142: Water Crisis

142: Water Crisis

Author: Dave Gardner August 11, 2025 Duration: 1:01:24

Why is water such a hot-button issue in Colorado right now? Host/producer Ally Richardson dives into the heart of local water challenges with Dave Gardner, Mark Robinson, and Mike Callicrate. From policy to permaculture, they explore innovative solutions that could shape the future of our region’s most precious resource.

In the conversation today:

Farmer Mark Robinson from Green Hill Farm in Peyton, Colorado. 

Mark hopes to have Grains & Vegetables coming soon!  Find him at the Grain Chain: https://www.coloradograinchain.com/nexus/organizations/green-hill-farm

 

Rancher Mike Callicrate from Saint Francis, Kansas. 

Mike has 2 local Colorado Spring stores, Ranch Foods Direct, that are worth a visit! 

Find him at:  https://www.mikecallicrate.com/

 

Dave Gardner from Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

Dave manages Studio 809 Podcasts, where he produces some episodes of Peak Environment and co-hosts Loving the Springs. He also hosts the GrowthBusters podcast, which recently visited the water issue: https://www.growthbusters.org/growth-addiction-water-southwest/

 

This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at https://pikespeakpermaculture.org.

Mentioned in This Episode:

2023 Colorado Water Plan: https://dnrweblink.state.co.us/CWCB/0/edoc/219188/Colorado_WaterPlan_2023_Digital.pdf

Colorado Springs Utilities - Tiered Water Plans found here:  https://www.csu.org/rates/tiered-water-rate

Zack Weiss creates brilliant videos to illustrate how water moves through land and atmosphere.  https://waterstories.com

The Watershed Death Spiral:  https://www.waterstories.com/story/the-watershed-death-spiral     

The Revived Water Cycle:  https://www.waterstories.com/story/the-revived-water-cycle

Denver 7 News Article by Brandon Richard, Foreign ownership of Colorado's agricultural land raising concerns found here: https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/foreign-ownership-of-colorados-agricultural-land-raising-concerns

The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.

Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future https://peakallianceco.org/

Pikes Peak Permaculture https://www.pikespeakpermaculture.org/

GrowthBusters https://www.growthbusters.org

Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss an episode.


Hosted by Dave Gardner, Peak Environment digs into the real-world choices and conversations shaping life in the Pikes Peak Region. This isn't a distant global overview, but a local look at how environmental care weaves into the fabric of our community, from the trails we hike to the policies our leaders debate. Each episode explores the intersection of our society and our surroundings, considering how sustainable practices impact both our physical health and our cultural values. You'll hear from neighbors, advocates, and experts discussing practical steps for stewardship, the nuances of building a resilient local economy, and the ongoing work toward balanced public policy. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded dialogue that connects personal fitness and well-being directly to the health of the place we call home. Find this podcast for a deeper understanding of what it means to live well, right here.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Peak Environment
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