Funding Opportunities Late May

Grant Deadlines:

TColorado Growing Water Smart Technical Assistance - The Sonoran Institute and the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy are now accepting proposals from Colorado Growing Water Smart Workshop participants for follow-up technical assistance to take action toward integrating water and land use planning. Please review the application for complete information on this opportunity. The request for proposals is open to all communities that have participated in a Growing Water Smart workshop, with preference given to communities who participated in the September 2024 workshop with Northern Water. Please send your submission to GrowingWaterSmart@sonoraninstitute.org by Friday, May 16, 2025, 5:00 PM MDT. Learn more HERE. 

The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO) has a new grant opportunity to support Climate Resilience projects within the state's agricultural sector. Climate resilience is the ability to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from hazardous events, trends, or disturbances related to climate. This grant program is designed to provide crucial financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have experienced adverse effects due to climate-change induced disasters and are seeking to enhance their resilience against future climate-related challenges.Irrigation canal running alongside a wooden building with grasses growing on the sides and the sun in the background. Applications are due May 29, 2025. Learn more HERE. 

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP) funds organizations and projects that improve access, representation, meaningful participation, and quality experiences for youth and their families in the Colorado outdoors. Grants of up to $100,000 are available to support non-profit organizations, for-profits, schools and school districts, federally-recognized tribes, and local governments. Grant projects decrease barriers to the outdoors for traditionally-excluded youth, provide responsible recreation experiences, create conservation opportunities, and support job and career training for low-income, racially and ethnically diverse youth, LBGTQ+ youth, the disability community, and/or American Indian and Native youth. The Grant Interest Form submission period for the grant is April 18 - June 2, 2025. Learn more HERE. 

The 2026 Drinking Water and Wastewater State Revolving Fund Eligibility Surveys will open on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The department encourages all municipalities, counties, districts, public water systems, not-for-profit water systems, and other special districts to participate. Please visit the Colorado Environmental Online Services (CEOS) portal to complete the surveys (drinking water and wastewater), but please note that an individual system can only submit one of each type of survey. Submit the drinking water and/or wastewater surveys through the CEOS portal by June 30, 2025 to be added to the 2026 project eligibility lists for SRF and BIL funding. Learn more HERE.

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. 

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 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.

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

Job Announcements Late May

CPW Program Coordinator / Invasive Species Specialist (Hot Sulphur Springs) - This position will implement invasive species containment, prevention and control methods for CPW. The primary function will be to manage watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) stations, including hiring and supervision of temporary employees, and coordination with partner agencies as well as area and regional staff. Learn more or apply HERE. 

LRE Water is seeking a senior-level Environmental Scientist, Hydrologist, or Water Resources Engineer to join our team of industry-leading professionals. This position is ideal for someone passionate about cross-disciplinary watershed service projects, regulatory navigation, and implementing innovative water resource solutions. The successful candidate will lead complex projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and develop long-term partnerships that drive measurable environmental outcomes. For a detailed job description and to learn more about this opportunity, please click HERE. 

Clean Water Watershed & Engineering Program Manager - This position manages all aspects of the Clean Water Watershed & Engineering Program including: work plan development; organizational issues; regulation development; stakeholder efforts and communications; work coordination; personnel selection and assignment; media and public communications; and budget creation and oversight. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, the program manager coordinates interactions of staff with citizens, regulated entities, diverse groups interested in Colorado’s water quality program and other governmental agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency. The position also provides long-range vision, strategic planning and program development for the Clean Water Program. Application closes May 27th, 2025. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Clean Water Permitting & Compliance Program Manager - This position manages all aspects of the Clean Water Permitting and Compliance Program including: work plan development; organizational issues; regulation development; stakeholder efforts and communications; work coordination; personnel selection and assignment; media and public communications; and budget creation and oversight. In addition to overseeing day-to-day operations, the program manager coordinates interactions of staff with citizens, regulated entities, diverse groups interested in Colorado’s water quality program and other governmental agencies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency. The position also provides long-range vision, strategic planning and program development for the Clean Water Program. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. in Greeley, CO, is hiring an Inside Sales Representative. In this full-time, in-person role, you'll work closely with the sales team to support customers by providing expert guidance on seed products for pasture, reclamation, turf, and CRP. Ideal candidates should be organized, customer-focused, and able to build strong relationships. While previous sales or agricultural experience is a plus, it is not required. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive training, health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off. This position is open until filled, with priority given to those with agricultural, rangeland, or NRCS experience. If you have any questions, please call 970-356-7002 and ask for Shawn. Send Resume and Cover Letter HERE. Applicants are also encouraged to drop off their cover letter and resume at our office in Greeley at 605 25th Street. 

