Announcements Early May

DeWeese Reservoir SWA looking west toward the Sangre de Cristo Range. Division of Wildlife. Michael Seraphin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken: 7/4/2000.

Are you interested in speaking at the South Platte Forum this year? The South Platte Forum is accepting speaker applications! If you have a topic that you would like to present at the conference, please submit an application for the Committee to review by May 1st, 2018. The 29th Annual South Platte Forum on October 24th and 25th at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO.  Submit your application HERE, and learn more about the conference HERE.

MEETING NOTICE: Colorado Water Quality Forum 10-year water quality roadmap Workgroup involvement opportunity. The mission of the workgroup is to achieve solutions to Colorado water quality issues through communication and understanding, balancing use, and protection of the resource.

Water Quality Members and Participants: The 10-year water quality roadmap is their plan to develop or revise water quality standards from 2017 to 2027. They'll hold quarterly workgroup meetings to discuss progress and encourage participation. Learn more about all the topics involved on the roadmap webpage, ROAD WEBPAGE.

Meeting 1:
When - Thurs., May 3, 2018 (1-4 p.m.)
Where - Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246
Sabin-Cleere Room (Building A)
Remote attendance - Adobe Connect
Conference call-in- 857-216-6700 access code 425132
 
Anyone can participate! If you would like to receive future emails about the workgroup, use this online sign-up form to join the mailing list so they can stay in touch.
 

Job Announcements Early May

Echo Lake, near Mt. Evans. Mt. Evans can be accessed through Bergen Park (Evergreen) or by Hwy 103 out of Idaho Springs. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photo taken: 6/16/2009.

Mile High Youth Corps is seeking qualified candidates for their Summer of Service Crew Leaders positions. Positions are available in Colorado Springs and Denver. Mile High Youth Corps Crew Leader positions require individuals who are skilled problem-solvers, experienced leaders and positive role models. A crew is comprised of ten Corps members (18-24 years old) who work together to complete work projects on public lands and in communities. Crew Leaders must possess a strong work ethic, promote high quality work performance in their crew and have a desire to devote themselves to field-based youth development for an entire summer. The position requires both supervisory and technical aptitude, in addition to a high level of comfort in the outdoors. Read more about this HERE.

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is hiring a High Alpine Project Supervisor and a Field Instructor for the 2018 field season: 

• The High Alpine Project Supervisor works under the supervision of the RMFI Program Manager and in close coordination with the High Alpine Field Instructor. The High Alpine Project Supervisor aids in the planning and implementation of RMFI’s trail, restoration, and education field programs. The High Alpine Project Supervisor will be the primary member of the field staff working the Kit Carson Peak-Challenger Point Trail Improvement Project. This is a multi-year project in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to reconstruct the summit trail to Kit Carson Peak and Challenger Point in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. This position requires stays of up to 21 days in the backcountry, completing highly technical trail construction and restoration projects at elevations up to 14,000 feet. RMFI works in partnership with youth corps and college students to complete project objectives. In particular, the High Alpine Project Supervisor will be expected to work in partnership with program staff to run RMFI’s undergraduate field studies course, Earth Corps, as well as providing supervision to youth corps crews from the Southwest Conservation Corps. Specific information about this job can be found HERE. 
• The Field Instructor (FI) works under the supervision of the RMFI Program Manager and in close coordination with the RMFI Field Coordinators. The FI aids in the planning and implementation of RMFI’s trail, restoration, and education field programs. The FI assists program staff in the on-the-ground management of field programs and completion of trail and restoration projects. Primary duties include completing objectives for single and multi-day field projects; instructing volunteers (including school-age children) in trail and restoration techniques; assisting with the oversight of tool, equipment, and food logistics in the field; and assisting with the maintenance of project work logs. The FI works with fellow Field Instructors, Field Coordinators, and senior program staff to ensure quality work standards, the highest degree of safety, and an enjoyable experience for all RMFI program participants.

Find out more above RMFI positions and apply HERE. 

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is seeking qualified candidates for their Projects and Operations Manager position. The Projects and Operations Manager is a full time, non-exempt position that works within the VOC program team to oversee the operational needs for VOC’s boots on the ground stewardship projects. The position also provides professional project management, logistical support and volunteer leadership coordination on VOC volunteer projects administratively and in the field (including extensive travel around the state), and administrative and development support in the off season. Click HERE for full details.

Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) is hiring an Administrative Coordinator who assists with the day-to-day operations of the office and to support staff and the Board of Directors as directed by the Executive Director. Read all pertinent details HERE.

Conferences and Events Early May

A winter scene of James M John State Wildlife Area. Division of Wildlife. Bill Velarde, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken: 12/15/2007.

MAY 2nd-4th, 2018: San Juan Mining and Reclamation Conference - Planning for Resiliency will be held in Creede, Colorado. The format of this conference encourages discussions of how the mining and reclamation community can plan for potential disasters and invites bold and frank conversations about topics that have challenged you, may be considered taboo, or can be uncomfortable to share. Topic examples include, but are not limited to: Longevity of mines; Lifetime of watershed groups; Risk assessment, tolerance, and mitigation; Effectively communicating risk; Fiduciary responsibility and abandoned mines (Good Samaritan Law); Scenario planning; Adaptive management; Environmental justice; New regulations and their impact; Planning for natural disasters and severe weather events; Changes in relationships, partners and stakeholders. Click HERE to learn more.

STATE OF THE RIVER MEETINGS are public meetings held across the Colorado Western Slope to educate and inform on water issues. Experts discuss the amount of water expected to flow into the local reservoirs from snow melt and forecast how conditions may affect the rise and fall of reservoir levels and the amounts and timing of water to be released to the rivers over the upcoming season. 

Next State of the River Meetings: 

May 2 – Summit County State of the River 
5:30 p.m. refreshments & social time; 6:00 p.m. program; Silverthorne Pavilion 400 Blue River Parkway Silverthorne, CO

May 8 – Mesa County State of the River, 6:00 p.m. refreshments & program; Colorado Mesa University Meyer Ballroom, University Center, 1255 N. 12th Street, Grand Junction, CO

May 9 – Eagle River Valley State of the River, 5:15 p.m. lite dinner & social time; 6:00 p.m. program; Colorado Mountain College, 150 Miller Ranch Road, Edwards, CO

May 15 – Middle Colorado State of the River, 5:30 p.m. refreshments & social time, 6:00 p.m. program; Ute Events Center, 132 E. 4th Street, Rifle, CO

May 16 – Ouray County State of the River,  Ouray County Fairgrounds and 4H Event Center,  22739 US-550, Ridgway, CO – time to be determined

May 21 – State of the Gunnison River Basin, 6:00 refreshments & social time, 6:30 program, Holiday Inn, 1391 S. Townsend, Montrose, CO

May 31 – State of the Roaring Fork River Basin, place & time to be determined 

Click HERE to access more information on the State of the River Meetings listed above.

COLORADO RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION (CDPHE) Facility Classification Stakeholder Meetings: CDPHE is hosting stakeholder meetings to discuss drafts developed from work group meetings proposed to update the facility classification sections of Regulation 100 - Water and Wastewater Facility Operator Certification Requirements. This could affect your facility classification in the future. You are encouraged to stay informed. The listed meetings are all outreach meetings with the same content. While you are welcome to attend more than one, the content will be the same. Meeting questions and discussion will vary depending on participants. 

• May 3rd, 2018 in Montrose --- 9:30 - 11:00 a, Montrose County Fairgrounds, (Pioneer room, accessed through Friendship Hall), 1001 N. Second St., Montrose, CO 81401

• May 3rd, 2018 in Steamboat Springs --- 2:30 - 4:00 pm, Routt County offices (commissioners conference room), 522 Lincoln Ave, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

MAY 8th, 2018: Mesa County State of the River Seminar & Dinner, a complimentary chili dinner, and learn about this year's snowpack and reservoir operations, current Colorado River Basin issues, and potential impacts of the dry year in the Grand Valley. This event is free is you RSVP HERE.

MAY 9th, 2018: From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., land conservation leaders from across Colorado will convene for a half-day Conservation Futures Project Summit in Breckenridge. Summit participants will:

• Discuss lessons learned from last year's CCLT board assessment of organizational health and direction
• Review research on a range of statewide organizations whose models are considered to be national exemplars in serving their constituents and advancing common conservation goals
• Participate in core purpose and goal-setting exercises designed to set the vision for a redesigned statewide land conservation coalition
• Provide critical guidance to the Conservation Futures Project steering committee as it seeks to shepherd the CFP process

Read more about the Conservation Futures Project Summit HERE.

