Funding Opportunities for Early April

Two fishermen on the Uncompahgre River in Ridgway State Park, Division of Wildlife, Holger Jensen, 8/29/2003

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking applications for a new WaterSMART water marketing strategy funding opportunity. Reclamation is making approximately $3 million available for implementing water marketing strategy grants under this funding opportunity. CLICK HERE to learn more by searching for funding opportunity announcements. Applications are due by April 19, 2017 at 4:00 PM MDT.

EPA is accepting Letters of Interest under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) — due April 10, 2017. The program will make up to $1 billion in credit assistance loans available to state, local, and tribal governments; private entities; partnerships; and State Revolving Fund programs for large infrastructure projects such as drinking water and wastewater treatment, improved energy efficiency, and drought mitigation. More DETAILS.

The US Department of Agriculture has announced that $252 million will be made available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program for "innovative, workable and cost-effective approaches to benefit farming, ranching and forest operations; local economies; and the communities and resources in a watershed or other geographic area." Pre-proposals are due April 21st, 2017. Details here.

Outdoor clothing and gear company Patagonia provides grants to nonprofit organizations engaged in environmental work. The company's environmental grant program supports small grassroots activist organizations that have provocative direct-action agendas and are working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment. Grants of up to $15,000 will EPA Accepting Letters of Interest under the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) — due April 10, 2017. The program will make up to $1 billion in credit assistance loans available to state, local, and tribal governments; private entities; partnerships; and State Revolving Fund programs for large infrastructure projects such as drinking water and wastewater treatment, improved energy efficiency, and drought mitigation. More DETAILS.be awarded in support of projects that are action-oriented, build public involvement and support, are focused on root causes, and demonstrate a commitment to long-term change. There are two annual deadlines for this process - April 30th (all applications received in April will receive a response by the end of August) and August 31st (all applications received in August will receive a response by the end of January). Click HERE for grant guidelines and application.

USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program – pre-applications due April 21.Through this fourth Regional Conservation Partnership Program Announcement for Program Funding, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will award up to $252 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.  Applicants must match or exceed the federal award with private or local funds. The NRCS national office will host multiple webinars about the pre-application and full project application processes. More details HERE.

Patagonia Environmental Grant - due April 30, 2017. This grant, presented by Patagonia, supports small, grassroots, activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas, working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect our environment. Efforts should be quantifiable, with specific goals, objectives and action plans, and should include measures for evaluating success. Click here for more details.

National Science Foundation CBET Request for Proposals - Due May 1, 2017. The Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems invites proposals in Public Participation in Engineering Research, focusing on the use of citizen science and crowdsourcing, to enhance community engagement with water quality engineering research. The anticipated award size will be up to $100,000, with an anticipated duration of one year, pending availability of funds. Click here for more details.

National Park Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program – Due June 30. The Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) helps to connect communities to parks and natural areas by assisting local leaders in protecting special places and creating close-to-home opportunities for the public to enjoy the outdoors. The program works with local partners to develop and carry out a locally led process that encourages developing a common vision, creative planning, and collaborative action from all the participants. In the National Park Service's Intermountain Region, the program is supporting 41 projects in 2017, including neighborhood parks and trails, regional conservation efforts, river and water trail planning, and much more.  Visit the website to find your nearest contact, learn more about the program in general, and view the application.

Tamarisk Coalition has a list of riparian restoration funding opportunities maintained by the Tamarisk Coalition.  For list click restoration funding opportunities.

Trainings for Early April

Island habitat launched June 9th, 2009 at Washington State Park in Denver, Karen Hardesty, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 6/9/2009

APRIL 3rd - 4th, 2017: National Stormwater Center Certified Stormwater Inspector Training-Municipal, Denver, CO. Designed specifically for MS4 personnel, this course focuses on stormwater permit compliance as the key to restore and maintain the waters of the United States. Testing will be conducted. Students are expected to achieve a minimum overall score of 75% to be awarded 1.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) from National Storm-water Center, and a five (5) year CSI™ Inspector Certificate. This certification indicates that the services are being performed by professionals who have completed the stormwater inspector certification requirements and have met established standards of knowledge, experience, and competence required in the field of stormwater inspections. This two-day course is $799 per person plus $25 registration fee, for a total of $824 per person. There is a $50 per person discount for 2 or more registrations from the same organization. For more information and to register go to www.npdes.com.

