The Open Channel
CASFM Newsletter
December 2025
Embedded Files
Message from the Chair
Message from the Chair
Happy Holiday Season, CASFM!
I hope this newsletter reaches you well and you are taking the time to enjoy family and friends during this time. It feels like civil engineering is getting harder every year, and we are asked to do more with less all the time. Please make sure you take the time to recharge your batteries, have some great food, and watch some great Denver sports during this holiday season. (Big Avs fan myself!)
This will be my last year on the CASFM board as Chair, and it's pretty easy to look back and see how far CASFM has grown since I started in this field many years ago. Every metric I could measure growth has multiplied two, three, or four times over the last quarter century, with a big peak happening in the last 5 years. Every committee chair, committee member, regional representative, officer and our new executive administrator, past and present, continues to add value to CASFM's mission and vision, and I give thanks that I have gotten to know them both professionally and personally. You will find included in our newsletter by our Vice Chair (soon to be Chair) Jen Winters updates from different areas of our organization to catch up and hopefully use in the new year.
My challenge to you going into 2026 is to make the most of your membership in CASFM. There are many committees that you can become a part of: some technical, some professional growth, some just for networking and fun. And then there is our amazing conference that will be back in Steamboat Springs in mid-September with opportunities to grow and have fun. All of that and more are available with your membership. Or are you ready to go to that next step like I was 25 years ago and get involved even more by being one of the committee chairs, regional representatives, or officers and add your voice to where CASFM goes in the next quarter century? I had no clue what I was doing when I volunteered, but I can tell you without doubt it has benefited me on so many levels.
Please have an amazing 2026 and GoAvsGo!
-Danny Elsner
Conference Photo Recap
Conference Photo Recap
Thanks for attending a great conference in Steamboat Springs —enjoy some photos from our membership! Hope to see you again next year in Steamboat!
The Opening Night Happy Hour from the top of the Gondola was a success!
Keynote Speaker, Brad Montgomery, presenting on the "Undeniable, Jaw-Dropping Power of Encouragement"
Beautiful Happy Hour!
Jason Messamer entertaining the crowd during Thursday night dinner
First (Annual?) CASFM Bluegrass Jam
Regional Updates
Regional Updates
Northeast
Northeast
On August 27, we held a Northeast Region social at the Anchor Bar in Loveland. Chris Carlson (Stormwater Manager, City of Loveland) presented "A Better Big T: The Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan." Chris discussed the opportunities and challenges with the current Highway 287 Bridge and flood mitigation in the area.
We are planning a social and tour of the CSU Engineering Research Center Hydraulics Lab in 2026!
The CASFM General Membership Meeting is tentatively scheduled to be in the City of Loveland on May 14, 2026. You are welcome to join in person if you are in the area!
For information about the Northeast Region, contact Andrew Fisher (Olsson) - afisher@olsson.com
Coming Up...
February 2026 - Welcome to the new 2026 Northeast Rep - Caryn Nezat (Ayres Associates)! Also, a big thank you to the outgoing Northwest Rep, Andrew Fisher, for all his contributions!
Chris Carlson presenting "A Better Big T: The Big Thompson River Corridor Master Plan" at the Northeast Region Social (August 2025)
Southeast
Southeast
In June, a great field trip and happy hour were held at the Southmoor Drive Fountain Creek Bank Stabilization project site and Fountain Creek Winery - Thanks to the ~ 25 people that participated!
On August 6th, ASCE SoCO + CASFM Southeast Region combined for the 6th Annual Golf Tournament at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course, Fort Carson. As usual, it was a great time!
Be on the lookout for a Post-Christmas Happy Hour at a brewery near you!
For information about the Southeast Region, contact Jordan Becker (Matrix) - jordan_becker@matrixdesigngroup.com. Please reach out if you have a local project or study you would like to present on!
Southmoor Drive Fountain Creek Bank Stabilization Field Trip (June 2025)
ASCE SoCO + CASFM Southeast Region 6th Annual Golf Tournament (August 2025)
Northwest
Northwest
The Annual CASFM Western Slope Seminar was held on May 9th from 9 am to 3 pm at the Glenwood Springs Community Center. The presentations focused on current water issues on the Western Slope, such as Floodplain Mapping Updates for Western Colorado, the SNOTEL Program, USFS Stream and Fisheries Work in Western Colorado, an update from the CDOT Hydraulics Team and Colorado River District, and more.
The Grand Valley River Corridor Initiative (RCI) is a partnership coordinated by RiversEdge West, American Rivers, and Colorado Mesa University. It is a community-driven initiative focused on supporting and maintaining a healthy river corridor and its associated needs, uses, and values for generations to come. RCI is seeking volunteers to serve on working groups and advisory councils. If you are interested in learning more contact Lisa Froshaug at lisafr@gjcity.org.