Boulder County is seeking applicants for Water Quality Technician III. Under general direction, the Water Quality Technician III provides an essential role in supporting water utility operations and compliance. This position collects water quality samples, conducts basic and advanced laboratory analyses, performs equipment and instrument maintenance, performs data management and analysis. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Colorado Mesa University is seeking to hire Executive Director, CMU Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center. CMU seeks a dynamic leader to lead in the reinvigoration of the Water Center through systematic organizational development, strategic planning, and impactful programming. In January 2025, the Colorado River District (“CRD”) and CMU committed $600,000 through a three-year grant to support capacity building, staff, and strategic planning. This funding is an opportunity for an innovative, dynamic, and resourceful Executive Director to reestablish the Water Center to serve as a driving force for producing, sharing, and informing constituents of the Upper Colorado River Basin and Western Colorado water research and interests. Learn more or apply HERE. 

The West Region Wildfire Council seeks a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our nonprofit organization. This leadership role requires a strong background in fundraising and grants, financial management, and organizational strategy. The CEO is responsible for overseeing programs, ensuring financial stability, leading fundraising, and promoting a strong culture of collaboration and teamwork. The CEO’s responsibilities are carried out in close partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Conferences & Events Late May

May 16th, 2025 | Watershed Wildfire Protection Group - The next Watershed Wildfire Protection Group meeting for Friday, May 16th 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at the Decker Branch of the Denver Public Library. In this meeting, we will continue our conversations about collaboration and funding, discuss Wildfire Ready Action Plans, and the Fix Our Forests Act. See the agenda HERE and please RSVP HERE. 

May 17th, 2025 | SCCORR Hosts Volunteer Fair - Are you looking for ways to help steward our public lands? More than a dozen local conservation organizations will gather at the Purgatory Community Center (aka Durango Nordic Center) on Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm to highlight volunteer opportunities they offer throughout the year. Our community has so many options available for everyone, regardless of skill, energy, or age! Celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day by learning how you can give back to our beloved public lands through volunteering.  Learn more HERE.

May 17th, 2025 | Clean Up Green Up - The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is hosting the 34th annual Clean Up Green Up in conjunction with Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, May 17. Register HERE.

May 19th, 2025 | Water Quality Forum Meeting - The next Water Quality Forum meeting will be a virtual meeting via zoom on May 19, 2025, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. The agenda is posted to the website under membership meetings/documents.  We strongly suggest utilizing your computer so you can see the presentations. Additional presentations will be added to the WQF Website as they become available.  If you have any questions, feel free to email lisabcarlson@gmail.com. Join the Zoom HERE. 

May 20th, 2025 | Colorado Springs Connecting Colorado - The 2025 Southern Connecting Colorado Conference will feature diverse educational sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities. Topics reflect the foundational elements in our 'Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence' which include: Advocacy, Communications/Marketing, DEAI, Evaluation, Financial Management, Fund Development, Governance, Human Resource, Information Technology, Leadership, and Strategic Planning. Learn more or register HERE. 

May 20th, 2025 | Trees in the West - Join us for a one-day conference exploring complex and shared sustainability challenges for urban forests in the Western US from diverse perspectives. Connect with your colleagues, learn from experts, and share your insights! Learn more or register HERE.

May 20th, 2025 - Mapping the Flow: GIS Storytelling for Conservation - 1pm MST - Discover how conservation organizations are harnessing the power of ArcGIS StoryMaps to amplify advocacy efforts and share inspiring stories of those working to protect our planet. Join River Network and the ESRI StoryMaps team for an engaging lesson on the impact of storytelling through mapping. Learn more HERE. 

