SRH Symposium 2026- Full Agenda  

Morning

8:30-9:00 AM | Check-in & Light Breakfast

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • Welcome & Introduction by Aaron Pruzan - Owner and river guide, Rendezvous River Sports

  • Featuring “ReMATRIATE”, a cultural presentation by Patti Baldes and her family.   

  • Opening remarks from Representative Andrew Byron (Wyoming House District 22)

9:30 – 10:45 AM | Behind the Flow: What Drives Our River’s Management?  *

Policy, climate, and other Influences shaping the current management of the Snake River Headwaters and beyond

  • Presentations 

    • Mike Hilliard - Assistant Area Manager for the Upper Snake Field Office, Bureau of Reclamation 

    • Rob Van Kirk - Science & Technology Director, Henry’s Fork Foundation

    • Jeff VanOrden - Idaho Potato Farmer, Committee of Nine

    • Nolan Brown - Original Territories and Historical Research Manager, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes 

    • Scott Bosse - Northern Rockies Director, American Rivers

  • Moderated Q&A by Representative Liz Storer (Wyoming House District 23) 

10:45 - 11:00 AM | Bathroom/Coffee Break 

11:00 – 12:00 PM |  Ecosystem Restoration & Climate Resilience *

Restoring what sustains us: building climate resilience through science, restoration, and collaboration that will inform policy choices in the future

  • Presentations 

    • Diana Miller - Fisheries Biologist, Wyoming Game and Fish Department 

    • Dr. Bryan Shuman - Climate Scientist, University of Wyoming

    • Alex Stacy - Graduate Student, Idaho State University

  • Moderated Q&A by Simeon Caskey, Physical Scientist, Grand Teton National Park 

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch & Poster Session  

  • Researchers, students, and technical experts present posters of regional research

  • Buffet-style lunch: sandwiches, chips, cookies, and soft drinks - catered by Provisions

Afternoon

1:00 – 2:00 PM | Conservation, Recreation & Public Access *

Sharing the Snake: finding common ground between recreation, conservation, and community needs.

  • Presentations: 

    • Mark Tesoro - Manager, Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation

    • Jess Johnson - Government Affairs Director, Wyoming Wildlife Federation 

  • Panel Discussion with local leaders: 

    • Chip Jenkins - Superintendent, Grand Teton National Park

    • Jason ‘JB’ Balogh - owner and guide, Fish the Fly Guide Service

    • Miriam Morillon - Founder and program manager, Camina Conmigo JH

    • Orion Hatch - Executive Director,  Snake River Fund 

    • Scott Kosiba - Executive Director, Friends of the Bridger-Teton

  • Moderated Q&A by Patrick Harrington - WY Government Relations Director, Trout Unlimited

2:00 – 2:45 PM | Water Quality & Healthy Communities *

From headwaters to households: addressing water quality myths or misconceptions to safeguard clean water for people, fish, and future generations.

  • Presentation: 

    • Matt Bambach - Water Resources Director, Protect Our Water JH 

  • Panel Discussion:

    • Cheryl Eddy Miller - Acting Hydrologic Surveillance Branch Chief, USGS Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center

    • Carlin Girard - Executive Director, Teton Conservation District 

    • Ron Steg - TMDL, Assessment, and Nonpoint Source Program Supervisor, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality

  • Moderated Q&A by Matt Bambach - Water Resources Director, Protect Our Water JH 

2:45 - 3:00 PM | Break 

3:00 – 4:00 PM | Lessons from the Colorado River *

The Colorado River has a rich history of water management, conservation, and collaborative efforts to sustain the watershed. Where do Colorado River negotiations stand, what can the Snake River Headwaters learn from those experiences, and where are there moments of hope for sustainable solutions in both of these iconic river basins?

  • Presentations 

    • Chris Brown - Senior Assistant Attorney General, Wyoming Attorney General’s Office

    • Aaron Reichl - Vice President of Process Technology, WE Soda, member of the Colorado River Advisory Committee

    • Ted Kowalski - Colorado River Initiative Lead and Senior Program Officer, Environment Program, Walton Family Foundation

  • Moderated Q&A by Sara Porterfield - Colorado River Program Director and Western Water Policy Advisor, Trout Unlimited 

4:00 – 4:40 PM | Closing Panel – Looking Ahead Together 

  • Panel Discussion with the SRHWG Steering Committee Members:

    • Aaron Pruzan - Owner and river guide, Rendezvous River Sports

    • Bayless Sword - Snake River Ranch 

    • Chris Peltz - Water Resources Coordinator, Teton County Public Works

    • Darren Rhea - Regional Fisheries Supervisor, Wyoming Game and Fish 

    • Tanya Anderson - Ecosystem Stewardship Administrator, Town of Jackson

  • Moderated by Julie Gonzalez, Project Manager, LegacyWorks Group

4:40 – 5:00 PM | Closing Reflections & Next Steps

  • Join us in the lobby for a Round Dance with Patti Baldes after the closing remarks.

5:00 - 6:00 PM | Symposium Attendees Happy Hour 

  • Appetizers provided and drinks available for purchase at the Center bar for Symposium Attendees

* Continuing Legal Education credits accredited by the Wyoming State Bar

Evening Community Event & Keynote

6:00 – 7:00 PM | Reception & Community Celebration

  • Free and open to the public. Tickets required.  

  • Partner Organization will be tabling

  • The Valley Bookstore will have both books, The Emerald Mile and A Walk in the Park,  available for sale, including some pre-signed by Kevin Fedarko.  

7:00 – 8:30 PM | Stories and Lessons of the Colorado River: An Evening with Kevin Fedarko

  • Keynote speaker: Kevin Fedarko, acclaimed author of The Emerald Mile and A Walk in the Park

    • Presentation and Q&A

  • Kevin will be available for a book signing in the lobby after the presentation

Return to Main Symposium Page
Return to Main Symposium Page