If you are interested in presenting a project, leading a project field trip, or leading a discussion on a topic challenging Northwest Region Colorado, please contact Lisa Froshaug (City of Grand Junction) lisafr@gjcity.org.
Coming Up...
February 2026 - Welcome to the new 2026 Northwest Rep - Toby Thieman (Bohannan Huston)! Also, a big thank you to the outgoing Northwest Rep, Lisa Froshaug, for all her contributions!
Southwest
Southwest
The Southwest Region was impacted by significant flooding in October 2025. CASFM was able to reach out locals to offer support if needed.
Moving into 2026, we are continuing to connect with local CASFM members about 2D BLE training needs in the SW Region.
For information about the Southwest Region, contact Russell Anderson (MBI) - Russell.Anderson@mbakerintl.com
Coming Up...
February 2026 - Welcome to your new 2026 Southwest Rep - Melissa Bryant (RESPEC)! Also, a big thank you to the outgoing Southwest Rep, Russell Anderson, for all his contributions!
San Juan River Flooding in Pagosa Springs (October 2025)
A house torn down due to flooding along Vallecito Creek near Durango (October 2025)
Christin Shepherd presenting about Reflective Listening and Conflict Resolution at the Metro Area Social (October 2025)
Coming Up...
February 2026 - Welcome to your new 2026 Metro Rep - Heather Ottstetter (City of Westminster)! Also, a big thank you to the outgoing Metro Rep, Melanie Walter, for all her contributions!
Metro
Metro
Thursday, April 10th Christi Wisleder from Merrick presented "How and Why to Launch a Grassroots Mentor Program."
On June 26th, we had a field trip to the Kenny’s Run Project in Golden. This was a joint training held with the Outreach and Training Committee and was followed up by a Metro social at the Golden Mill. Food, drinks and fun were had by all!
Municipal Stormwater Partnership (MSWaP) is a new committee to bring municipalities across Colorado into a knowledge sharing platform that assists capital and development review staff who oversee public and private stormwater infrastructure. It's mission is to answer the question of "what do other municipalities do?" Any interest or questions, contact Melanie Walter at mwalter@arvada.org.
Thursday October 30th, Christin Shepherd (MHFD) presented "How to Reflectively Listen - Listening is the foundation of connection". In our work, connection is vital for understanding our customers' and stakeholders' needs, gaining support for our projects, and ensuring that all voices are heard. Drinks and apps were provided.
Thursday December 4th, we had a joint social/Christmas sweater contest with EWRI, Colorado Chapter to introduce the two organizations to one another.
For information about the Metro Region, contact Melanie Walter (City of Arvada) - mwalter@arvada.org
Committee News
Committee News
On June 12, we held a field trip to tour the Resilient St. Vrain Project in Longmont. We had great participation and learned a lot about the design and construction of the project.
Next committee meeting will be January 2026. Invites will come out after the New Year.
In 2026, we will continue to report and comment on proposed changes to the CRS program. We will also continue to report and comment on any proposed changes to Federal Floodplain Management programs.
For more information or to get involved, contact Monica Bortolini (City of Longmont) - Monica.Bortolini@longmontcolorado.gov; or Connor Johnson (AECOM) - Connor.Johnson@aecom.com
Participants touring the Resilient St. Vrain Project in Longmont (June 2025)
Our next meeting will be held in early 2026. For more information or to get involved, contact Brian Varella (CDOT) - Brian.Varrella@state.co.us
2025 was a year full of trainings! Outreach and Training hosted a python training, a HEC-RAS 1D training, and two HEC-RAS 2D trainings, as well as a less-technical workshop covering Mental Gymnastics. We also organized an hour-long, action-packed lunch and learn on Colorado Water Law. Thanks to all who presented, hosted, and participated in those events.
Lastly, in June, O&T hosted a field trip at the Kenney's Run Greenway project in downtown Golden. Thanks to Icon and Vallerian for organizing and leading the tour. Thanks also to Melanie Walter for organizing a Metro Region social just down the road to follow up the tour. We look forward to getting back outside next summer with our CASFM contingent.
For more information or to get involved, contact Drew Kustusch (RESPEC) - andrew.kustusch@respec.com.
Kenney's Run Greenway Project Tour - Joint training with the Metro Area Region (June 2025)
We had a remarkable year of fundraising this year for the scholarship fund! We held several events throughout the year include the silent auction at the Conference. We were able to raise $14,848.46!
Our newly selected 2025-26 recipients were notified in early December. We received 14 applications for the Ben Urbonas Graduate Scholarship, 13 applications to the Undergraduate Scholarship, and 4 applications for the Family Scholarship.
