Job Announcements Early March

Colorado Open Lands is pleased to announce an opening for a Land Stewardship Intern in the Lakewood, Colorado office. This position is a 12-week full-time paid internship. The intern will learn professional conservation easement stewardship skills with COL’s experienced staff, including monitoring conservation easements and addressing easement issues. The intern will also receive exposure to the activities of a non-profit land trust including land conservation and outreach. Applications must be received by midnight, Sunday March 3rd. For more information on responsibilities, qualifications, and how to apply, click HERE.

The City of Louisville, CO, is announced a Senior Natural Resource Specialist position, full time with benefits. The application deadline is March 3rd, 2019. Find details HERE.

South Platte Park is launching a new youth volunteer experience, NatureTeens. NatureTeen Tryouts will be held at South Platte Park on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 from 1-3pm. They will have activities and shift information for all NatureTeen applicants. This program is designed to foster leadership and job skills for youth ages 14-18. Details are HERE. 

The Town of Erie, CO is currently accepting applications for a full-time open space and trails job: Parks Maintenance Technician I. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing open space program and gain great experience with Front Range natural resource management. The job is open through March 4th, 2019. Apply HERE.   

The Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) is now hiring a Seasonal Youth Programs Coordinator in Summit County, Colorado. This position is responsible for planning and implementing youth stewardship and environmental education programs on the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest. This position will also assist other FDRD staff with all-ages community stewardship projects. Late May through the end of September. Average 35 to 40 hours per week. Compensation $14 to $16 per hour depending on experience. Resume, cover letter, and three references due by Friday, March 15th. See the job description HERE.

The Colorado Wastewater Utility Council (CWWUC) has announced a Request for Proposal for Management and Administrative Services. The CWWUC is a longstanding nonprofit organization whose membership includes forty four different wastewater utilities from around the state. The purpose of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to obtain proposals from qualified consultants for a Coordinator to provide management and administrative services to the Colorado Wastewater Utility Council. Click on the Request for Proposal for information regarding preparation and submittal of proposals, Deadline for proposal submittal is March 15, 2019.

The City of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource division is hiring two Seasonal Naturalist positions. Join their team of enthusiastic, adventurous and educated natural resource professionals for a fun spring, summer, and fall season in their over 8,000 acres of open space and in their three award-winning nature centers. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

The city of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource division is hiring one Go Wild Summer Program Assistant. Go WILD Summer Program Assistant works with the Go WILD Program Coordinator to provide logistic and administrative requirements in order to carry out the programs for this grant funded effort. Programs will be offered for groups of up to 50 students and their guardians, in open space and nature based outdoor recreation / education guided programs. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

A new season of Land Conservation is only a few months away! Mile High Youth Corps is now hiring Crew Leaders for their Denver and Colorado Springs programs. Both sites are hiring an early start Crew Leader to begin March 29th as well as several others to begin on May 6th. Position descriptions can be found HERE. Please send a resume and cover letter to staffjobs@mhyc.net if you are interested in applying.

The Boulder County Youth Corps is now hiring!

  • Assistant Team Leaders must be 18 or older and will start at $15.75/hour. Application deadline is March 31st at 1:11 p.m.

  • Team Leaders must be 21 or older and will start at $17.75/hour. Application deadline is March 31st at 1:11 p.m.

  • Corpsmembers must be Boulder County residents between the ages of 14-17 as of the first day of work (June 10) and they will start at $11.10/hour. Application deadline is April 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Teams will work on a variety of community services projects including trail construction and maintenance, historic preservation, forest thinning, construction and repair of fencing, landscaping and removal of noxious weeds. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is hiring! This job is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working in the outdoors, is ready to meet great people dedicated to taking care of Colorado, and is looking to build their professional network in the outdoor stewardship industry. This Seasonal Field Projects Coordinator is a full-time, term limited, non-exempt position that works to provide professional project management, logistical support, and volunteer leadership coordination on VOC volunteer projects both in the office and in the field. Position will remain open until filled. The seasonal term is from April 1 -  September 27, 2019. Apply HERE.

The City of Louisville is excited to announce two Open Space/Natural Resource Seasonal positions! Pay Range: $13-$15 hourly, 40 hours per week starting as early as April 15th, 2019 and ending no later than October 11th, 2019. Applications accepted continuously. Find the full description HERE.

South Platte Park (Littleton) is hiring a Park Interpreter for the summer season.  This position is responsible for planning, researching, preparing, and conducting interpretive programs and summer camps for mainly groups of children, with some family programs and events.  Also assists with Nature Center exhibits, animal care, volunteers, marketing and communication.  This is a 40-hour position May 29-August 15 with part time hours in May and September.  Position details and application HERE.

South Platte Park is seeking an environmental education/interpretation intern (student). Details are HERE.