May 21st, 2025 | State of the River: Eagle River Valley - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

May 21st, 2025 | Community Pub Talk: Who is working to restore our watersheds? - 5-7:30pm - Join the N. Fork Poudre SCT for a community Pub Talk about conservation! Learn about and meet the organizations who are working to improve the health of the North Fork of the Poudre Watershed. This event is FREE and open to the public! Please RSVP so we have an idea of how many folks will be in attendance. Learn more or RSVP HERE. 

May 22nd, 2025 | Coffee and Climate Conversation: The Power of Storytelling in Climate Action - Wilkinson Public Library - 8:30am - Join EAP, Sheep Mountain Alliance and the Wilkinson Public Library for May's Coffee and Climate Conversation about the power of storytelling in climate action. Hear from local experts in the world of storytelling, learn about must see environmental films at Mountain Film, and delve into the topic of how the stories we share can spark empathy, drive community engagement and shift perspectives on environmental issues. Gather, connect and discover how our voices can shape a more sustainable future- one story at a time! Free coffee, tea and pastries kindly provided.

May 22nd, 2025 | State of the River: Blue River - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

May 28th, 2025 | Webinar: Liquid Assets - Water market trends in Colorado and the West - Join Water Education Colorado on May 28, from 12pm - 1:30pm, to explore water market trends. We'll look at how water rights are bought, sold and traded for different uses; how prices have changed over time; how farmers, cities, environmental interests and others are navigating a shifting water market; and we'll hear various perspectives on the opportunities and challenges with Colorado's market. Learn more or register HERE. 

May 28th & 29th, 2025 | Yampa Basin Rendezvous - Science in Action: Building Resiliency through Restoration of Natural Processes - The 2-day event will provide an overview of exciting new local research on the interactions between snow, climate, and water supply, and will showcase efforts to address these and other related challenges both within the Yampa River Basin and beyond. The Rendezvous will include morning discussion panels with scientists and project leaders, special welcome and keynote addresses, afternoon field learning, and an evening community showcase happy hour event. The overarching goal is to provide a venue that links the latest science with projects that work in concert with natural systems to achieve a more secure and sustainable future. Learn more or register HERE. 

May 29th, 2025 | State of the Yampa Address - The State of the Yampa is an opportunity to come together and learn something about rivers like the Yampa, the lifeblood of our local environment and economy.

May 31st, 2025 | Troutfest Colorado - Troutfest Colorado is a one of a kind summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and community. It’s for anglers, would be anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, or simply families looking for a fun and engaging day at the ballpark. People of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds are welcome. Held in the heart of lower downtown at Denver’s most iconic and accessible venue, Coors Field, Troutfest Colorado is a convenient way to learn more about conservation and fly fishing. Free and open to the public, it’s the perfect early summer festival. Learn more HERE. 

May 31st, 2025 | Love Your Trail – Uncompahgre River Walk Maintenance - Join us for a community trail day to show some love to one of Ouray’s most scenic trails, the Uncompahgre River Walk! Help with maintenance tasks like trimming overgrown vegetation, pulling weeds, and picking up litter, spreading gravel—all while soaking in the beauty of the Ouray. Supported by UWP and our Recreation Allies of the Uncompahgre River (RAUR). Learn more HERE. 

June 3rd & 4th | Water Education Colorado's Annual River Basin Tour - We’re excited to share that Water Education Colorado’s 2025 Annual River Basin Tour will explore the Southwest River Basin on June 3–4, 2025! Join us for two full days of learning, connection, and on-the-ground exploration as we travel through one of Colorado’s most beautiful and complex river basins. This year’s tour will highlight innovative techniques driving water sustainability, showcase multi-benefit projects, and feature diverse speakers sharing insights on how water ties into agriculture, forest health, municipal supply, Tribal priorities, mining, and more. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 5th & 6th, 2025 | 2025 Conference on the Colorado River - Once again, the Colorado River is at a crossroads, as the efforts to finalize the post-2026 rules push up squarely against long standing conflicts, legal interpretations, and notions of equity and inclusivity.  Complicating progress is the narrow focus on reservoir operating rules, and the tradition of pushing the thorniest issues to future discussions in largely undetermined forums and unknown schedules.  In this event, we assess the current state of progress, focusing specifically on the degree to which emerging steps forward incorporate the lessons learned through past experiences. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 11th, 2025 | Boulder Creek Waters Celebration - Celebrate your local waters & give back to the cause! Cocktail hour on the creek with live bluegrass. Three course farm to table dinner followed by a live auction. Learn more or buy tickets HERE. 

