Director Since: May 5, 2020

Education: University of Northern Colorado

Born in Brush, Colorado, and raised on a family farm in Hillrose, Jim Walker has deep roots in agriculture. After earning degrees in Greeley, he returned to northeast Colorado to farm, ranch, and operate a custom cattle feeding business while raising his family. In 1988, Jim led the successful “Hailed Out Farmers in Northeast Colorado” movement, advocating for the inclusion of hail relief in the federal Drought Bill of 1988.

Jim later relocated to Weld and Larimer Counties before settling in Loveland, where he transitioned to a career with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). During his time at CDOT, he managed the state’s Avalanche Control and Noxious Weed programs. Before retiring, Jim played a key role in the implementation of modern avalanche control systems, including the installation of Gazex systems to protect Colorado’s highways. He now continues consulting on avalanche control, though he views winter snowfall with more interest in its impact on water supplies than its avalanche potential.

In addition to serving on the Little Thompson Water District Board of Directors, Jim has dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including:

• Avalanche Artillery Users of North America
• Advanced Explosive Processing Research Group (CDOT and Colorado School of Mines)
•  CO Weed Management Association
• State Weed Committee (Colorado Department of Agriculture)
• Washington County Soil Conservation District 1
• Wiggins Farmers COOP
• Rock Creek Soil Conservation District
• Morgan County Farm Services Agency