Eagle River Coalition and Colorado Water Trust invite you to join Water, Drought, and the Future of Agriculture in the West.

This community conversation will bring together agricultural producers, water experts, and conservation leaders to explore how drought, climate pressures, and changing water demands are shaping agriculture locally in the Eagle River Valley and across Colorado.

Panelists will share practical solutions, lessons from the field, and opportunities for collaboration that support both working lands and healthy rivers. Whether you care about farming, water, and/or the future of Western communities, this discussion offers a chance to learn, connect, and engage.

Event Details:

Tuesday April 14th
5:30-7:30PM
Walking Mountains, Avon

Register online here—seating is limited.

This is a donation-based event ($10 suggested), and drinks and dinner will be served.

Event Panelists:

Marsha Daughenbaugh

Rancher, Steamboat Springs | Board Member, Colorado Water Trust

Marsha is part of a multi-generational ranching family, based in the Elk River Valley. Marsha’s professional career of over 40 years included 25+ years with USDA Farm Service Agency and 15 years as Executive Director of Community Agriculture Alliance. She has also worked closely with the Yampa-White-Green Roundtable. Although retired from paid positions, Marsha remains a passionate activist for agriculture, open space, working landscapes, the protection of natural resources, and local community.

Kathy Chandler Henry

Secretary, CO Water Quality Control Commission |  Board Member, CO River Water Conservancy District | Owner, Black Diamond Research

Kathy served as an Eagle County Commissioner from 2013 to January 2025. She has held leadership roles with the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments, Colorado River Water Conservation District, Ruedi Water and Power Authority, and Eagle River Watershed Council, and served on the Colorado River Basin Roundtable. She also chaired the Colorado River Drought Task Force and currently serves on several statewide water and resource boards. Kathy holds Master’s degrees in Health Administration and Political Science from Duke University.

Scott Jones

Manager, CO River Ranch in Eagle County | Vice President, Eagle County Conservation District Board of Directors

Scott was born and raised a rancher in Eagle County and even skis on occasion. He currently manages a ranch on the Colorado River Ranch raising hay and cattle and is the Vice President of Eagle County Conservation District. He is also a competitive team roper and darned good country swing dancer.

Event Moderators:

Vicki Flynn

Executive Director, Eagle River Coalition

Vicki has over 20 years of nonprofit experience in fundraising and nonprofit management. Vicki grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. After a few years in the big city, she was ready for a new adventure, which led her to the Vail Valley in 2002. Vicki loves to spend time with her family outside enjoying all that Colorado has to offer. In the summer you will find her hiking and biking on the trails or floating on the river with her family. She also is an avid yogi, certified yoga teacher, and holds a Water Fluency graduate certificate.

Kate Ryan

Executive Director, Colorado Water Trust

Kate is a water lawyer who joined Colorado Water Trust (CWT) in 2018 and was appointed as Executive Director in 2023. Kate’s past clients include farmers, ranchers, municipalities, landowners, the CWCB and CWT itself. Before going to Berkeley Law she obtained a master’s degree in geography at the University of CO and worked as an associate scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center. Kate does her work at CWT in order to support that which she holds most dear–our incredible state and the people within, the beautiful rivers and mountains we explore, and a future for her kids where they can experience a continuation of it all.

This event is part of Walking Mountains’ Climate Action Collaborative.