June 12th, 2025 | Aurora Water's Binney Water Purification Facility - Join Colorado WaterWise for a tour of Aurora Water's Binney Water Purification Facility on June 12. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 20th, 2025 | One Water Day 2025 - This year’s One Water Day theme, Managing Water for Thriving Communities, will focus on stormwater and the urban ecosystem, highlighting the benefits of integrated stormwater management and collaboration across utilities. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 20th, 2025 | Watershed Summit - The Watershed Summit, or “Shed” as it is affectionately known, has become a Colorado tradition. Each June stakeholders gather to discuss current and future water challenges and opportunities facing the state. Shed ’25 is a fully in-person event at Denver Botanic Gardens, concluding with the ever-popular happy hour event. A special add-on morning event will feature a panel and discussion on One Water. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 26th, 2025 | 3rd Annual Take me to the River Fundraiser - Join CPRW for the 3rd Annual Take Me to the River fundraiser to support and celebrate the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), your local watershed group working to improve and maintain the ecological health of the Poudre River through community collaboration. Learn more HERE. 

June 28th, 2025 | 17th Annual Ridgway RiverFest - This annual festival offers an afternoon of family-friendly fun and education in celebration of the Uncompahgre River Watershed – free to festivalgoers from near and far with all-age river races, awards and prizes, information about local nature and outdoor recreation, live music, food, and beverages. It is a fundraiser for the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership, providing awareness and funding for our rivers, water resources, the need for conservation and important water quality and riparian area monitoring and restoration activities. Learn more HERE. 

July 9th, 2025 | A Night for the Rivers - Benefitting the Roaring Fork Conservancy - Save the Date. 

July 12th, 2025 | 2nd Saturdays at CSU Spur: River Festival - Save the date. 

July 26th, 2025 | Front Range Ecology Series: Water -  It’s impossible to ignore the importance of water when we live in such an arid environment. To support the large number of people living in the Front Range, many programs, policies, and constructions have been created to divert and moderate water usage. Join water policy expert Quinn Harper and Natural Resource Specialist Erica Hample to learn about the ecology of water in the arid west and the solutions people have created to live here. Learn more or register HERE. 

August 9th, 2025 | Poudre RiverFest - The Poudre RiverFest is a free, family-friendly festival that celebrates the Poudre River, promotes restoration, and educates people about our river corridor, an important natural resource in our community. The festival features activities for children and adults to explore the role of the river as an important habitat for wildlife, a lively recreation area, and a source for clean drinking water. Learn more HERE. 

September 18th, 2025 | Colorado WaterWise 2025 Annual Water Conservation Symposium - Save the Date. 

September 10th, 2025 | Water Education Colorado’s President Reception - Save the Date. 

September 30th - October 4th, 2025 | The 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2025) will be held in person on 30 September – 4 October 2025 in Denver, Colorado, United States. SER’s World Conference is an exciting and inspiring biennial gathering of global experts in restoration, making SER2025 the premier venue for those interested in being active members of the global restoration community. Call for abstracts closes January 30th.  Learn more HERE. 

October 7th - 9th, 2025 | Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference - Save the date. 

October 14th & 15th, 2025 | 2025 Rocky Mountain Groundwater Conference - We are accepting abstracts now through Friday, May 23, 2025 for 30 minute presentations and 1.0 - 1.5 hour panel discussions. Learn more 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.

December 2nd, 2025 | Colorado Ag Water Summit - Save the date. 

Trainings & Workshops Late May

May 16th, 2025 | A Homeowner’s Guide to Colorado Water (Woes) - 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m - Coloradans are hearing about drought in the Colorado River Basin, forever chemicals in waterways and lead pipes in homes. Whether you live in an apartment or you own a slice of Colorado real estate, it can be hard to figure out where you fit into local water woes. Join experts as they share every day solutions on everything from showering to turf removal and more. Learn more HERE. 

