By SANDRA HANSEN, Ag Editor 

CASPER, Wyo. -- The wind howled its way out of the Rocky Mountains, through Casper, and across the Wyoming plains, challenging drivers and causing wildlife to huddle in their shelters. However, inside the Casper Petroleum Club, warm wishes wrapped around a man respected by those who had come to thank him for his years of service and wish him well in his retirement.

John Lawson, Wyoming area manager at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation office in Mills, Wyo., had just turned in his keys after steering the bureau and associated agencies through the region's water management problems for the past 22 years. A Montana native, Lawson arrived in Wyoming in time to maneuver water users through one of the most contentious water fights in the history of the North Platte River, and a devastating drought. But he managed to bring it all together, and with the assistance of Mother Nature, leaves behind a system full of water.

Well-wishers included farmers, irrigation district officials, state water managers, and representatives from state, regional, and national organizations such as the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. Each had his or her story of Lawson's efforts to help them solve issues, large or small. They all praised the partnerships created long the way.

The retirement afternoon was MC'd by John Loutas, former division chief of the Bureau’s Wyoming area operations and management division, who retired 15 years ago.

Highlights brought to attention by the story tellers included the establishment of winter water flows in critical regions of the North Platte River, and bringing adversaries to the table who eventually found ways to resolve their differences.

One of the favorites was Lawson's initiation into the decade-long water fight between Nebraska and Wyoming. The story says that on his first day on the job, back in 1989, Lawson spent three hours being yelled at during a meeting in the Herschler Building in Cheyenne. Eventually, he brought them all to a common understanding that eliminated more legal wrangling.

A common thread throughout Lawson’s career is his ability to bring adversaries to a middle ground. Those who were there say he took time to understand all sides of an argument, and find ways to fit them into a solution.

Whether it was Claudette Stroh and her fellow directors of the Shoshone Irrigation District, or the small army of committee members that made the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program a reality, Lawson managed to keep the conflicts from being personal, thus making them easier to deal with.

One of the final pieces to fall into place is the completion of the weir on the spillway at Pathfinder Reservoir. It was officially completed on Jan. 11, 2012. The concrete weir makes it possible to replace the original capacity of the reservoir. The 54,000 acre-feet will be used to meet Wyoming's share of the PRRIP water requirement, as well as supply water for in-state use.

The list of Lawson's accomplishments could go on forever, but the lasting impression among those he works with is that he took a personal interest in making each outcome fair for his "customers."

"Key to his success is his ability to build relationships," said Lyle Myler, deputy area manager at the Casper office. "John really cares about people."

Lawson wrapped up the afternoon with warm thoughts for those he worked with during the past two decades. "The common theme is that all of us working together made all of these people successful," he said. "In many cases, we started as adversaries and ended as close friends."

Now he and his wife, Ginger, along with their sons, Judd and Grant and their families, will have time to enjoy each other and watch a new segment of Lawson's journey unfold as the couple builds a new home, including plenty of garage space for Lawson's old-car projects.