APRIL 5th, 2017: 9th Annual ARKWIPP Field Workshop in Trinidad, CO with the Arkansas River Watershed Invasive Plant Partnership. The cost is $20 and includes morning refreshments, lunch, drinks, afternoon snacks. The registration deadline is April 3rd. You can register online at, tamariskcoalition.      

APRIL 11th, 2017: Colorado Foundation for Water Education's Water Educator Network 2017 Water Education Tips and Tricks for Non-formal Educators. Spend the day learning some of the best practices and innovative methods for inspiring learners of all ages to better understand water resources in Colorado from experienced water educator Sarah Johnson. Participants will sample from an array of activities, explore where water fits into the Colorado academic standards, and discuss how to leverage partnerships.  All participants will receive a Project WET 2.0 Curriculum Guide, Proyecto Hydros Spanish resource, and more! Continuing education credit certificates available for educators. Register Here.

APRIL 12th, 2017: Colorado Foundation for Water Education's Water Educator Network Water Festival Coordinators Annual Gathering to share ideas, resources, and best practices. Water Educator Network members will receive a $20 member discount on these events. Not a member? Join to take advantage of discounts and other benefits like these, and to connect with your community. Learn more here. 

APRIL 13, 2017: Webinar: Cyanotoxins, Nutrients and Public Health. Expand your knowledge of water and public health through this free webinar on cyanotoxins and algal blooms—how they're affected by nutrients and nonpoint source pollution, and how Coloradans in rural and urban areas alike are working to address threats to our water quality and public health. Sign up here to attend this FREE webinar, offered in partnership with the Colorado Water Congress. 

The Center for Watershed Protection's 2017 Webcast Series is open. Register today and join them via Adobe Connect for the following sessions: 

May 17, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 2: Nutrient Trading - Register for this webcast!

June 21, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 3:  Making Urban Trees Count - Register for this webcast! 

September 13, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 4: Stream Restoration: Where are we now? - Register for this webcast!

October 18, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 5: Bringing Better Site Design into The 21st Century - Register for this webcast!  

November 15, 2017, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm EST, Webcast 6: Modeling for Water Quality - Register for this webcast! 

MAY 8-12, 2017: The Pikes Peak Workforce Center is proud to partner with The Granstmanship Center to locally host their nationally-recognized Grantsmanship Training Program . This is the only time The Granstmanship Center offers any training in Colorado in 2017. For more information about the Grantsmanship Training Program click HERE.

MAY-JULY 2017,  Colorado Foundation for Water Education (CFWE) will be offering training. The Water Fluency offering will run with classes in the corridor between Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. Register now for Water Fluency, CFWE's professional development course to boost your water knowledge. Participants learn through site visits; in-person classroom discussions; and online materials, presented with Colorado State University's online water course. Learn more about the course, review the agenda, and register here.

JUNE 5th- AUGUST 5th, 2017: Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is advertising for an agriculture and easement monitor/stewardship intern to assist with stewardship of their agricultural leases and easements. As per Pitkin County policy, only students that obtain college/high school credit for the internship will be allowed to participate. The ideal applicant will have an interest in private land conservation or recreation easements and/or public land leasing and will be pursuing a degree in an environmental management, parks and protected area management, natural resources, conservation, or a related field program. The internship will be 40hrs/week at $13.00/hour with an approximate start date of June 5th and approximate end date of August 5th dependent on the intern's schedule. For a full intern description and application visit the Pitkin County hiring website at; https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=1523061       

JUNE 19th-23rd, 2017: Western State Colorado University is pleased to host the Summer Teacher Institute, Monday – Friday, 8:00am-6:00pm. Learn how to incorporate rivers into your curriculum, creating relevant context and connections for your students. This five-day, field-based course includes water management, river ecology, fisheries, and geography of the Colorado River Basin. Rivers are the basis of our Colorado livelihoods and are critical to the future of their students and communities. Our natural affinity to water makes rivers and watersheds a useful and familiar context for cross-disciplinary teaching and learning. Field experiences include a Morrow Point Reservoir boat tour, Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery tour, Gunnison River ecology field day, and a visit to Coldharbour Institute. The second part of the week incorporates participation in the Colorado Water Workshop Conference engaging with water resource professionals from across Colorado. Participants must register for the Colorado Water Workshop to earn 3 ENVS credits.(All meals are included beginning Wednesday at noon; 3 credit course fee of $375; additional $40 course fee plus additional fee of $150 (50% discount) for Colorado Water Workshop. Total cost is $565.) Register Here

AUGUST 2nd - 4th, 2017: The Park Planning and Maintenance Academy (PPMA) is a new school for park and recreation professionals, reinvented, with greater sessions focused on trends and cutting edge park maintenance practices in addition to the fundamentals of park planning. Training will be at the Radisson Hotel, Denver Southeast, 3155 S. Vaughn Way, Aurora, CO 80014. PPMA IS LIMITED TO 50 PEOPLE. REGISTER TODAY, swprti.org/PPMA.  