May 16th, 2025 | Dogs Are "Sniffing Out" Threats to Rivers - A Brooksher Watershed Institute presentation by: Pete Coppolillo, Ph.D., Executive Director of Working Dogs for Conservation - Dogs are being trained to protect aquatic ecosystems, particularly from aquatic nuisance species, around the world. Executive director of Working Dogs for Conservation, Pete Coppolillo, Ph.D., will share how dogs have been able to detect invasive plants and animals, and span the continuum from early detection to mapping and containing infestations, to eradication, with examples from around the United States. He’ll also share some unanticipated benefits of working with dogs, along with pictures and stories from the field. Learn more or register HERE. 

May 20th, 2025 | 2025 Native Bee Watch Training - from 6-8pm - Join Native Bee Watch and help us collect data on native bees this summer! Your contributions will directly help educational and research efforts in Colorado. Learn more HERE or register for the webinar HERE. 

May 20th, 2025 | 2025 Permit Renewal Data & Communication Workgroup - 12:30 - 4:00 p.m. - This is the 2nd large group meeting of the new Water Quality Forum workgroup for the Permit Renewal Data & Communication needs. The overall goal is to further define the topics and prioritize among 6+ potential topics to come up with 1-2 focus areas for the 2025/2026 work plan. We will also discuss overlap and potential to combine with the new Performance Improvement and Reporting workgroup. The meeting agenda and zoom link for the next Permit Renewal Data & Communication Workgroup has been posted to the Water Quality Forum website.

May 21st, 2025 | Live Like You Love It®: What is the toolkit and how can your organization benefit from using it? - 1pm - 2:30pm - Join Colorado WaterWise for a deep dive into the Live Like You Love It® Toolkit materials! This statewide campaign is designed to deliver a unified, consistent message about the value of Colorado water and the need to conserve, care for and commit to becoming more informed about this critical resource. Learn more or register HERE. 

May 27th, 2025 | SRF Anxiety: How To Secure State Revolving Funds - State revolving loan funds, or SRFs — the federally-capitalized, state-led loan programs that serve as a key conduit for the funding of water projects — come with a lot of concern, especially now. There's no shortage of need, considering the challenges of aging infrastructure, regulatory mandates, building resiliency, et al., but the gap between needs and funds is large — and could even grow. Learn more HERE. 

May 28th, 2025 | Growing Water Smart Webinar: Funding Local & Regional Water Resilience - What are the options for funding water conservation and resilience work, particularly at the local and regional levels? In a changing funding landscape, this webinar explores ways to create and implement funding mechanisms for long-term water resilience. Learn more or register HERE. 

June 4th, 2025 | Aluminum Workgroup Meeting from 10 - 11:30am. Bob Gensemer will summarize this year's data and highlight any trends or findings. Any additional topics suggested by the workgroup will also be presented. Join the Zoom meeting HERE.  

June 10th, 2025 | Flood Irrigation and Stream Recharge – Hydrologic Study Results in the White River Basin - Colorado Cattlemen's Ag Water NetWORK will be hosting a webinar on June 10, 2025 at noon which will overview the results of a hydrologic study of the White River Basin near Meeker. The study looks at the role flood irrigation plays in sustaining stream flow during irrigation and post-irrigation months. Field measurements were used to inform 3D watershed modeling (MODFLOW), which included the role of irrigation canals, crop water use, soil processes, and the aquifer. Register HERE.

June 11th, 2025 | Native Plants: Potting media, soil, and tips for transplanting success - 12pm - Native plants can be a lower-maintenance, lower-water option for your landscape but only if they establish successfully. Join Allisa Zurbuchen, from CSU Extension, whose doctoral research focuses on nursery container production of native plants, for a deep dive into what's going on beneath the soil line and how to optimize transplanting success of your favorite native plants. This webinar will be recorded and posted to PlantTalk.org/webinars a few days after the live presentation. Register HERE. 

