct flow and storage water rights.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law program said, "The setting of oral arguments in this important case at the College of Law will provide DU students, faculty, and friends an excellent opportunity to hear this historic case. In one measure of the importance of the case, the Supreme Court has provided for a 90 minute argument rather than its more typical 30 or 45 minutes."

Associate Dean and Professor Fred Cheever said the College of Law was "honored to be hosting the Supreme Court." Dean Cheever noted that most of the state's prominent water lawyers will be at the College of Law to observe the oral arguments.

A second case on the Court's docket is a matter involving legislative intent.

Anyone wishing more information about the Court's session at the College of Law should contact Stefanie Carroll by clicking here.

Steve Bain and Bob Bassett, Two Leading International Natural Resources Attorneys, Compare International Mining and Oil and Gas Work With DU Students

Two of America's leading natural resources lawyers, Steve Bain and Bob Bassett, spoke recently about the differences and similarities in the fields of international mining law and international oil and gas law to a large group of University of Denver Sturm College of Law students in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law program.

The event, which was sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation (RMMLF) and organized by law student Carrie Golden, attracted a group of DU law students from the U.S. as well as Canada, Chile, China, Japan, Nigeria, and Peru, thus reflecting the widely diverse nature of the ENRL student body.

Mr. Bain, a shareholder at Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, teaches International and Comparative Petroleum Law & Policy. He noted that mining law is in many respects "more regulated" than oil and gas law largely because mining has been going on for hundreds of years while the exploration for and extraction of oil and gas is a much more recent development. On the other hand he noted that oil and gas development takes place worldwide while mining development generally happens in more confined regions of the world.

Mr. Bassett, manager of the Minerals Practice Group at Holland & Hart, teaches International Mining Law & Policy. Before beginning his presentation, Mr. Bassett encouraged students to become familiar with the RMMLF. "The Foundation is widely recognized as the source for lawyers to learn from scholarly works written by practicing lawyers. The Foundation is an invaluable resource." He also noted that individuals involved with the Foundation "build relationships with others. Knowing other practitioners is very important."

Mr. Bassett said that mining dates back to the Roman Empire and Greece. "Many of the concepts first established by the Greeks are still used today," he said. He also noted the capital intensive nature of building mines and the relatively small profit margin that exists in many mining projects.

The two men also made other key observations on various related topics:

• Sustainable Development: Mr. Bassett said the first time he heard about the concept of "sustainable development" was in the context of mining. Now he said an important issue for mining companies is "how can a mining project be designed to be 'sustainable' from an economic perspective. In other words, how can a local community's economy be made to continue on after a mining project is closed." Mr. Bassett noted that mining projects can, and have in many instances (e.g., in Australia, Canada, and the U.S.) provided revenues for government that can then be invested in other sectors, such as education.
• The "Impact" of Development: Mr. Bain noted that mining projects are much more visible to people, and thus often attract more opposition than oil and gas projects. He also pointed out that the "return on investment" for oil and gas projects tends to be considerably higher than for mining projects as a result of the considerable capital investments that must be made in the development stage of mining.

Don C. Smith, director of the ENRL program, said, "Adjunct Professors Bain and Bassett provided a fascinating look at the issues that are uppermost in the minds of oil and gas and mining developers. Everyone attending the event as well as all the students who have studied under these gentlemen has benefited enormously from their insight and experience. The College of Law is privileged to have a strong relationship with both Mr. Bain and Mr. Bassett."

Mr. Smith also noted the longtime relationship between the College of Law and the RMMLF. "The College of Law was one of the founding members of the RMMLF and remains active in the Foundation today. Professor Jan Laitos is the College of Law's trustee to the Foundation and Professor and Academic Dean Fred Cheever is a trustee at large," he said.

Editor's Note: Steve Bain is shown alongside student Alphonsus Ihuoma in the top photo; Bob Bassett is shown in the second photo.

The Relationship of Forest Fires and Ecosystem Health: Environmental Law Professor Fred Cheever Explains Importance of Fire to Forest Health

University of Denver Sturm College of Law Environmental Law Professor Fred Cheever was interviewed recently on a topic that is fundamental -- although often controversial -- to the health of forest ecosystems: fires in forested areas.

Professor Cheever, who also serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, noted that forest fire suppression efforts over nearly 100 years have resulted in a great deal of "fuel" in the form of dead trees. When burned, however, these trees create a multitude of nutrients for forest ecosystems.

Please click here to see the interview with Professor Cheever, one of the country's leading experts on environmental law, on Denver's TV 9 News.

Environmental and Natural Resources Program Advising Sessions Set for Oct. 12 and Nov. 2; Professors Fred Cheever and Rock Pring Will Offer Advice

First year JD students as well as transfer and visiting students are invited to attend the Sturm College of Law Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) program advising sessions, which will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Oct. 12 and Nov. 2.

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Environmental Law Professor Fred Cheever and Environmental Law Professor Rock Pring will be discussing the breadth of the ENRL program, what courses students may want to consider, available career paths, and how to find jobs.

The first session, on Oct. 12, will focus on courses and other "don't miss opportunities" that students should be aware of while they study at the College of Law. The second session, on Nov. 2, will be directed towards jobs including short-term and summer time positions.

This is a great opportunity to hear two of the keenest minds in all of American environmental law speak about the field generally, the ENRL program in particular, and how to position yourself for success as you contemplate job opportunities.

Food will be served at both events. The room is still to be determined. If you are planning to attend the Oct. 12 event, please RSVP to McKenzie Gaby by clicking here so we know how much food to order. Please bring your own drinks.