Job Announcements for Early April

Pueblo Hatchery Technician, Chad Schreivogel in Pueblo Hatchery raceway, Michael Seraphin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 9/29/2009

South Platte Park is hiring a part-time, year-round admin position – great setting, dynamic team, and engaging work. Serve as the primary point of contact for phone customers to confirm program bookings, manage databases and bulk mailings, create public documents and volunteer communications, purchase supplies and services, complete accounting paperwork, manage calendars, answer phones, assist with program marketing, greet visitors and coordinate communication among staff. click HERE for more information.

Jefferson County Open Space is looking for two qualified individuals with a background in natural surface trail construction and maintenance, to join their trails team. These are full-time benefited positions. They are currently seeking a Trails Lead and Specialist positions.   If you are interested or know of someone who might be please visit their website. http://jeffco.us/jobs/

Boulder County Land Use Department has various job openings for a Agricultural Resource Technician, Organic Weed Crew,  and much more. For more openings click HERE.

The Human Resources Division at the City of Louisville is hiring a Seasonal Maintenance Technician, with a Natural Resource Management focus. Job duties will include weed control, weed mapping, prairie dog monitoring, raptor monitoring, and the possibility of volunteer and educational program assistance April 10th- October 6th 2017. For full position description and to apply, please visit: http://louisvilleco.gov/government/departments/city-manager-s-office/employment-human-resources. 

Cal-Wood is seeking field instructor position. Instructors are responsible for providing a fun and educational experience for a learning group made up of 10-15 students during each school’s visit to Cal-Wood. Typical programs are three-day / two-night programs with 4th – 6th graders. For more information and details about how to apply, visit: http://www.calwood.org/get-involved/employment     

SPREE is hiring energetic educators for its three summer camp locations. Summer Educators will lead campers through environmental education lessons, games, and crafts along the South Platte River or Cherry Creek. Find out more about the positions and apply at greenwayfoundation.org/employment.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space has a position open for a stewardship specialist, who works with landowners of private conserved properties. This job has a nice balance of office work and outside time, with a heavy emphasis on being outside in the spring/summer/early fall and in the office over the winter. If you are interested, here is the link to the job description: governmentjobs.com

Jefferson County is currently hiring a Budget & Purchasing Administrator. To learn more please visit:  http://www.jeffco.us/jobs/.

Jefferson County is currently hiring Natural Resources Specialists. To learn more please visit:  
http://www.jeffco.us/jobs.

Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring for the 2017 Trail Stewardship Team. Crew Members (Youth Age 14-18), Crew Leaders, Crew Leader/Drivers (CDL Required), Crew Leader Supervisors,  and Trail Services Technicians. To apply please visit: http://www.jeffco.us/jobs/. To learn more please visit:  http://jeffco.us/open-space/trail-stewardship-team/.

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is hiring a full-time, six month Natural Resources Project Coordinator to help with the implementation of a visitor use study for the Department of Natural Resources. This position will be working primarily outdoors at various locations throughout the county. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://careers-larimer.icims.com.

City of Arvada Department of Parks, Golf and Hospitality Services is hiring a Forestry Technician to perform technical duties in the field of arboriculture and general forestry work to maintain the health, safety, and aesthetics of public trees in the City of Arvada. Performs duties involved in the maintenance of all city parks and open space properties to insure a safe, clean, and functional environment. Click HERE to apply.

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department is hiring a Seasonal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Conservation Technician. For more information and to apply, please visit: https://bouldercolorado.gov/human-resources/city-jobs. Look for the title "Seasonal Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Conservation Technician” under the Parks & Recreation Department and click on it.  There are multiple departments with IPM related positions.  Be sure to select the proper job when applying.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation invites applications for the position of Large Tree Care Supervisor. This position schedules, coordinates, directs and assigns work to crews and/or contractors; inspects work of crews and/or contractors and provides appropriate oversight to accomplish work activities in a timely and safe manner. Assists Manager and other Forestry, Horticulture and Graphical Information System leadership staff with mapping District assets, personnel training, storm damage response, snow removal, mosquito control, special projects and maintaining a safe work environment. To apply click HERE.  

