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County discusses partnering on water education films and panel events for fall outreach
Summary
Staff briefed commissioners on exploratory talks with Palmer Land Conservancy, Northern Water, CSU and others about showing water-related films and hosting panels or a series of community conversations this fall focused on water security and watershed issues.
Larimer County staff reported ongoing conversations with nonprofit and academic partners about hosting film screenings and panel discussions this fall to advance public conversations about water security, watershed health and related topics.
Leslie Ellis said Palmer Land Conservancy, Northern Water, Colorado State University's Water Center and the NoCo Water Foundation have expressed interest in partnering on an event or series that would include a film and moderated discussion for landowners, agricultural producers and other community members.
"They would like to do something in partnership with us," Ellis said, noting the timing has shifted and the county now anticipates an October timeframe rather than the spring. Staff said Palmer Land Conservancy is pursuing funding for a regional project and Northern Water has produced a short film shown at its spring symposium.
Commissioners asked about the format, length and potential partners. Commissioner Shattuck McNally asked whether the planned sessions would be a single evening or a longer summit; Ellis said options range from a single evening event with a film and a panel to a half-day summit or a series of conversations. Several commissioners suggested including a broader range of voices—farmers, forest and watershed advocates and environmental groups—to ensure context on river health and upstream watershed issues.
Commissioners and staff discussed audience and messaging. One commissioner recommended pairing shorter, entry-level films with additional context for audiences unfamiliar with water-transfer and basin-security issues; staff said Northern Water has indicated it could revise footage and include additional voices.
Staff said they are trying to keep the county’s role light — providing partnership and coordination where possible — because county staff capacity for event organization is limited. CSU was flagged as a likely partner to help organize and convene events, given prior experience running public water-education panels.
Ellis said she will continue conversations with partners and will return with more concrete proposals and dates once partners and formats are confirmed.
