Rancher
Representing: Agriculture
​Board Term: 2021 to 2024

​ ​Travis Smith is currently the Western Water Specialist for National Wild Turkey Federation addressing forest and watershed health issues across the west, including Colorado.  He has been a strong advocate for Colorado water users for over 40 years. Partnerships built on trust and respect describe his career.
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Travis began his water career after serving in the US Navy, with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources administering the water rights on the Rio Grande from 1978-1992. Travis then served as the Superintendent for the San Luis Valley Irrigation District from 1992-2017.

Travis has been a member of the Colorado Water Congress for 30 years and is currently serving on the CWC Board of Directors addressing Colorado’s water policy issues. Travis is the 2017 CWC Wayne N. Aspinall Colorado Water Leader of the Year. Having been appointed by three different governors, he served 12 years on the Colorado Water Conservation Board, chairing CWCB in 2007 and 2008, assisting in the development of the Colorado Water Plan. He also served on the Colorado Inter Basin Compact Committee from 2010-2017.  Travis continues to serve on other Colorado water organizations, including the Rio Grande Basin Round Table Executive Committee.