MAY 9th-11th, 2018: Advancing Colorado by Investing in the Outdoors Workshop. The Partners in the Outdoors Conference brings together organizations, agencies, schools, businesses and communities engaged in the future of Colorado's conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities. Together, we can improve the quality of life for all Coloradans by promoting awareness and respect for natural resources, sustainable growth of businesses, and responsible hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn more HERE.

MAY 29th-JUNE 1st, 2018: The Society of Wetland Scientists 2018 Annual Meeting will be held at the Hilton Denver City Center in Denver, Colorado. This unique meeting is themed “Wetland Science: Integrating Research, Practice, and Policy – An Exchange of Expertise.” Reserve your spot to network and build professional connections with the highest level of wetland professionals at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Click HERE for more information.

JUNE 7th-8th, 2018: Join GWC Summer Water Conference, "What Lies Beneath? Reasons to Care About Groundwater in the Southwest." at the University of Colorado School of Law. Read specific details HERE.

JUNE 20th - 21st, 2018: Pawnee Butte Seed Company 2018 Grass Tour. Working with the Colorado Section - Society of Range Management, West Greeley Conservation District, and Jordan Angus, together they have a great tour planned for you. Starting Wednesday afternoon: enjoy a tour of Emmett Jordan's Ranch in Briggsdale. Jordan received the 2017 Colorado Section SRM Excellence in Rangeland Conservation award. Following the tour there will be a BBQ at the beautiful West Greeley Conservation Districts Houston Gardens. Thursday join them for a day all about water. Visit different locations in Northern Colorado and see the different ways water is used in Weld County and its different forms. If you would like to join in please email becca@pawneebuttesseed.com to register!  

AUGUST 6th, 2018: Reclaimed Water - Regulation 84 Hearing Hosted by Colorado Water Quality Control Division. A public hearing is being held to review proposed regulatory changes to Reclaimed Water Control Regulation 84. For more details about other WQCC Rule-making Proceeding, click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 10th-12th, 2018:  2018 Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA) conference. Do you have open space, natural resource management, or conservation expertise that you’d like to share?  They are seeking presentations for the conference, which is themed “Ripple by Ripple, Water is the Driving Force in Nature.”  Read more about this HERE.

OCTOBER 9th - 11th, 2018: SAVE THE DATE - 13th Annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. The Color of Water: Exploring the Spectrum, Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO. Don't miss the premier watershed conference in Colorado. Expanding cooperation and collaboration throughout Colorado in natural resource conservation, protection and enhancement by informing participants about new issues and innovative projects and through invaluable networking. Stay tuned at SCW Conference 2018.

OCTOBER 24th-25th, 2018: 29th Annual South Platte Forum at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO. The conference will feature an exciting lineup of speakers and topics, and a great opportunity to network. This year the South Platte Forum is accepting speaker applications! If you have a topic that you would like to present at the conference, please submit an application for the Committee to review by May 1st, 2018. Find the list of speakers and their bios HERE, and all general and pertinent information and links HERE. 

NOVEMBER 7th-8th, 2018: 8th Annual Upper Colorado River Basin Water Forum will be held at CMU University Center in Grand Junction, CO. For more, click HERE.

Trainings and Workshops Early May

A pond and berries in Hall Valley near Bailey, Colorado. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photo taken:9/15/2009

MAY 4th-6th, 2018:  Colorado Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (COPARC) Annual Meeting at Lake Pueblo State Park, 640 Pueblo Reservoir Road, Pueblo, CO 81005. Friday - educational workshops on herpetofauna inventory and monitoring; target audience is agencies and consultants, but all welcome. Saturday - general meeting with Keynote speaker Dr. Sean Graham, Social, and Auction. Sunday half-day. Click HERE for more details.

MAY 8th-9th, 2018: Connecting for Conservation is a networking program to encourage partnerships and coordinate collective action across a range of non-profits, agencies, owners and disciplines in the Four Corners. Connecting for Conservation was an idea borne from the realization that many organizations in the Four Corners share conservation goals and interests, but lacks the resources to bring these goals to fruition as singular, isolated efforts. Join this 2018 Workshop by clicking HERE.

