Our groundwater and surface water resources are linked, both integral parts of Earth's fresh water systems. Despite this fact, groundwater is being extracted and exploited around the world at alarming rates. This is causing catastrophic consequences to our springs, creeks, rivers, lakes and waterways, as well as the ecological health and productivity of our landscapes.
This landmark water case pits the local community against big business, aiming to exploit the remaining groundwater reserves for fracking. Learn about the case from the team of professionals working on it, and learn how you can contribute to make a difference in your community.
Water law and water policy affects us all, even if we don't understand it yet. It's time to learn how to come together to create constructive solutions that will remain viable for future generations.
Reba D. Epler is an attorney, licensed in Wyoming and New Mexico. Much of Reba’s practice over the past decade has been assisting in rural legal issues, such as energy transactions, water law and rural business issues from estate planning to business transactions. Reba’s love of the land and community has its origins in her upbringing and continued involvement in her family’s ranching near Hillsdale and Tie Siding, Wyoming. Reba is representing a number of landowners in the community near Cheyenne, Wyoming opposing high capacity water wells in the Ogallala/High Plains aquifer that could dry up numerous springs, creeks and wetlands. She shared the legal and scientific aspects of the case at the 2021 Quivira Coalition Conference in Albuquerque, NM. Reba Epler has been called a “Water Hero!” https://www.wyomingnews.com/rawlinstimes/news/new-law-an-advantage-in-opposing-high-capacity-well-drilling/article_6fdab183-abd7-5a49-baef-8b4661563194
Stan Leake is a hydrologist who worked for the U.S. Geological Survey for 42 years. Much of his research there focused on the interaction of groundwater and surface water. He is an author and co-author of many papers and reports, including the popular USGS Circular entitled “Streamflow Depletion by Wells.” Since retiring from the USGS, Stan provides his expertise as a consultant on a part-time basis. https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/1376/pdf/circ1376_barlow_report_508.pdf
James T. Pike retired from the United Stated Department of Agriculture in 2018. During the final ten years of his career, James served as the District Conservationist in Laramie County, Wyoming, focusing on soil and groundwater conservation. Utilizing Farm Bill Programs, he was able to reduce ground water pumping from the Ogallala aquifer by one billion gallons annually and restore permanent vegetation on ten thousand acres of highly erodible farmland. Since retiring he's focused on protecting ground water from irresponsible development through both legal and legislative processes. He also provides technical assistance to first time farm and ranch owners and continues to implement conservation on his own farm and ranchland in Wyoming.