Committee advances three Groundwater Commission nominees to full Senate

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee advanced three appointments to the Groundwater Commission on March 5, sending the nominations to the full Senate with a favorable recommendation.

State Engineer Ullman introduced the nominees and gave background on the commission’s role, saying the panel "was created with the 1965 Groundwater Management Act" and adjudicates water rights in basins where groundwater supplies have been the primary source for 15 or more years. Ullman said the commission operates through the Division of Water Resources staff and represents different basin interests.

The nominees were Clay Kinison of Grover, a rancher and member of the Upper Crow Creek Groundwater Management District rules committee; Mark Garnish, a fourth‑generation irrigated farmer from the Prospect Valley region of southeast Weld County (presented as a resident agricultural seat); and Kevin David Keeler of Ray, a rancher and former water commissioner with the Division of Water Resources. Each offered brief remarks about their local experience and willingness to serve. Kinison introduced himself as "Clay Kinison" and said he operates a cow‑calf ranching operation; Garnish said water "touches everything" in irrigated areas; Keeler described decades of experience with water rights administration.

Madam vice chair moved to forward the three appointments "to the full senate with a favorable recommendation." The committee recorded no opposing votes and the chair stated the motion "passes unanimously." With no objection, the committee placed the appointments on the consent calendar.

Next steps: the nominations proceed to the full Senate for consideration. The committee recorded the motion and unanimous recommendation; no amendments or conditions were placed on the nominations in committee.