Biological Science Technician Position - Summer 2019 through The Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit with USDA-ARS. It is based in Fort Collins, CO and involves day trips to the Central Plains Experimental Range in eastern Colorado and overnight trips to the Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeastern Wyoming to collect experimental data. The technician will be working to understand how rangeland management and climate variability/extremes interact to influence water and plant dynamics in semi-arid rangelands. Dates: April to August/September or Mid-May to mid-August flexibly. Request the full job description or submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and 3 references as soon as possible to David Hoover: David.Hoover@usda.gov and Lauren Poresnsky: Lauren.Porensky@usda.gov. Please include in resume: Major/Minor, Relevant Experience, Relevant Coursework, Technical Skills. Submissions will be reviewed as received until positions are filled.

Announcements Early March

MARCH 6th, 2019: Legislative Mixer with WSCC & COFFA, 6:30 p.m. at Remedy in Paonia.
Join Western Slope Conservation Center, Colorado Farm & Food Alliance, League of Oil & Gas Impacted Coloradans, and Conservation Colorado for a discussion on the updates from the Colorado State Legislature. There are a number of newly introduced bills that could have impacts for our public lands and watersheds, so come learn, mingle, and share your thoughts with conservation groups from across the region.

MARCH 6th, 2019: Reg. 84 Stakeholder meeting on Commercially Processed Crops. The Colorado Water Quality Control Division is in the middle of hosting a stakeholder process regarding the use of reclaimed water to irrigate edible crops and hemp. Your participation and input is encouraged.
(1-3 p.m.) CDPHE Main Campus, Room B2B, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246.

MARCH 7th, 2019: Longmont Public Meeting from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The City of Longmont is undertaking an update to their 2006 Wildlife Management Plan and they want your input at the first public meeting. Learn about recent updates to the City Development Code related to prairie dog management and get an overview of the City’s flood control project called the Resilient St. Vrain Project. Followed by an open house discussion of the City’s riparian setback regulations. Food and drinks will be available. Sunset Campus – 7 S. Sunset St, Longmont 80501.

Applications Now Being Accepted for K-12 Student and Teacher Awards. Applications are now being accepted for the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Award (PIAEE). Applications are due March 8, 2019. The application and eligibility information are available HERE.

EPA proposes to delete residential areas in north Denver from Superfund list. Historically, the affected north-Denver neighborhoods were a major smelting center. As a result, heavy metals were deposited in area soils, and groundwater was impacted at the former smelter locations. The EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have determined that all required cleanup activities are complete in the area proposed for deletion. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed action through March 8, 2019. For more information and to comment on the proposed deletion, visit HERE.

MARCH 15th, 2019: Celebrate International Day of Action for River with the River Watch Team on March 15! Help WSCC volunteers collect water samples from across our watershed. No experience necessary! River Watch will meet at ERO Resources in Hotchkiss at 8:30am.

MARCH 15th, 2019: The Colorado - The Film 7 p.m., Paradise Theatre, Paonia $5 Suggested Donation. Join Western Slope Conservation Center in celebration of International Day of Action for Rivers for a screening of The Colorado,  a documentary film/musical tribute the environment that shapes our home in the North American West. Find out more and watch the trailer HERE.

CDPHE is seeking feedback in the 10-Year Water Quality Roadmap process. Some questions are focused on past meetings. This survey contains 10 questions and should take no more than 10-20 minutes to respond to. Please provide feedback through this ONLINE SURVEY. PLEASE PROVIDE RESPONSES BY MARCH 15, 2019. This will help to compile the feedback for the next stakeholder meeting: May 30, 2019 (1-4 p.m.), CDPHE - Sabin Room, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246

Submit your Lottery-funded projects for a 2019 Starburst Award. Starburst Awards recognize excellence in the use of Lottery funds for community and conservation projects. Winners are chosen based on the creativity of the project, economic and social impact on the community, and whether the project achieved its goal. To be eligible for the award, projects must have been completed in the last five years and include funding through Lottery proceeds (GOCO, CTF, CPW, BEST). The deadline to submit your nominations is March 15, 2019. Find the application HERE.

MARCH 20th, 2019: "Live Like You Love It" Webinar! 1 p.m. Colorado WaterWise is excited to be hosting this webinar featuring its statewide water education campaign, Live Like You Love It (LLYLI). This webinar will introduce attendees to the LLYLI program and materials, review the recently developed outreach guidebook to showcase ways to use the materials available to LLYLI partners as well as see real-world examples. Find out more HERE.

Calling all college students! 21-Day Earth Corps 2019 Field Studies Course. Earth Corps is run by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) in partnership with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to provide motivated, environmentally conscious students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Colorado wilderness. The application deadline is April 12, 2019. Find the full course description and register HERE.

APRIL 10th, 2019: The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists will partner with the Colorado Riparian Association for their annual meeting in Golden, CO. The meeting is expected to bring together over 150 research­ers, students, government scientists, private sector consultants, and other wetland practitioners.  It will cultivate scientific exchanges between diverse groups of professionals involved in stream and wetland stewardship around the region. Find more details HERE and register HERE.

