March 18, 2025—Colorado Governor Jared Polis announced this week three new representatives will be joining the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB): Taylor Hawes, Greg Johnson and Mike Camblin.
The 15-member Board includes nine representatives from each major Colorado river basin as well as the Denver metro area who are appointed by the Governor and then must be confirmed by the Colorado State Senate. The Board also includes six state officials including Colorado Water Conservation Director Lauren Ris, Colorado Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Dan Gibbs, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, State Engineer and Director Colorado Division of Water Resources Jason Ullmann, Director Colorado Parks and Wildlife Jeff Davis and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Board members have experience and expertise in water resource management, water project financing, engineering, water law, farming, ranching and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome these new members to our Board. Each of them brings invaluable expertise—from collaborative water management to policy and planning to on-the-ground perspective in agriculture,” said Lauren Ris, CWCB Director. “Their diverse backgrounds will strengthen our work to create a sustainable water future for Colorado, and I look forward to the insight and leadership they will bring.”
New Colorado Water Conservation Board Members include:
Taylor Hawes of Silverthorne, Colorado, who joins the Board as a representative of the Colorado Basin. Hawes serves as the Colorado River Program Director for The Nature Conservancy, leading efforts to balance the needs of people and nature. With nearly three decades of experience in water law, policy and planning, she has worked extensively with diverse stakeholders, including state and federal agencies, conservation groups and major water users. She previously served as Associate Counsel for the Colorado River Water Conservation District, held board appointments with the Colorado River District and Water Education Colorado, as well as leadership roles on the Colorado Interbasin Compact Committee, the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study and other collaborative initiatives.
Greg Johnson of Denver, Colorado, who joins the Board as a representative of the City and County of Denver. Johnson is the Manager of Water Resource Planning at Denver Water, overseeing various planning and policy efforts, including climate resilience and reuse programs. He previously served as Chief of the Interstate, Federal, and Water Information Section at the CWCB, where he managed Colorado’s interests in interstate water compacts, endangered species programs and agricultural policy. With experience in both public and private sectors, including CWCB’s Water Supply Planning Section and consulting roles, Johnson brings expertise in statewide water planning, negotiations and policy implementation.
Mike Camblin of Maybell, Colorado, who joins the Board as a representative of the Yampa-White Basin. A lifelong rancher and business owner, Camblin operates Camblin Livestock, where he focuses on sustainable grazing and conservation practices. He has served in leadership roles with the Yampa-White-Green Basin Roundtable, Moffat County Land Use Board, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association and multiple conservation and agricultural boards. Recognized for his commitment to land and water stewardship, Camblin has received awards from the Colorado State Land Board, The Nature Conservancy and the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Hawes, Johnson, and Camblin join the CWCB following the completion of terms for Paul Bruchez (Colorado River), Jessica Brody (Denver) and Jackie Brown (Yampa/White). The CWCB thanks these outgoing members for their dedicated service.
“We are honored to welcome these new Board members to the Colorado Water Conservation Board,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Department of Natural Resources. “As Colorado faces growing water demands, climate pressures, and the need for innovative solutions, their expertise will be critical in shaping policies that protect our water resources and secure a sustainable future for all Coloradans.”
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