People

Karyn Stockdale

Western Water Initiative Senior Director

Karyn Stockdale is Senior Director of Audubon’s Western Water Initiative working to address precipitous declines in water across the arid West—with a focus on the Colorado River and the network of saline lakes. Karyn leads innovative conservation efforts - from public policy to restoration - to help decision-makers adapt to diminishing water supplies with improved policies and increased investments in climate resilient strategies.

Karyn joined Audubon in 2007 as Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon New Mexico. Prior to Audubon, Karyn worked for the Trust for Public Land on the protection of open space, cultural and historic sites, and environmentally sensitive lands, with a focus on the Rio Grande. 

Today, Karyn oversees a multi-departmental Audubon team to address Colorado River basin water shortages and apply these lessons to other river basins, to scale up restoration projects in the Colorado River Delta and at the Salton Sea, and to conserve saline lakes—including Great Salt Lake—essential to birds across the West. Karyn helps lead the Great Salt Lake Watershed Enhancement Trust, a partnership-based effort to advance projects and voluntary transactions to retain and enhance water flows to the lake and preserve wetlands with important hydrologic connections. Her work spans across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming and northwestern Mexico.

Articles by Karyn Stockdale

An avocet stands in shallow blue water with water dripping from its beak.
Audubon’s Bold Work in Western Water
December 10, 2024 — As we move into 2025, the work remains critical...and exciting.
Celebrating the Gila River and Supporting the NM Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund
February 27, 2024 — 100 year anniversary of Gila Wilderness reminds us of need for climate resilient funding for ongoing wildlife and river protection.
Momentum Gaining on Important Water Work to Benefit Birds and People in the West
December 18, 2023 — Great Salt Lake, Colorado River, Salton Sea, and other lakes, rivers, and wetlands need lasting solutions.
A wilson's phalarope on water.
Utah’s Wet Winter Gives Some Reprieve to Great Salt Lake
April 27, 2023 — But long-term water conservation solutions and secure water are still needed.
As Water Levels Plummeted to Historic Lows across the West in 2022, Urgency for Audubon to Protect People and Birds
December 19, 2022 — Facing challenges head on this year: dedicated water, dollars, and improved policies.
How We Might Address the Water Crisis for the Colorado River and Birds in the West
July 28, 2022 — Solutions exist but need to be scaled up for the next year and beyond.
Ring the Alarm: Today’s Water Crisis Isn’t a Fire Drill
June 28, 2022 — Why Audubon’s work in the West is more important than ever.
Amid a Drought Crisis, Inspiration from Our Work in Western Water for Birds and People
December 13, 2021 — In 2021, Audubon led the way in protecting rivers, lakes, and bird habitat in the West.
American White Pelican. Joanne Wuori/Audubon Photography Awards
The West Urgently Needs Federal Funds to Address Drought, Wildfire, and Climate Change
September 25, 2021 — With big spending bills on the horizon, Congress needs to prioritize water security for people and birds.
The Entire Colorado River Basin is in Crisis
September 20, 2021 — We need climate action, now.