SPRING 2018: For the first time One World One Water Center will offer a Water Studies Online Certificate through Metropolitan State University of Denver! Participants are required to complete four courses: Water Law, U.S. Water Concerns, Colorado Water and the American West and a final capstone project. For more information and to register: CLICK HERE.

South Platte River Basin Water Development Concept Workshops. As outlined in the South Platte/Metro Basin Implementation Plan, the focus will be regional cooperative, multi-purposed projects that will need to be developed to help reduce the gap between existing water supplies and future water demands.

• May 10th, 2018 in Denver CO
• May 15th, 2018 in Berthoud, CO. 

Click HERE to learn more. 

MAY 14th-18th, 2018: Larimer County is holding the annual Ranger Excellence School. This will be held at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland, Colorado. This year they are offering courses in Ranger Leadership, Wildlife Encounters, Scene size up, low angel rescue training, OC/Pepper Spray Certification, Baton Certification, Medical, Driving, and Self Defense, just to name a few. They will also have demonstrations on e bikes, Wildlife K9s, Drones, and a Helicopter Evacuation demonstration. This is a dynamic and hands on training in all the areas a park ranger needs to be an effective asset to their agencies. This is open to not only rangers but all other staff in Natural Resources that are interested.  More information can be found HERE.

The Center for Watershed Protection presents Watershed and Stormwater Webcast Series:

• Bioretention Design Modifications- May 16, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST
• Retrofitting the Urban Environment: What’s New?- June 20, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST
• Stormwater and Green Infrastructure for Combined Sewer Systems- September 12, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST
• Innovations in Stream Restoration Design and Construction- October 10, 2018, 1-2:30 PM ES
• It Ain’t Easy Getting Green: Incentivizing Watershed Programs- November 14, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST

Find pricing information and registration HERE.

WATER EDUCATION COLORADO'S WATER FLUENCY PROGRAM

A professional development course for non-water professionals. Learn the language of water and develop tools for navigating water management and policy issues so you can lead with confidence. Water is critical for every aspect of community vibrancy, from industry to commerce to agriculture, tourism, health, and the environment—but it isn't always clear how policy and management decisions around water trickle down to affect other sectors or vice versa. This comprehensive program will help you make those connections. Four in-person classroom days; water-focused site visits; and online discussions and homework between classroom days. The scheduled program dates are: 

• May 22 and 23 in Pueblo
• June 22 in Colorado Springs
• July 20 in Fountain

The topics will include:

• Colorado's water resources (the role of water in society, the economic value of water, ties to public policy, emerging issues)
• Legal and institutional frameworks (water law and administration, project planning and approval, interbasin projects and agreements)
• Water resource management (watershed health, environmental protection, water quality, natural disasters)
• Colorado water for the future (assessing supply and meeting demand, ecosystem values, conservation and land use, alignment of resources and policies)

The class will be capped at 35 people to ensure a quality experience. Find out more HERE, and register HERE.

MAY 22nd-23rd, 2018: Functional Assessment of Colorado Wetlands Training Course. CDOT is sponsoring two 2-day training courses on the Functional Assessment of Colorado Wetlands method. The Denver course is full, but the May 22-23 course in Glenwood Springs still has several spots left. Please contact Becky Pierce, CDOT Wetland Program Manager, for more details and/or to register.

JUNE 5th-6th, 2018: Forests to Faucets Teachers Workshop; A two-day workshop for teachers who want to learn watershed science and the model lessons using the My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains teacher guide, children's book, and kit. See full details on the workshop in the flier HERE, and read more about the book mentioned above HERE.

JUNE 5th-8th, 2018: The Stream Functions Pyramid Workshop is coming to Fort Collins! This course is for individuals involved in stream assessment and restoration/mitigation projects and provides a framework for assessing stream functions. Participants will learn that stream functions follow a hierarchical structure, which has been organized by the following categories: hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, physicochemical and biology. The course starts with lectures and exercises on stream functions following the Pyramid Framework and then moves into applications. Participants will work with function-based parameters, measurement methods, and associated performance standards. Find more information HERE.

