2026 Lower Arkansas Valley Water Summit in Rocky Ford Highlights Future of Water, Agriculture and Regional Communities
Description: The 2026 Lower Arkansas Valley Water Summit in Rocky Ford brought together experts to discuss water transfers, farmland dry-up, river health and conservation...
Rocky Ford Water Summit Highlights Future of the Lower Arkansas Valley
ROCKY FORD, Colo. — The future of water in southeastern Colorado was the focus of the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Summit in Rocky Ford, with an agenda addressing agricultural challenges, river health, climate and the effects of water leaving local communities.
Under the theme “The State of Water: The Future of the Lower Arkansas Valley,” the summit brought together statewide and regional perspectives, local experience and information to support decisions about the region’s water resources. Over 140 people attended the first water summit hosted by the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District on November 4, 2026.
Welcoming remarks were given by Colorado House District 47 Representative Ty Winter, followed by a presentation on the economic impacts of dry-up in the Lower Arkansas Valley by Jack Goble, general manager of the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District.
A Crowley County discussion explored experiences and perspectives on what happens when water leaves a community. Goble moderated, with Crowley residents Annette Barber, Alvin Carter and Tom Tomky participating.
Other topics included Colorado River negotiations and their potential implications for the Lower Arkansas Valley, revegetation of formerly irrigated lands, and a climate update from Colorado State Climatologist Russ Schumacher.
The event also featured a presentation on the Lower Arkansas River Corridor Initiative, with presenters Bill Tyner of Tyner Engineering & Sciences, Kelsea MacIlroy of The Landon Group and Yates McConnell of the Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative.
The first water summit brought the community together in a collaborative effort seeking to develop a long-term vision and practical framework for improving river health, function and resilience. The Lower Arkansas River Corridor Initiative project area stretches downstream from the Arkansas River’s confluence with Fountain Creek to John Martin Reservoir.
The initiative grew out of the February 2025 Arkansas River Seminar in La Junta, where attendees expressed interest in coordinated action.
Among the challenges identified are sediment buildup in the river and irrigation ditches, invasive vegetation, changing river flows and groundwater conditions, water quality concerns, reduced channel capacity and increased flood concerns.
The initiative’s planned 2026–2027 listening and learning phase includes stakeholder interviews, a situation assessment, the launch of a river health assessment and formation of advisory groups. Work scheduled for 2028–2029 would develop a corridor framework, establish shared priorities and produce a long-term strategy.
Future phases, beginning in 2030, would focus on securing funding, implementing selected projects and monitoring results.
The water summit also highlighted the new “When Water Leaves” StoryMap, which examines what happens to land, agriculture and communities when water leaves the area.
The StoryMap is available at whenwaterleaves.com. Information about the river corridor initiative and future events is available at arkcollaborative.org/larci.
Watch the Complete Presentation Videos Exclusively on SECO News:
The Economic Impacts of Dry Up in the Lower Arkansas Valley Presenter: Jack Goble, P.E. | General Manager, Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District
When Water Leaves: Experiences & Perspectives from Crowley County A conversation moderated by Jack Goble, P.E. with Crowley County locals Annette Barber, Alvin Carter, Tom Tomky
Beyond the Continental Divide: What Colorado River Negotiations Could Mean for the Lower Arkansas Valley Presenter: Andy Mueller | General Manager, Colorado River District
Revegetation of Formerly Irrigated Lands: From Legislation to Implementation Presenter: Gerry Knapp | Valley Resource & Water Management Lunch and Conversation
The Lower Arkansas River Corridor Initiative Presenters: BillTyner, P.E. | Tyner Engineering & Sciences Kelsea Macllroy I The Langdon Group SS Yates McConnell | Arkansas River Watershed Collaborative
Climate Update Presenter: Russ Schumacher | Colorado State Climatologist Closing Remarks
Related Content
Lower Arkansas River Corridor Initiative Launches Long-Term Plan to Improve River Health and Resilience
Lower Arkansas Valley Water District Reports $142 Million in Annual Economic Losses From Irrigated Farmland Dry-UpFollow SECO News on Facebook.
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