Connected by Water: Idaho & Wyoming Perspectives from Jackson Lake Dam to the Magic Valley
This meeting is co-hosted with the Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition (EIWRC).
Tuesday, Nov. 10th | 9:00 - 1:30 PM (Lunch provided)
WaterFront Snake River Landing, Idaho Falls, ID
Join the Snake River Headwaters Watershed Group and Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition to understand the value of the Snake River Headwaters through agricultural, recreation, and conservation perspectives from Idaho and Wyoming. Together, we will explore Jackson Lake Dam operations, emerging snowpack measurement technologies, and other regional issues.
Topics include:
The Value of Water, from Headwaters to Harvest
A Closer Look at the Jackson Lake Dam: Preparing for the Future
Emerging Technologies and Understanding Current Water Issues
Quick Agenda
9:00 - 9:30 | Check in & Registration
9:30 - 9:40 | Welcome & introductions
Leslie Steen, Wyoming State Director, Trout Unlimited & SRHWG Steering Committee Member
Roger Warner, President, Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coaliton
9:40 - 10:40 | The Value of Water, from Headwaters to Harvest
Craig Chandler, Water Master, Water District #1
Jeff VanOrden, Potato farmer and Committee of Nine
Patrick Hofstedt, PhD Student, University of Wyoming
Boots Allen, Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator, Snake River Fund
Chip Jenkins, Superintendent, Grand Teton National Park
Moderated Q&A by Kristi Hansen, University of Wyoming
10:40 - 11:30 | A Closer Look at Jackson Lake Dam: Preparing for the Future
Mike Hilliard, Upper Snake Field Office Assistant Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation
Dan Davidson, Manager, Minidoka Irrigation District Manager
Sarah Newcomb, Snake River Headwaters Watershed Scientist, Trout Unlimited - Jackson Lake Dam Raise: Physical and Administrative Water Availability'
Audience Q&A
11:30 - 12:20 | Exploring Current Water Issues and Emerging Technologies
Jeff Deems, Co-Founder & Chief Technical Officer, Airborne Snow Observatories, Inc.
Jeff Raybould, Farmer and Chairman, Idaho Water Resources Board - Swan Falls mitigation and other Water Board Issues
Moderated Q&A by Roger Warner, Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition
12:20 - 12:30 | Next steps and Closing
12:30 - 1:30 | Lunch provided
*This meeting serves as the SRHWG 2026 Fall Convening and the EIWRC Annual Meeting.