JUNE 20th - 21st, 2018: Colorado Section - Society for Range Management Summer Workshop. This workshop will take place on the Jordan Angus Ranch 7 miles east of Briggsdale on June 20 and at Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. in Greeley on June 21. Jordan Angus Ranch received the 2017 Colorado Section SRM Excellence in Rangeland Conservation award. During the morning of June 20 there will be a workshop for high school agriculture teachers on the Jordan Angus Ranch to learn about range management concepts; discuss how to incorporate these concepts into teaching curricula; and receive basic instruction on FFA rangeland judging and plant ID as a Career Development Exercise. This event  is being organized by Emmett Jordan and will conclude with a sponsored lunch on the ranch. The Colorado Section of the Society for Range Management and Jordan Angus Ranch, together with the West Greeley  Conservation District and Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc., are pleased to provide this training opportunity. For additional information contact the summer  workshop  planning committee: Dan Nosal at 303-218-2632 daniel.nosal@co.usda.gov. For more details click HERE

JULY 9th-12th and 16th-19th, 2018: Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) accepts high school students rising to 11 or 12th grades, or recent high school graduates (with occasional exceptions for younger students). Students from San Miguel, Ouray, Dolores, San Juan, La Plata, Archuleta, and Montezuma counties are invited to apply. Join the San Juans' most immersive and engaging mountain science program!  During the two week, rigorous field course program, students explore topics and careers in the sciences and natural resources by day, and camp and explore in the evenings. During the program, interns gain hands-on experience contributing to real-world environmental science projects. Students work side-by-side with a small group of other interns from across the San Juan Mountains. The program is led by mentors from MSI and more than 20 local science professionals.  Students interact with natural resource managers and researchers in the field to learn about ecology, geology, hydrology, wildlife, and forestry. They will dive into topics such as air and water quality, climate change, mine reclamation, fen restoration, and forest health. Find more information HERE!

Funding Opportunities Early May

Buck deer in winter. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photos taken: 1/25/2009

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Planning Design and Engineering Grants. These grants provide money to small communities to help cover costs associated with the State Revolving Fund pre-application requirements. Grants require a 20 percent match from the applicant. Planning grant applicants must complete the prequalification form and attend a pre-application meeting. Design and engineering grant applicants will be considered by project needs assessment submissions by approved disadvantaged communities. For more information CLICK HERE.

The Nature Conservancy is working to promote environmental education through the creation of Nature Works Everywhere gardens. The core principle behind the Gardens program is that gardens model conservation science on a relatable scale. The program empowers students and teachers to work together to create and implement their own solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to support projects that implement green infrastructure to address local environmental challenges. These include access to healthy food, air quality, heat island effect, climate change, and storm water collection. Through the program, young people will work as social innovators to help their communities through project design and implementation. Link to Complete RFP.

Colorado's Water Plan Grant Opportunities: The purpose of the Water Plan Grant funding is to make progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. All applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular CWP Measurable Objective category. The Board will select projects, programs and activities to fund from applications that have the best opportunity to make progress on the CWP’s Measurable Objectives or critical actions. The CWCB staff reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to modify the scope and budget of their project to better meet the CWP objectives in light of fund availability. CWCB staff will evaluate applications and recommend projects to the CWCB Board for final approval at its regularly scheduled Board meetings. Learn more HERE.

The National Water Quality Initiative will work in priority watersheds to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners improve water quality and aquatic habitats in impaired streams. Natural Resource Conservation Service will help producers implement conservation and management practices through a systems approach to control and trap nutrient and manure runoff. Qualified producers will receive assistance for installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces. More Details HERE.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), provided through the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities. To learn more CLICK HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Program provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. The funds help eligible entities complete water activities, which may include competitive grants for: Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; and structural and nonstructural water projects or activities. For more information click HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Water Efficiency Grant Program provides financial assistance to communities, water providers, and eligible agencies for water conservation-related activities and projects. Eligible entities, as well as state and local governments and agencies, can receive funding to develop water conservation and drought plans, implement water conservation goals outlined in a water conservation plan and educate the public about water conservation.
Types of Water Efficiency Grants available - Click on programs below for more information about each and how to apply:

• Water Conservation Planning Grants: For water providers seeking to develop or update their water conservation plans.
• Water Conservation Implementation Grants: For water providers implementing water conservation plan goals and programs identified in locally adopted and CWCB-approved water conservation plans.
• Drought Mitigation Planning Grants: For water providers or state and local governmental entities developing drought mitigation and response plans.
• Water Resource Conservation Public Education and Outreach Grants: For agencies seeking to promote the benefits of water resource conservation through public education and outreach.

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