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hiring a seasonal Biologist to help with vegetation management. This position’s primary responsibilities will be GPS mapping weed populations in state parks, managing GIS data, and writing Weed Management plans.  The position requires extensive time in the field and overnight car camping in state parks.  Work vehicle and travel per diem are provided.  Some supervision and/or training of seasonal and full-time employees may be included.  Administrative, scheduling and filing tasks will make up about 10% of the work. For more information about this job opportunity click HERE.  

Conferences & Events for Early April

Project Wild course by canyon and river, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 9/10/1998

APRIL 4th, 2017: National Watershed & Stormwater Conference, Online and Remote Hub Locations. Mark your calendar for the second year of this unique conference.  This conference is designed to allow both in-person discussion at multiple locations and online attendance.  Participants can learn about local and national stormwater and watershed issues while networking at their preferred attendance location. Major conference topics may include: IDDE, Public Education, National Certification, Monitoring, Drinking Water and Stream Restoration. Learn about exciting research, case studies, innovative technology, and special regional considerations from experts around the country. Registration and sponsorship at CWP.org.

APRIL 11th, 2017: 2017 Front Range Open Space Research Symposium will be held from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, at Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC) in Boulder. The symposium will be co-sponsored by City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks, Jefferson County Open Space, Boulder County Parks and Open Space, and INSTAAR Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research. The schedule will involve 12 talks on open space management related research topics from recent grant recipients from all three agencies.  Please visit their WEBPAGE to learn more, see the list of speakers, and link to the online registration.  Register by March 28th to insure your spot, free lunch and free parking.

APRIL 12th, 2017: The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) Rocky Mountain Chapter Annual Meeting will be in Golden, Colorado at the American Mountaineering Center. The meeting is expected to bring together over 150 research­ers, students, government scientists, private sector consultants, and other wetland practitioners. It will cultivate scientific exchanges between diverse groups of professionals involved in wetland stewardship around the region. A draft agenda and other details of the meeting will be available soon. You can also visit their website for updates at www.sws.org/rocky-mountain-chapter. 

The One World One Water Center is participating in a variety of events in the next few months. Here is a brief highlight of some of the events:

APRIL 12th, 2017: CEMS Presents NOVA:  Power Surge:  Buy Tickets

APRIL 13th, 2017: Water Resources Networking Night: More Details

APRIL 21st, 2017: Undergraduate Research Conference

APRIL 28th, 2017: Spectacular Vernacular

MAY 17th, 2017: Denver Metro Water Festival: Volunteers Needed
* For the complete list of events and more details, please visit their Events Page. 

 APRIL 18, 2017 At 11 a.m. , join the Alliance for Water Efficiencyfor "Accessing the Power off the Cloud to Drive Outdoor Water Savings," the latest installment of their Innovations in Efficiency webinar series.This FREE webinar will provide an introduction to recent advancements to irrigation control technologies. Find out how to leverage the power of the cloud to make outdoor water use more efficient. CLICK HERE to register.

APRIL 19th - 21st, 2017: The Colorado Wildland Fire Conference will take place at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, CO. This year’s conference will expand on the Fire Adapted Communities concept, providing the framework for moving from awareness to action, messaging to mitigation, and words to work. This conference is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise about reducing communities’ vulnerability to wildfire, www.wildfire-colorado.com. 

APRIL 22ND, 2017: The Greenway Foundation will be hosting the Publication Printers Family RiverSweep . Join them at 9:00 am at City of Cuernavaca Park, volunteer for an hour, and then participate in fun activities with their SPREE Staff until 12:00 pm. This is a free event, but prior registration is required. Click HERE to learn more about the event.

APRIL 25, 2017: Water 2.0 will be having a Digitally Connecting the Water Industry Conference. The Water 2.0 Conference: Digitally Connecting the Water Industry will focus on the use of data analytics, software, cyber security for water utilities and industrial water users. Participants will include water and energy industry authorities, utilities professionals and representatives from the EPA. $250 registration Click here to register online.

APRIL 26th - 27th, 2017,  Arkansas River Basin Water Forum in Colorado Springs. For 22 years, the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum has served as a conduit for information about water issues and education.  Through the Forum a broader understanding of water issues has evolved along with the opportunity to find common ground. For more information click  ARBWF.org

MAY 3rd, 2017: Future of the Thompson: A Watershed Moment, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm at the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, 220 Water Ave, Berthoud, CO 80513. The purpose of this event is to explore major watershed challenges and opportunities over the next 20 years, as seen by the various sectors who benefit from a healthy watershed, and assess whether there is interest in investing in a collaborative watershed management plan or effort for the Thompson River drainage area. For more information and registration click HERE.

MAY 17th, 2017: Denver Metro Water Festival, Denver, CO, this half-day event for sixth grade students in the Denver Water service area is designed to complement their science unit on water by offering engaging, hands-on water-related lessons and activities that expose students to the many ways water plays a role in our lives and the world around us. This annual festival offers an opportunity for individuals and organizations throughout the state to participate through presentations, volunteerism and sponsorships. For more information, click here.

Mountain Park Environmental Center (MPEC) Summer Camps provide children with days filled with Nature fun and life-long memories. They have several new camps planned for this summer. Transportation from Pueblo is included in MPEC camps, and they have a scholarship program that can help those who need financial assistance. Camp descriptions, prices, and other details can be found BY CLICKING HERE, including applying for a scholarship and registering. Please do not wait to register, as many camps fill up.

JUNE 12th - 16th, 2017: Cubs Camp (Entering K-1st Grade)

JUNE 19th - 23rd, 2017: Nature Explorers (Entering 2nd-3rd Grade)

JUNE 20th - 22nd, 2017: Mission Wolf (Entering 6th-8th Grade)

June 26th - 30th, 2017: Intrepid Adventurers (Entering 4th-5th Grade)

JUNE 27th - 29th, 2017: NEW Water and Rock Camp (Entering 6th-8th Grade)

JUNE 13th - 15th, 2017: Changing Lands, Changing Hands Conference at the DoubleTree Stapleton North, Denver, CO. A National Conference on Farm and Ranch Access, Tenure and Transfer. Land access, agricultural land tenure and farm succession are priority challenges for US agriculture. USDA and groups across the country are addressing these issues with research, policies, programming and professional development. In cooperation with USDA, Land For Good will host Changing Lands, Changing Hands, a national conference on these topics. More information and registration can be found at landforgood.org.

JUNE 14th, 2017: Save the Date, for the 9th Annual RiverBank fundraiser from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Join them for a beautiful evening in support of Colorado's rivers. Activities will include a silent auction with river trips, stay-cation packages, outdoor gear, and many other exciting items to bid on along with a presentation of The David Getches Flowing Waters Award. Click HERE for more details.

OCTOBER 10-12, 2017:2017 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference at the Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO invites you to submit ideas for presentations at the 12th Annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. This highly popular event expands cooperation and collaboration throughout our state for natural resource conservation, protection, and enhancement by informing citizen groups, agencies, consultants, and legislators about current issues and through networking opportunities. In 2017, the conference will focus on “Coming Together – the Confluence of Science and Society.” The following sub-themes will be featured this year:

• Non-traditional partnerships to share resources and improve stream health.
• Reaching the right people; how outreach and education has affected water project implementation.
• Using data to tell stories that bridge divides, make compelling cases for restoration, and create catalysts for
  decision making and forward momentum.
• Innovative agricultural and range management practices and partnerships to promote soil and stream health.
• Balancing watershed health and resource development in mining and energy.
• Disaster recovery projects: adapting to a changing environment and engaging stakeholders in the ecology of their
  watershed.
• Use of innovative or under-used techniques to address watershed and stream health challenges.

Call for papers submission by Monday April 10, 2017. You can submit via http://www.coloradowater.org/submit-your-paper.

Announcements for Early April

The Roaring Fork River at the new Riverfront Park, Colorado Division of Wildlife, 10/28/2005

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hosting a meeting April 4, 1:00 pm at White River Electric (Kilowatt Corner) in Meeker. Regarding their recent sampling efforts on the White River that was initiated in late 2015 through fall 2016. The meeting will present findings from the samplings. They would like to engage stakeholders so that together, the community might begin to address what appears to be a fairly complex problem. Please spread the word, as all interested individuals are invited. Further questions can be directed to David Graf -  david.graf@state.co.us.

The Boulder County Parks & Open Space Staff will host an open house on Thursday, April 6 at the Parks & Open Space building, 5201 St. Vrain Road, Longmont to present and take public comment on the draft Rabbit Mountain Elk Management Plan: 2017-2027. The staff presentation will begin at 6 p.m. Public comment can be submitted at the open house and online anytime now through April 26. Additional opportunities for public comment will be available at the Parks & Open Space Advisory Committee meeting on April 27 and at a Board of County Commissioners hearing to be scheduled in May or June. For more information go to www.BoulderCountyOpenSpace.org/elkmanagement