Center, Jeremiah Psiropoulos, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Forest Service, explains aspects of beaver habitat at a field excursion during last year's Yampa Basin Rendezvous.
Eighth annual Yampa Basin Rendezvous to focus on resilience and restoration on May 28-29
The eighth annual Yampa Basin Rendezvous returns May 28-29 to Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs, bringing together scientists, water managers, landowners and the public to explore how restoring natural systems can build resilience in the face of climate change and drought.
This year’s theme, Science in Action: Building Resilience Through Restoration of Natural Processes, emphasizes the collaborative work underway to protect the Yampa River, one of the last major free-flowing tributaries of the Colorado River. The event combines morning panels with leading researchers and policy experts and afternoon field excursions to local restoration sites.
Since its founding in 2018, this yearly gathering has fostered dialogue between academics, local decision-makers, students and the community. The 2025 event will address pressing topics like drought resilience, post-fire watershed restoration, and local river stewardship.
Speakers include:
- Jeff Deems, Airborne Snow Observatories
- Emily Fairfax, University of Minnesota (Thursday, May 29 keynote)
- Gannet Hallar, Storm Peak Laboratory, University of Utah
- Tyler Knott, Trout Creek Meats, fourth generation rancher
- Experts from Trout Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, Denver Water and more
Field trips will explore restoration projects around Steamboat Springs and highlight natural climate solutions in action. A community showcase and happy hour will take place Wednesday evening at The Boathouse, 609 Yampa St., featuring local project displays and informal networking.
The event is free and open to the public, though registration is required via Humantix Doors open at 8:30 a.m. both days with a light breakfast; sessions begin at 9 a.m.
The Yampa Basin Rendezvous is organized by the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, Colorado Mountain College, Friends of the Yampa, Community Agriculture Alliance, River Network, Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, Yampatika, The Nature Conservancy, Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Routt County Wildfire Mitigation Council and Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation and is sponsored by the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District and the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes.
The Yampa Basin Rendezvous will be held in the Allbright Family Auditorium, Colorado Mountain College Steamboat Springs, 1275 Crawford Ave., Steamboat Springs. Learn more by visiting Yampa Basin Rendezvous.