We are excited to announce that in 2026 the committee will be chaired by Ben Liu (Matrix) - ben_liu@matrixdesigngroup.com. Also, a big thank you to the outgoing chair Selena Klosowski (City of Denver), for all her contributions!
Visiting Pretreatment Installation at an Extended Detention Basin during the Water Quality Field Trip (September 2025)
Visiting Bioretention Planters during the Water Quality Field Trip (September 2025)
The Stormwater Quality Committee hosted a field trip to Northglenn/Adams County in September to check out SCMs in a suburban context. These included a large pretreatment installation at an extended detention basin, ROW permeable pavement and infiltration testing, and larger streetside bioretention planters.
We will be hosting a hybrid meeting in January 2026 to plan for the year and network in person. For more information or to get involved, contact Candice Owen (MHFD) - cowen@mhfd.org.
Infiltration Testing during the Water Quality Field Trip (September 2025)
Mentor-Protege Program
Mentor-Protege Program
Designed to bridge generations and strengthen Colorado’s stormwater community, the 2025 CASFM Mentor Protégé program created a welcoming space where seasoned professionals and rising leaders learned from one another, deepened their self-awareness, and formed relationships that extended far beyond the nine-month program journey. Through imaginative and meaningful group events (from a Dungeons & Dragons–inspired Core Values Quest to an energizing introduction to the Color Code) participants gained insight into what drives them, how they show up at work, and how they can better communicate, collaborate, and thrive.
Alongside these reflective sessions, the program incorporated dynamic, industry-focused experiences that made mentorship both practical and powerful. A speed-dating–style matchmaking event kicked-off new partnerships with energy and intention, while a dedicated session on relationship-building in the stormwater industry reframed consultants and clients as long-term partners in progress. Together, these experiences created a vibrant, growth-minded community – one where mentors shared wisdom, protégés found their footing, and everyone left better equipped to lead with purpose, resilience, and heart.
We are excited to announce that they will be donning their battle shields and once again braving the mentoring mission with a 2026 CASFM Mentor Protégé Program. Interested CASFM members can expect the program application to be released in late January. Keep an eye on CASFM’s website and social media for more information.
For more information or to get involved, contact Emily Villines (Calibre) - emurphy@calibre-engineering.com); or Claire Paschke (Kimley-Horn) - Claire.Paschke@kimley-horn.com.
Thank you for making 2025 a very special year for YMG events, we ran the gauntlet between trash pickups, nights at both an Avalanche game and a Rockies game, trivia night, happy hours, the conference dinner, Friendsgiving, and many other events (make sure you show up to Ugly Sweater Contest and Bingo Night on December 18th at Public Offering Brewery as well).
We are in the works for an even better and bolder 2026, especially with an expansion into the Southeast region. If you want to stay in the loop for future YMG events, reach out to us at casfmymg@gmail.com to hear more about events. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @CASFM_YMG for out latest news and events, we look forward to seeing you there!
Board Game Night
Mini-Golf
Trivia Night
Toastmasters and YMG Joint Happy Hour
Book Club
Book Club
The CASFM book club has enjoyed several great books this year. We started the year with Atomic Habits by James Clear; it's a bestselling nonfiction book for a reason! We shared the ways we are using small habits to make big changes in our lives, personally and professionally. This summer, we read Abundance by Derek Thompson and Ezra Klein. The authors outline the political, economic, and cultural barriers to progress and how we can adopt a mindset directed toward abundance, and not scarcity, to overcome our problems... so it was certainly a discussion-provoking read for our club! Finally, we've just wrapped up the year with The Great River by Boyce Upholt, a stunning tale on the history of the Mississippi River through an anthropologic and engineering lens.
While we regularly meet online, we enjoyed some face time with two in-person meetings; one at the CASFM conference, and another at Renegade Brewing along with the CASFM Young Member's Group to raise money for the CASFM Scholarship Fund.
Thank you all for a great year, and we hope you enjoy some cozy reading this winter.
For more information, contact Frans Lambrechsten (Kimley-Horn) - frans.lambrechsten@kimley-horn.com.
Toastmasters
Toastmasters
CASFM Toastmasters meets on the last Thursday of every month over lunch at the MHFD office (or virtual) to improve our public speaking and communication skills. We are switching up our normal schedule this month with a meeting at MHFD from 4-5pm on December 18th followed by a Happy Hour at 6 and 40 Brewery.
We are looking for new members! Reach out to carter.strien@kimley-horn.com or knosiglia@loeweneng.com if you have any questions or would like to be added to the TMs email list. We hope to see you at this month’s meeting, HH, or both!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse