Funding Opportunities Late October

Grant Deadlines:

Nature in the City has funds from the Community Capital Improvement Program to apply towards community-driven projects that provide increased access and stewardship to high-quality natural spaces. The two types of grant funding opportunities are project planning and project implementation – Dream it Up and Make it Happen! Please apply by midnight Oct 20, 2025! Learn more HERE

The Water Quality Control Division’s Local Assistance Unit is now accepting applications for the 2026 Assistance Grants Program. These grants provide financial assistance for drinking water systems that need help addressing a water quality challenge or a compliance requirement. Applications open through October 21, 2025. Learn more or apply HERE

COCO started the Action, Implementation and Mitigation (AIM) Program to accelerate fire adaptation concepts and reduce the risk from wildfire across the U.S. by increasing capacity and on-the-ground work. Since its inception in 2018, we have supported over 90 organizations. This funding opportunity is open to organizations working to advance wildfire risk reduction. The AIM grant is available for a wide variety of capacity-building activities, including personnel, planning efforts, and wildfire risk reduction work on non-federal lands. COCO funds organizations across the country with a focus on programs and projects that increase communities’ ability to overcome barriers to successful community wildfire mitigation, multiply the efforts, achieve quantifiable outcomes, support equitable and inclusive community wildfire mitigation programs across the fence, and support place-based solutions. Request for Concept Papers now OPEN below under 'Application' and 'Timeline'! Due October 24, 2025, 5PM MT. The Fall 2025 AIM Informational Webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 12:00 PM MT. Learn more HERE

The Department of Natural Resources-Executive Director's Office is pleased to announce $6.8 million available for the 2025 Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) Workforce Development Grant. COSWAP is a state-funded program designed to support wildfire risk reduction in Colorado to protect life, property, and infrastructure. COSWAP’s Workforce Development Grant provides supported, entry-level, hands-on experience and training opportunities for individuals interested in wildfire mitigation and forestry. This is a two-year grant that will be offered every other year. We encourage applicants to submit proposals for projects that span the next two years so there will not be a gap in work completed before the next round of funding becomes available again. Applications due November 3, 2025. Learn more HERE

RESTORE Colorado funds at-scale habitat restoration and stewardship projects on public and private conservation lands in Colorado that have the greatest benefit for wildlife and local communities. RESTORE Colorado is a partnership among the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Great Outdoors Colorado, the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Water Conservation Board, the Gates Family Foundation, Occidental, Walton Family Foundation, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Applications are due November 10, 2025. Learn more HERE

Grant Programs:

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Water Project Loan Program provides low-interest loans for the design and construction of agricultural and municipal water collection, storage, and delivery facilities, as well as hydroelectric power generation  projects in Colorado; however, it does not fund drinking water or wastewater treatment projects. A minimum loan request of $100,000 is recommended. Projects financed by the Water Project Loan Program must align with the goals identified in Colorado’s Water Plan and its measurable objectives.

Community Navigator Program - The Watershed Center and Coalitions and Collaboratives, along with several other national and regional nonprofit organizations, are partnering with the US Forest Service on a community navigator initiative, which supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and building capacity for wildfire risk mitigation and climate resilience. To get in touch with a navigator, fill out a request form here.

Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap: EPA is offering free technical assistance for communities with failing decentralized (septic) wastewater systems, or communities with no existing wastewater systems at all. Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards? Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents? Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems? If any of these conditions apply, then your community may be eligible for assistance through this initiative. Communities – including homeowners and utilities – and all states, Tribes, and territories can request no-cost technical assistance. Technical assistance can help assess current wastewater infrastructure, recommend options, and support development of funding applications for the community. More information can be found HERE.  

IRA Forest Landowner Support - Provides grant opportunities to entities and organizations delivering technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners - including Tribes, underserved landowners, and small-acreage landowners - to participate in emerging private markets for forest resilience and climate mitigation.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities to prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.

The Colorado Water Plan Grant Program supports implementation of the Colorado Water Plan.The Partner Actions within the plan offer examples of the types of project level work that CWCB can help support through this grant program. All grant applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular Water Plan category. Application deadlines are twice per year (July 1 and Dec 1). Colorado Water Plan Grant program multi-benefit funding categories include: Water Storage & Supply; Water Sharing Agreements; Conservation & Land Use Planning; Engagement & Innovation; Agricultural; Watershed Health & Recreation. To learn more or to apply, please contact the CWCB staff person in your basin, listed HERE

City of Ft. Collins Nature in the City Planning Grants. Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!

Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.

The Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Grant Program provides funding to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests through a unique local review process. Requests for funds from the WSRF program must be presented to and recommended by the respective Basin Roundtable prior to submitting a grant application and being considered by the CWCB Board. Deadlines to apply vary based on the respective Basin Roundtable meeting schedule and more information can be found HERE. Eligible projects may include funding for technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural, consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; design of structural projects or activities; infrastructure replacement or maintenance projects.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program. 

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.

Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.

The Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click HERE for more information and to apply.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion ofWater Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost. The WIFIA program has funding available on an ongoing basis. Learn moreHERE.

Colorado Water Funding Opportunity Navigator

Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.

Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Funding Opportunities

A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.

Job Announcements Late October

Eagle River Coalition (ERC) seeks a Community Engagement Manager or Coordinator to join a small, passionate and dedicated team. This position focuses on the implementation and streamlining of watershed education programs throughout the Eagle River Valley. Additionally, this position will oversee ERC marketing efforts and must be comfortable with public speaking. This is a single position with flexibility to hire at a Community Engagement Coordinator OR Community Engagement Manager level, depending on experience and qualifications. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. Learn more and apply HERE

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is seeking an Executive Director. This is an exciting moment for RMFI. Building on over four decades of success, the organization is poised to strengthen its leadership in land stewardship, education, and restoration research. The Executive Director (ED) will work collaboratively with the Board, staff, and partners to advance RMFI’s mission while responding to emerging challenges such as climate change, wildfire recovery, and increasing recreational pressures on public lands. The ED will be the chief ambassador of RMFI, ensuring the organization is visible, trusted, and impactful throughout Southern Colorado and the Pikes Peak region. The Executive Director manages a current budget of approximately $1.8 million and a staff of 33 (8 full-time salaried staff and about 25 seasonal field staff). Learn more HERE

We are looking for a strategic utility engineering and operations leader to join our team of dedicated operations engineers and professionals and continue to provide safe, efficient, high quality, and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to our community. Working as the Director of Engineering & Operations at Eagle River Water & Sanitation District puts you at the forefront of service and environmental stewardship in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. The Director of Engineering & Operations provides leadership and strategic vision to the District in the primary operational functions of Water, Wastewater, Field Operations, Operational Technology Services, and Engineering. The ideal candidate for this role is visionary, strategic, technical, communicative, team-focused, and has a big-picture mindset to manage the breadth and depth of our operations initiatives and execute our strategic organizational goals to realize our vision of excellence.  Learn more and apply HERE

Conferences & Events Late October

October 16th, 2025 | Blue River Water Year Wrap-Up - We are so excited to host this event to offer insight into our county's water distribution and storage system as well as how decisions around water are made. This event will serve as a complement to the Water Year forecast provided at the Spring State of the River event, to discuss factors that influenced the accuracy of those flow predictions and lake height. Join us and hear from Denver Water, CSU's climatologist Russ Shumacher, DNR water resources engineer James Heath, and Nina Waters our County Commissioner. A light dinner will be provided. Learn more and register HERE

October 17th, 2025 | SLV Community Food & Agriculture Action Plan: Environment Promote resilient stewardship of land, water, and other natural resources to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Learn more HERE

October 17th, 2025 | Exhibit Launch Party: LIVING RIVER The Promise of the Mighty Colorado - Join the Headwaters Center on Friday, October 17, 2025, for the opening of our newest exhibition from 4:30–7:00 PM. The evening begins with a cocktail hour from 4:30, where guests can explore the museum and mingle. At 5:30 PM, enjoy a special presentation by Dave followed by a Q&A session. The event concludes with time to revisit the museum, connect with others, and take part in a book signing. Museum admission will be free and light appetizers and wine will be provided. Learn more HERE

October 18th, 2025 | Love Your Gorge - Join the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership and Ouray Ice Park Love Your Gorge on Saturday, October 18 for a fun morning of volunteering. Our 2025 work plan in the park includes picking up litter above and inside the gorge. Inside the gorge, often log moving and large metal removal is also necessary. We will also be repairing some stairs that are being eroded by the weather and water. Plus, UWP has a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to address other erosion issues at the Uncompahgre Gorge that impact safety and water quality. Learn more and register HERE

October 18th, 2025 | POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and Beer: The Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter is hosting a presentation and discussion at Sanitas Brewing Company in Boulder on October 18th from 5:30-7:30 with Royal Gardner discussing his new book Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource. The event will include lively discussion on the rollercoaster that is the definition of waters of the US. See HERE for more information or contact swsrockymtn@gmail.com.

October 20th, 2025 | Regulation 84 - Reclaimed Water Control (Reuse) stakeholder meeting - The division will hold the next meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Please note that the division changed the meeting date, which was initially scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. If you previously registered to attend this meeting online via Zoom and added it to your personal calendar, you will need to manually update the time or register again. Meeting materials will be available in this public folder closer to the meeting date. Register to attend HERE

October 23rd, 2025 | 2025 Colorado WET Testing Guidelines Workgroup - This is the initial meeting of the new Water Quality Forum workgroup for the Colorado WET Testing Guidelines: Consistency Measures and QA/QC Improvements, with the goal of reviewing the workgroup rationale, reviewing potential topics that may be covered, and clarifying the workgroup scope and schedule. Learn more HERE

October 28th & 29th, 2025 | C9 Summit - The C9 Summit is a collaborative gathering of Colorado’s diverse water stakeholders, including Basin Roundtable members, the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC), the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), and the public. Registration is now open. More details, including an agenda, available HERE

October 29th, 2025 | The American Southwest Colorado River film coming to the Wright - The American Southwest is a family-friendly wildlife movie that takes viewers on an unforgettable journey down the mighty Colorado River. Narrated by Quannah Chasinghorse, the film beautifully showcases the region’s abundant wildlife, confronts the ecological impacts of dams and water overuse, and advocates for better management of the river. Buy tickets HERE.

October 29th, 2025 | WrightED Lecture Series: Rivers, Water, and You - What’s up with the Colorado River? Rivers & the Law - Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. MST, 4 Sessions via Zoom: October 29, November 5, 12, & 19, 2025 Presented by the Wright Opera House in collaboration with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership $30 enrollment for all 4 sessions | Can’t attend at 9:30am? Don’t worry! All sessions are recorded and emailed for easy viewing on your own time. Learn more HERE.

October 29th, 2025 | Fire Lives Here + Q&A - Fire Lives Here is an intimate journey into the heart of Colorado’s Front Range, where fire is not just a threat—but a force of renewal. Through the voices of scientists, firefighters, and forest stewards, this documentary reveals how fire shapes the land, restores our forests, and holds the key to protecting the places we love. After viewing the film, learn about local wildfire mitigation and forest health projects with local forestry experts from Larimer County, Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed. Hosted by the National Forest Foundation, the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed and the Northern Colorado Fireshed Collaborative. Learn more HERE.

October 31st - November 9th, 2025 | Denver Film Festival - The Colorado Environmental Film Festival (CEFF) is proud to be a partner of this year’s Denver Film Festival, celebrating the power of film to inspire awareness and action for our planet. While you wait for our film lineup announcement, join us in exploring these environmentally focused films that highlight the beauty of nature, the urgency of climate challenges, and the creativity of those working toward a sustainable future. Check out the environmental interest films below & use CEFFDFF15 for 15% off tickets! Get yours today before they sell out!

November 3rd, 2025 | The Future of Water & Agriculture in Colorado - Join Palmer Land Conservancy and our partners for two FREE events to celebrate the future of water & agriculture in Northern Colorado with a special screening of MIRASOL, Looking at the Sun, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Ben Knight and produced by Palmer Land Conservancy. In this poignant film, award-winning filmmaker Ben Knight challenges us to think about land and water use in the West through an intimate portrait of a rural farming community in Pueblo, Colorado, as they fight to protect their water and land, and in turn, their culture and livelihood. A panel discussion will follow the film and feature voices from agricultural producers, policy influencers, and researchers focused on Northern Colorado’s pressing regional water challenges. Learn more HERE.

November 5th, 2025 | Riparian Book Club - COCO and the Colorado Riparian Association (CRA) are partnering to bring you Colorado Stream Restoration Network (CSRN)'s Riparian Book Club. The ultimate intent of CSRN's Riparian Book Club is to help bridge the gap between academic research on stream/wetland systems and applied restoration design. These book club discussions are targeted toward those tasked with stream-wetland restoration design and project planning, to seminal/pivotal scientific papers that can help them in daily work tasks. The November meeting will focus on the natural wood regime. Learn more HERE

November 5th, 2025 | WrightED Lecture Series: Rivers, Water, and You - Why restore rivers and wetlands? Uncompahgre Watershed Projects - Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. MST, 4 Sessions via Zoom: October 29, November 5, 12, & 19, 2025 Presented by the Wright Opera House in collaboration with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership $30 enrollment for all 4 sessions | Can’t attend at 9:30am? Don’t worry! All sessions are recorded and emailed for easy viewing on your own time. Learn more HERE.

November 6th, 2025 | Sacred Water, Wondrous River with Lorelei Cloud & Johnny Le Coq - “We know that water is sacred. We also know that water is alive.” Lorelei Cloud, member of the Southern Ute Tribe and the first Indigenous person to chair the Colorado Water Conservation Board, grew up hauling water to her home. Johnny Le Coq, an avid fly fisher, combined his passion with his design skills to start Fishpond, a Colorado-based fly fishing and outdoor gear company. Their different backgrounds meet at the Colorado River, and they share a mission to protect it. Join the Roaring Fork Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy for a special installment of the Brooksher Watershed Institute. Special Guest Ramsey Kropf will emcee a lively evening featuring Lorelei and Johnny in a conversation about Tribal engagement in the Colorado River basin. Learn more HERE

November 6th, 2025 | Flows Training Series Peer Call: Flow Restoration Tools with Colorado Water Trust - 10:00am-11:30am - Register HERE

November 10th - 12th, 2025 | AWRA 2025 Annual Water Resources Conference - The AWRA Annual Water Resources Conference is recognized as one of the most diverse and inclusive gatherings in the field of water resources management. This premier event offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative, practical, and applied solutions to today’s water challenges.

November 12th, 2025 | WrightED Lecture Series: Rivers, Water, and You - How do we get our water? Local Water Systems - Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. MST, 4 Sessions via Zoom: October 29, November 5, 12, & 19, 2025 Presented by the Wright Opera House in collaboration with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership $30 enrollment for all 4 sessions | Can’t attend at 9:30am? Don’t worry! All sessions are recorded and emailed for easy viewing on your own time. Learn more HERE.

November 13th, 2025 | RMFI ShinDIG - Join RMFI for an evening to celebrate the 2025 season with live music, awards, and a silent auction! Your ticket to the ShinDIG includes heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and a fun evening supporting RMFI with your fellow public land enthusiasts. Learn more and get your tickets HERE

November 13th, 2025 | Water in the West Symposium - The 2025 CSU Spur Water in the West Symposium will be hosted in person Nov. 13 in the Hydro building at CSU Spur. This year, the Symposium will focus on handling change and complexity. The theme this year is Uncharted Waters: Navigating Change and Building Resiliency. Learn more HERE

November 19th, 2025 | WrightED Lecture Series: Rivers, Water, and You - Where do rivers start? Snow & Water Supply - Wednesdays 9:30-11 a.m. MST, 4 Sessions via Zoom: October 29, November 5, 12, & 19, 2025 Presented by the Wright Opera House in collaboration with the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership $30 enrollment for all 4 sessions | Can’t attend at 9:30am? Don’t worry! All sessions are recorded and emailed for easy viewing on your own time. Learn more HERE.

December 2nd, 2025 | Colorado Ag Water Summit - CAWA is hosting this event with the Colorado Water Center to focus on research related to irrigated agriculture and how we can make that research impactful at a time when we need it most. This event is for agricultural producers, water resource professionals, faculty and staff at universities, and especially students. Learn more HERE

December 2nd, 2025 | Upper Poudre Watershed Stakeholder Committee - The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed’s Upper Poudre Watershed Stakeholder Committee meets several times a year to discuss and guide our goals, objectives, and implementation actions in the Upper Poudre River Watershed. The committee provided valuable insight and guidance for the Upper Poudre Watershed Resilience Plan. The committee is open to the public. Please contact Daniel Bowker at daniel@poudrewatershed.org to get involved.

March 3rd - 5th, 2025 | Biennial Riparian Restoration Conference - Mark your calendar for RiversEdge West's 22nd Riparian Restoration Conference on March 3-5, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. Abstracts for Oral Presentations and Symposia are due November 10, 2025. Abstracts for Poster Presentations are due January 5, 2026. Learn more HERE.

Trainings & Workshops Late October

October 21st, 2025 | Colorado Project WET Facilitator Training - Are you an educator, outreach professional, or water enthusiast looking to make a bigger impact? Join an upcoming Colorado Project WET Facilitator Training and become part of a statewide network of leaders teaching others about our most vital resource — water. All facilitator trainings are FREE. 

October 22nd, 2025 | Upper Blue River Basin Wildfire Ready Action Plan Workshop - Come learn about wildfire risk in your community and share feedback on your concerns and priorities! In-person workshops are organized by water basin (in other words, by community); see the RSVP form below for help selecting the right workshop. For all in-person workshops, stop by any time between 5:30-7:30pm. A virtual workshop is also being offered on Oct 29th. Learn more HERE

October 22nd, 2025 | Water Law in a Nutshell - Fort Lewis College - We are pleased to once again present this 8 hour water law course. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn in person with Aaron Clay from the comfort of your own space! This eight hour course  will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, Federal and interstate compacts and more. Learn more and register HERE

October 23rd, 2025 | Tenmile River Basin Wildfire Ready Action Plan Workshop - Come learn about wildfire risk in your community and share feedback on your concerns and priorities! In-person workshops are organized by water basin (in other words, by community); see the RSVP form below for help selecting the right workshop. For all in-person workshops, stop by any time between 5:30-7:30pm. A virtual workshop is also being offered on Oct 29th. Learn more HERE. 

October 27th & 28th | CSI-MS4 Training - Designed for Municipal personnel (MS4), this course will focus on permit regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States.  Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials.  Learn more or register HERE.

November 3rd, 2025 | Integrating Rainwater Harvesting into Colorado’s Water Future - The 2023 Colorado Water Plan estimates that by 2050 there will be a municipal and industrial water supply gap of between 250,000 and 750,000 acre-feet per year (CWCB 2023). This webinar provides the results from Diversifying Colorado’s Water Portfolio: The Potential for Stormwater Capture and Use to Contribute to a Water Resilient Future, a statewide project that aims to advance understanding of the extent to which rainwater harvesting and stormwater capture in urban areas can fill this gap. Register HERE

July 6th - 27th, 2026 | Wright-Ingraham Institute’s Field Workshop 2026 - The Wright-Ingraham Institute’s Field Workshop 2026 is a three-week fellowship that traces the Rio Grande from its headwaters in Colorado’s San Luis Valley into northern New Mexico’s Taos Plateau. At a time of prolonged drought and rapid environmental change, the program brings together a diverse cohort to wrestle with urgent questions at the intersection of ecology, society, and culture. We are now accepting applications for our 2026 cohort. Applications are due January 15th, 2026. Learn more HERE

River Network has launched their Mastering the Grant Lifecycle: From Prospect to Execution learning series. Grants are the backbone of funding for so many nonprofit organizations, but managing them can often feel stressful, reactive, and disorganized. We’ve heard the challenges from across the network, and many of them can be solved with improved processes and more seamless collaboration. If you’ve ever hit a snag in your grant management process and thought there has to be a better way – this series is for you! Watch the episodes HERE

Join RiversEdge West for their 2025 Workshop Series, where experts, practitioners, and community members come together to explore innovative approaches to riparian restoration. Each workshop offers a unique focus on the tools, technology, and partnerships driving successful restoration efforts across the Southwest.

The Professional Water Studies Certificate is made up of three courses – Colorado Water and the American West, Water Law, and U.S. Water Concerns. Take just one that you’re interested in or all three to earn the certificate. Each course is four weeks long, online, and self-paced – allowing continuing education to fit within your busy schedule. Learn more or register HERE

The Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices training is designed to increase the skills of the professional mitigation practitioner and individuals who run mitigation programs. Participation in the 9-week virtual course is not guaranteed as we endeavor to provide training to individuals who lead or have responsibility for community wildfire mitigation programs. Acceptance is on a per person basis and is not transferable to another person. If there are multiple people from an organization signing up please ensure they sign up individually. Please complete this form if you are interested in being considered for the CWMBP training. Application forms are accepted on a rolling basis and added to a review list. As we schedule new classes, we will email next-steps to everyone listed. For questions about upcoming class or for assistance with this form email wendie.warner@co-co.org. Fill out the interest form HERE

EPA Office of Water's Understanding Climate Change Impact on Water Resources Module  — The EPA Office of Water has recently updated and relaunched their Understanding Climate Change Impact on Water Resources Module. This module explains the causes of climate change, its potential impacts on water resources, and the challenges water resource managers face. It was produced by EPA’s Watershed Academy, which publishes educational webinars and publications about watershed management. The updated module reflects the findings of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (2023) and Office of Water's Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan (2022). Regional information on climate change impacts in the United States is also provided in the course. To learn more, click HERE.

EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Water host this free webinar series to communicate current research, regulatory information, and solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. See the upcoming schedule or past recordings HERE.

Webinar Recording: Overview of Prescribed Fire Liability in State Law. Lawyer Sara Clark provides an overview of prescribed fire liability in state law, including definitions of liability and how state laws defining liability interact with certified burn manager programs, tribal sovereignty and cultural burning, and prescribed fire insurance. This webinar is intended for those who are new to the issue of prescribed fire liability or those more experienced who would like an overview of the subject, especially anyone about to engage on similar policy initiatives in their state or jurisdiction.

Online Course: Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is an introduction to Leave No Trace and the actions we can collectively take to protect our planet. In this course we share helpful information with a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.

Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs. Visit this link to begin the course!

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series HERE.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers live and online courses that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with the implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

Introducing the brand new NRCareers.org: Your ultimate resource for career development in the environmental sector. You may have been familiar with the PDF "A How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources." This website contains all the same great information from the original PDF, but now you can search the content directly and enjoy quicker updates without needing to download a lengthy guide! The newly redesigned website, developed by CAEE and the Colorado Youth Corps Association, include career possibilities, who hires, how to apply, and career prep.

TheClean Water Certificate (CWC) Training Program is the first in the nation ANAB-accredited green infrastructure and stormwater training program. The CWC Training Program is now being offered through the CWPA Membership Program. The purpose of the training program is to provide high-quality training opportunities that provides job growth in the stormwater industry and delivers industry-specific job-readiness skills for the under- or unemployed , or currently employed adults seeking to expand their skillset. Learn moreHERE.

Announcements Late October

Help shape how Colorado agencies support communities in building resilience by completing the 15 minute 2025 Colorado Resilience Survey by October 24. Your response will help update the Colorado Resiliency Framework, a state plan that identifies the greatest opportunities for Colorado agencies to increase economic, social, and environmental resilience across the State.

WaterNow Alliance launched a Colorado State Revolving Fund Technical Assistance Dashboard to provide guidance on available funds for water providers. Check out the dashboard HERE

Western Resource Advocates and their partners have developed a community hub hosting resources and tools to help communities make the switch from thirsty, nonfunctional turfgrass to water wise landscaping and to build water smart from the start through integrated water and land use planning solutions. Check out the hub HERE

River Network has created a River Smart Communities Guidebook to support community leaders working to ensure a healthy and resilient future. Learn more HERE