June 17th, 2025 | 2025 Fuels Mitigation Grant Workshop - We are excited to announce that Wildfire Partners has teamed up with the Colorado State Forest Service and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources to bring you a free one-day grant workshop designed to build upon your skills in developing and writing successful fuels mitigation grant proposals! The workshop will be held on June 17th from 9:00am – 3:00pm at the SE Boulder County Hub in Lafayette, CO. Workshop capacity is limited and open to participants across the state, register HERE. 

June 17th, 2025 | Wildfire Ready Watersheds: preparing for wildfire/flood events - Join Blue River Watershed Group for a basin-wide stakeholder workshop scheduled to gather community input into the WRAP process. 3:30-6:30pm at the Community & Senior Center in Frisco, public welcome. Learn more HERE. 

June 17th - 26th, 2025 | Who Gets to Tell the Story of Water? Water Equity in Colorado - In this virtual course, students will engage in action research to identify and share solutions for water equity issues in Colorado. Through storytelling and narratives about water in the region, students will explore their personal relationship with water and equity. The course will incorporate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, along with insights from social science, historical perspectives, geographic tools, and diverse viewpoints. This comprehensive approach will enable students to develop a deeper understanding of water issues in Colorado over time. Using this context, students will craft and tell their own unique water stories to share. Learn more HERE. 

July 7th - 11th, 2025 | Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes - Agriculture in the St. Vrain Valley - Explore the diverse and dynamic world of agriculture in the St. Vrain Valley! Based in the Longmont, Mead, and Firestone area, this immersive five-day professional development experience connects educators with local farmers, ranchers, and industry leaders to discover where our food comes from and how agriculture shapes our communities. With hands-on farm tours, classroom-ready resources, and standards-aligned content, this course is perfect for teachers who want to bring real-world learning to life in their classroom. Learn more HERE. 

July 15th - 17th, 2025 | Summer AgriCULTURE Institutes  - Steamboat Springs: Public Lands and Agriculture - Discover the powerful connection between public lands and agriculture in the heart of the Yampa Valley! This three-day course based in Steamboat Springs takes educators on an unforgettable journey through mountain ranches, forests, and open range to understand how land management, water, wildlife, and livestock production intersect. Learn from ranchers, land stewards, and conservationists while gaining fresh tools and ideas to spark inquiry and connect your students to Colorado’s natural and agricultural resources. Learn more HERE.

July 28th & 29th, 2025 | 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 of qualified.  Learn more or register HERE.

July 31st & August 1st, 2025 | Forests to Faucets Teacher Workshop - K–12 teachers—join us for a free, two-day professional development workshop that brings watershed education to life! Forests to Faucets: My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains is an engaging opportunity for educators to to wear the “student hat”, explore local water and forest resources while learning about interactive, hands-on tools to bring place-based watershed education to students. Learn more or register 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.

The Clean 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 more HERE.

Announcements Late May

The CWCB is requesting your participation in a very brief survey about training needs for Fluvial Hazard Mapping. Before offering more FHZ training this summer and fall we hope to better understand the needs of the practitioners and planners that are in the field making these maps and using this information. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey - it will help us help you. We encourage you to respond either as a team lead and/or to share with members of your team to complete individually. The more input, the better. Access the survey here: https://forms.gle/HPRojvcpEQwkRnaZ7. 

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is developing a new 10-year strategic plan to guide its work from 2026 to 2036. CPW is working in close collaboration with consultants Prosono and The Equity Project to gather input from staff, stakeholders, the public and tribal partners. CPW invites and encourages the public to submit feedback to inform CPW’s 2026 Strategic Plan. Feedback is being collected anonymously from April 21 through May 26 on EngageCPW.org. 

The Colorado Forest Resilience Planning Guide provides tools to strengthen collaboration, integrate community values, and access science-based resources tailored to local landscapes. By fostering collaborative planning and adaptive management, this guide helps communities, agencies, and resource allocators to better position themselves to achieve lasting forest health and resilience together. The resilience guide is described and discussed extensively in a recent Colorado Forest Collaboratives Network Branching Out session. You can see a recording of this session here, including an engaging Q&A and discussion beginning at 00:41:02.