NWTF’s Smith Leaves Lasting Legacy on Colorado’s Water Resources

Founded in 1958, the Colorado Water Congress is the leading organization dedicated to advancing water policy in Colorado. Representing a diverse range of water users, including municipal, agricultural, environmental, recreational and industrial sectors, the Colorado Water Congress serves as a vital platform for collaboration and advocacy. With a strong history of shaping water-related legislation, the organization is committed to conserving Colorado’s water resources and ensuring sustainable water supplies for the future.

In October 2020, Smith was appointed vice president of the Colorado Water Congress. With more than four decades of experience in water management and a 12-year tenure on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Smith’s career is defined by his deep understanding of the complex relationship between water resources and the broader ecosystem.

Smith assumed his leadership role during one of the most challenging periods in the organization’s history — the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world shutting down in March 2020, the Colorado Water Congress faced an existential crisis as its event-driven revenue system was threatened by the cessation of in-person gatherings. However, under Smith’s steady guidance, the organization navigated this challenging period, not only surviving but emerging stronger than ever.

Smith’s connection to the NWTF provided valuable insights into resilience and adaptation during these difficult times. Drawing inspiration from NWTF's successes in navigating the pandemic, Smith played a crucial role in helping the Colorado Water Congress weather its own storm.

“We are now in the strongest financial position we have ever been in,” said Doug Kemper, Colorado Water Congress executive director. “That really has a lot to do with Travis’s steady guidance. We went from our lowest low to our highest high during the time he was president.”

As Smith became president in October 2022, the Colorado Water Congress strongly increased its focus on educating, building relationships with federal partners, and advocating for addressing the increasing threat of wildfires on watersheds. His extensive background helped highlight the critical connection between watershed health, forest health and water quality — a relationship central to water and conservation efforts.

“Travis has always been concerned about watershed and landscape health,” said Patt Dorsey, NWTF director of conservation operations in the West. “He recognizes the multiple benefits that can be achieved when we work together — and appreciates the gains that can be made for wildlife from good watershed and land management.”

Dorsey's reflections are echoed by Tom Spezze, NWTF national director of conservation programs, who highlights Travis's lasting impact on integrating watershed and forest health throughout the Western states.

“Watershed health and forest health are now always spoken in the same sentence across much of the Western states because of the influence that Travis has brought to Colorado as the ‘headwaters state,’” Spezze said.

Smith’s efforts also ensured that water considerations became a deliberate priority in the NWTF’s initiatives, rather than a secondary concern. His work laid a solid foundation for groundbreaking initiatives like the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative.

“RMRI would likely have not gotten off the ground without Travis bringing the full water community, including Denver Water, into the conversation,” Spezze said. “RMRI became the first-ever NWTF-led conservation initiative that not only provided a model for shared stewardship in forest restoration but also helped chart a path for other NWTF initiatives such as Waterways for Wildlife, Habitat for the Hatch and Forests and Flocks.”

The Colorado Water Congress still faced challenges in securing funds for forest health initiatives. Leveraging his background with the NWTF, which has a strong relationship with the USDA Forest Service, Smith played a key role in strengthening the Colorado Water Congress’ ties with the Forest Service. This renewed relationship has since led to more effective forest and watershed management practices.

“Pre-COVID, it was very difficult to get money for forest health,” Kemper said. “Travis has led our engagement and active dialogue with the Forest Service, and today, that relationship is very positive.”

Smith’s leadership at the Colorado Water Congress has been marked by a collaborative approach, emphasizing listening, respect and the importance of building strong relationships.

“One of Travis’ strengths is his ability to bring people together on some of the toughest, most life-essential, and yet most heavily debated and litigated, issues in the country — those that surround water,” Spezze said. “Travis has a strong set of ‘people skills’ and collaboration abilities. We all know that as we age in our professions, our Rolodex fills up with the names and relationships we have met and have developed over our careers. That is an asset that Travis brought to not only the Colorado Water Congress but to the NWTF.”

Beyond water management, Smith’s work has consistently emphasized the broader environmental benefits achievable through sound watershed and land management practices. Dorsey highlights Smith’s longstanding dedication to watershed and landscape health, noting that his efforts have always aimed to achieve gains that benefit both people and wildlife.

“Before joining the NWTF, Smith was already a significant influence in Colorado’s water and forest management practices,” Dorsey said. “His work in the Rio Grande River Basin, where he played a pivotal role in establishing groundwater rules and policies, exemplifies his commitment to sustainable water management that supports agricultural producers and maintains healthy surface water flows.”

In addition to his accomplishments, those who know Smith define him in many ways:

“If I had to pick a few traits that are unique to Travis: He is a thinker and he appreciates challenging people and being challenged by people to think about something in a new way,” Dorsey said. “He is willing to discuss and willing to listen to anyone and any perspective, as long as the conversation is respectful.”

“A particular strength of Travis’ is listening,” Kemper said. “As we work through diverse opinions, Travis is a strong advocate to enhance our dialogue. I would also use the words ‘steady’ and ‘calm’ to describe Travis. You know where he stands on matters. He can disagree without being disagreeable.”

Smith's legacy will be remembered within the Colorado Water Congress and resonates across the Western states as a model of effective water leadership. His work has ensured that the vital connection between water and forest health remains a central focus, benefiting both people and wildlife for generations to come. As he prepares to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders, Smith’s contemporaries say he has left behind a stronger, more resilient Colorado Water Congress, well-positioned to continue its mission of protecting one of Colorado's most precious resources: water.