Colorado River Listed as 2013's Most Endangered River

Colorado River, Photo Courtesy of Mismismimos

American Rivers is a nonprofit organization that has been listing America's most endangered rivers annually since 1984. The rivers are nominated by advocacy groups and are ranked based on the following criteria: 1) A major decision is pending which will impact the river's fate 2) The river's significance to human and natural communities 3) the magnitude of the threat to the river and its associated communities.

American Rivers president, Bob Irvin, describes the Colorado River as the "lifeline of the Southwest." The Colorado River supplies water to 25 million people and helps to irrigate 3.5 million acres of farmland. Assistant Interior Secretary for Water and Science Anne Castle said in a statement, "The river is the essential foundation to the health and prosperity of the American Southwest. . . It provides multiple and diverse benefits including water supplies for agriculture and people, outdoor recreation, clean energy generation, and unparalleled ecosystems."

The report identifies the threats to the river, primarily, "outdated water management that is inadequate to respond to the pressures of over-allocation and persistent drought." The drought has significantly lowered water supply which has caused increased contention as the demand for water has risen. The Bureau of Reclamation recently issued a report (Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study) which further emphasizes the supply and demand imbalances in the Basin.

It is hoped that the listing of the Colorado River as America's Most Endangered River will bring heightened visibility to this fragile resource.

Angelica Oman

Graduate Program Assistant

Outstanding Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Students

Jeremy Scott, Matias Lewin and Allen Wilson have the honor of being named this year's Outstanding Environmental and Natural Resources Law Students. The award is issued to the students with the highest grade point average while in the program. This year's students impressed us with their academic achievement. Congratulations to each of the Outstanding Students.

Jeremy Scott, LLM'13 shared, "I have loved every minute of my time at Denver Law.  I am saddened to leave the program come May, but hold the highest regard for the ENRLGP program and everyone I have worked with and for during these 2+ years.

Matias Lewin, LLM'13 reflected on his time in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law and Policy Program, "While being at DU as an LLM International student I have acquired very valuable knowledge in the natural resources area, especially in the mining industry where my professional practice is focused in Chile. I am sure that the knowledge acquired will contribute in a significant manner to the legal services that I provide to the clients of my law firm in Chile, Carcelén & Cia. – Abogados."

Allen Wilson, MRLS'13 shared,
"My experience at the University of Denver’s Graduate Environmental and Natural Resource Law & Policy Program has been invaluable.  The chance to study environmental and energy law and policy has improved my understanding of their impact on our current and future economy.  The classes are taught by extremely knowledgeable professors with proven expertise.The program places a high value on providing its students with a broad and up-to-date understanding of the issues facing our environmental, energy, and economic development—locally, nationally, and internationally.  The students are also very committed and truly appreciate discussing the issues with both these experts and fellow classmates.  All this makes for a dynamic and engaging classroom experience beyond compare."

Congratulations to Jeremy, Matias and Allen! Their commitment to the program, dedication and intellectual abilities are apparent. We are sure they will experience great success in their future endeavors. Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Program, said, "Jeremy, Matias and Allen join a long line of distinguished graduates before them who have received this prestigious award. We are thrilled for them as individuals, as well as their families and friends who supported them in this wonderful accomplishment."