Other members of the ENRL faculty will also be available at the sessions.

Three DU Law Professors Attend the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation Meeting in Canada

The Sturm College of Law will be well represented at this week's 56th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Institute, organized by the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada, beginning tomorrow. Attending from the law school will be Fred Cheever, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Environmental Law, K.K. DuVivier, Energy and Mining Law Professor, and Jan Laitos, Natural Resources Law Professor.

The Sturm College of Law has a long and storied relationship with the Foundation, which is one of the world's preeminent organizations for considering issues related to minerals extraction, development, and management. In the late 1950s the law school was a founding member of the Foundation. Since then the law school has played a significant role in the Foundation including in recent years when Professors Cheever and Laitos have served as Trustees of the Foundation. Moreover, Professor Cheever currently chairs the Natural Resources Law Teachers Committee.

DU's strong relationship with the Foundation has been a key to the rich selection of courses and professors that students find at DU. For example, four speakers at this year's meeting in Banff have taught at the College of Law: Bob Bassett of Holland & Hart in Denver; James Cress of Holme Roberts & Owen in Denver; Florencia Heredia of HOLT Abogados in Buenos Aires, Argentina; and James Otto, an independent natural resources consultant in Boulder.

These relationships provide DU students a unique level of expertise and experience second to none among U.S. law schools. And to be sure, understanding and appreciating the complex relationships between environmental protection, on the one hand, and natural resources development, on the other hand, are more important today than ever before. A well-rounded environmental or natural resources professional must understand and take account of all of the key issues, and that is exactly what students find each and every day at DU.

To see a program summary for the 56th annual institute, please click here

Local Land Conservancy Celebrates Latest Success; DU Environmental Law Professor Rock Pring Involved in Transaction

The Clear Creek Land Conservancy (CCLC) has acquired a conservation easement from Clear Creek County, Colorado, to a 74.42-acre parcel just west of Denver. What makes the transaction even more interesting is that one of the DU College of Law's most widely acclaimed and respected professors, George (Rock) Pring, played a major role in the transaction.

Prof. Pring, the vice president for land conservation for the CCLC and an environmental law professor at DU, made the announcement in a recent e-mail proclaiming, "Celebrate the New Years/Decade with the newest CCLC conservation easement!"

The property involved is referred to as the "Oxbow Property." It is located adjacent to highway U.S. 6 west of Denver at the confluence of the North and South Forks as you cross into Clear Creek County. According to Prof. Pring, "Just before you go to into Tunnel 5 [on U.S. 6], you can look left/upstream into the property...As you exit Tunnel 5 immediately look left/downstream for a view of the other end of the Oxbow Property."

Prof. Pring said, "The Oxbow Property includes 3/5 mile of river (fishing, rafting, kayaking), the old railroad bed (great future trail), lovely wooded areas, canyon wildlife, and towering cliffs (rock climbing)."

The CCLC has an ambitious agenda, including partnering with Clear Creek County on the development of its visionary "Clear Creek Greenway" stretching from the Jefferson County Open Space Greenway all the way west across the county to the Eisenhower Tunnel.

For two maps of the property click here and here.

Several other professors associated with the DU College of Law are actively involved in conservation easements including Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Prof. Fred Cheever and Adjunct Prof. Catherine Keske.

In spring 2010, the College of Law will offer a course entitled Land Conservation Transactions. It will be taught by Jessica Jay, a national expert in conservation easements.

If this is an area of interest to you, be sure and check out DU's offerings in this exciting and important area of law and policy.

Adios a Nuestro Amigo Diego Parravicini/Goodbye to Our Friend

One of the great attributes -- and joys -- of the environmental and natural resources graduate program is the opportunity it provides to expand our own horizons, both in personal and community terms. Last night is a good example of how we all benefit personally and in a communal sense.

Diego Parravicini (LLM graduate 2008) will soon be returning to his home country, Argentina, to join one of South America's leading law firms, Estudio Beccar Varela. Diego has been a wonderful member of our community since first coming to Denver in August 2007, and I wanted to wish him well on his return home. So what better reason for a mid-summer (in the northern hemisphere at least!) cook out.

Joining me in saying goodbye -- at least for now -- were other members of "our community:" Fred Cheever, DU Professor of Law and newly appointed Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Pedro Camacho (LLM 2009, who hails from Spain) and his wife Olga; Cesar Conde (LLM 2008, Mexico); Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Program Director, her husband Eric, and los angeles Amelie and Emma); Kevin Van Dyke (LLM 2008, U.S.) and his wife Meaghan; Denver attorney and nationally known environmental lawyer Lori Potter (whose law firm Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell LLP employed Diego for the year following Diego's graduation) and her husband Eric; and Ines Vergara (LLM 2002, Argentina).

These occasions are bittersweet in many ways. On one hand, those of us who live in Denver are sad to see a friend and colleague leave. But on the other hand, the community that the graduate program represents is a vibrant and energetic one and just because one is not physically here does not mean that they are not here in spirit. Moreover, as all of us in the program work to establish an even more dynamic community, we are reminded about how our lives will likely intersect again in the future based on our shared interests in the environment, in the careful development of natural resources, and in the health of the planet more broadly.

Those who study in the program will never really be "gone" in the sense our community is a global one. Obviously, for some months or years we may reside in one place -- Denver in this case -- and then move to another place. But the ties that bind us as members of this community are strong and enduring.

And so we say to our friend Diego, "Buen suerte en Buenos Aires y hasta muy pronto!" (Good luck in Argentina and see you very soon!)