On Friday, March 7 the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area hosted the Poudre River Forum, an annual conference on water issues, use, history and conservation practices. This event was held from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at Aims Community College Welcome Center in Greeley, CO.
The Poudre River Forum invites industry professionals and community members to come together and learn more about current issues and solutions impacting the Poudre River Basin.
This milestone event explored the theme of Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going, traversing the Basin, reflecting on its historic past, evolutionary path to the present, and considerations for the future. Around 230 attendees had the opportunity to interact with dynamic panels, network with water professionals, expand their knowledge of current Poudre River Basin issues, and connect with people who care about the Cache la Poudre River.
Basin panels, focused on specific stretches of the river, offered unique perspectives and insights into how life along the Poudre has evolved, the effort and innovative technology required to service the community along its banks and the importance of collaboration and preservation to assure the Poudre remains healthy and viable for generations to come. Prior to each panel discussion, Cache NHA board emeritus, Brian Werner, provided a brief history of the Upper, Mid and Lower Poudre Basin.
The 2025 Poudre Pioneer Award was presented to John Stokes, retired City of Fort Collins’ Interim Director of Community Services, during a lunchtime speech from George Wallace, emeritus professor from the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University.
”For all of us who care for and love the Poudre River, we know that it is a precious and fragile resource that we depend on for vital ecological, agricultural, and industrial and domestic purposes.
John Stokes2025 Poudre Pioneer Awardee
The day wrapped with laughter, connection and engaging conversation between Alex Hager, KUNC reporter, and individuals from the Poudre Heritage Alliance board of directors and staff. (The Poudre Heritage Alliance is the nonprofit managing entity of the Cache NHA.)
“Water is the common heritage and lifeline of our Northern Colorado community,” said Sabrina Stoker, executive director. “This year’s Forum explores our community’s ongoing quest to manage our heritage and resources as the world transforms with new tech, people on the move, and the sands of time.”
As a regional convener, the Cache NHA is dedicated to collaborative efforts throughout the National Heritage Area. The Poudre River Forum is an educational initiative of the Cache NHA’s program, Poudre Runs Through It, whose mission is dedicated to making the Poudre River the best example of a healthy working river. We are looking forward to continuing collaborative efforts with our communities along the river corridor.
“I thought the speakers and panelists were engaging,” said attendee, Greg Dewey. “There were more than adequate opportunities to network, which I found the most valuable part of the forum, personally. I felt like this year’s forum was an opportunity to reflect on the past but also look forward to the future.”
A casual reception capped the day allowing attendees to connect over beverages from Horse and Dragon Brewing Company, crafted from Poudre River water.
Thank you to our local, state and US legislators in attendance for caring about water issues in Colorado and being a part of the solution. We were excited to see staffers from the following offices: Senator Bennet, Congressman Evans and Congresswoman Bobert.
A huge shoutout to all our sponsors for making this event possible, including the City of Greeley, Northern Water and Fort Collins Utilities. And thank you to the Aims Community College event staff.
Videos aired during the event are available on the Cache la Poudre River NHA’s YouTube channel.
View the full event agenda and panelist bios.