The Water Quality Control Division (division) is requesting surface water quality data for the triennial review of water quality classifications and standards for the South Platte River basin. This effort requires the compilation of recent water quality parameters including biological, physical, chemical, and other related data. These data will be assessed by the division to develop recommendations to the Water Quality Control Commission for maintaining or modifying water quality classifications and standards for the South Platte basin. These data will also be used in the development of the 2020 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. Please submit data to the division by April 15, 2019.  Additional information is available at the division website HERE.

April 25th, 2019: EARTH DAY DINNER hosted by the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Olde Towne Carriage House, Pueblo, CO. Come enjoy an evening of food and drink, a meet and greet with resident raptors, a silent auction, and a fascinating exploration of Nature Around the World! Registration opens on March 1st HERE!

Ag Producers - take the Ag Watershed Survey and be eligible to win up to $100 in Cabela's or Bass Pro gift cards! Colorado Cattlemen’s Association's Ag Water NetWORK is initiating a survey of agricultural producers to determine their familiarity and interest in watershed management plans. Take the survey HERE.

Colorado Water Trust has released it ANNUAL REPORT. Check out their biggest project ever which will protect endangered fish HERE!

Donate Clothing & Gear to The Greenway Foundation! Have you started your spring cleaning? TGF is now accepting clothing and gear donations for their outdoor programs! If you are looking to get rid of any of the following, consider donating them!

  • Sleeping Bags, Liners, and/or Pads

  • Mittens/Gloves

  • Nature Identification or Guide Books

  • Binoculars

  • Waterproof Jackets and Pants

  • Rubber Boots or Waders

They host programs for kids and teens, so all sizes are welcome! Please make sure gear is in a good condition and clean before donating. For any questions or to schedule a time to drop off your donation please contact Lauren Berent at lauren@greenwayfoundation.org or 303-743-9720 ext. 850.

Do you need to update, develop, or implement your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3)? The EPA’s Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS) Team has developed hundreds of SWP3s and can ensure timely delivery of your SWP3. In additon, they can also manage your storm water inspection program to ensure that your projects are always in compliance. Contact JKelley@EPAalliance.com.

Lower Blue Residents United now has a WEBSITE.

Newsletter: The Flow of Trash Free Waters—The Trash Free Waters program distributes a newsletter with information on current activities, upcoming events, and project funding opportunities related to trash prevention and reduction at local, state, national, and international levels. The December 2018 issue can be found HERE and an archive of past issues can be found HERE.

U.S. Congress signed the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act January 14th.  It calls for “green infrastructure promotion” within the framework of Integrated Planning for stormwater permits.

Stormwater Best Management Practices Performance Evaluation Document— The Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) recently announced a new technical-regulatory guidance document to offer guidance on post-construction best management practice (BMP) lifecycle processes including contracting, cost consideration, construction challenges, inspection checklists, quality control, and record drawings. Access and explore the resource HERE.

Speak Out for Clean Water and Responsible Mining: The Colorado Senate will soon be taking up legislation to ensure that new mining activities in Colorado operate so as to protect our state's water quality. HB-1113, which passed the House earlier this month, is now on its way to the Senate for action and you can help by asking your Senator to vote "yes". For more information, visit Colorado Trout Unlimited’s website HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Member Heather Dutton goes into detail about Stream Management Plans (SMPs) and how they are utilized in the Rio Grande Basin under the Colorado Water Plan in her article HERE.

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an innovative and successful approach to endangered species recovery and water development in Colorado. For almost 13 years, this program has been running smoothly in the background allowing for economic growth in the North and South Platte Basins, as well as species conservation in the Central Platte. Now, Colorado and other partners are taking steps to extend the program for another 13 years. Program partners are confident that the success of the program will speak for itself during the process of seeking congressional re-authorization. Learn more about what the CWCB and program partners are doing to reauthorize the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program in this article.

Check out U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Colorado Water Supply Outlook Report HERE.

Western Resource Advocates teamed up with Pace University’s Land Use Law Center to develop a comprehensive Guidebook that provides land use planners with the resources necessary to fully integrate water efficiency into their land use planning efforts.

A bill to make clean water in Colorado a priority passed the Rural Affairs and Agricultural committee and is headed to the House floor. The bill would end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and would explicitly include water quality protection. It would also require mining license applications to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation. Read more HERE.

A community engagement research project from River Network has the goal to compile resources helpful to community-based organizations around the country who are advocating for solutions to local urban flooding problems. They are looking for examples, tools, methods, and stories of community members with experience in community-based research. If you have used approaches such as community mapping, community walks, door-to-door surveys, or other means to collect information from community members about specific local threats or assets, Mia Colloredo-Mansfeld would love to connect with you: miacm@live.unc.edu.

Trainings & Workshops Early March

MARCH 1st - MARCH 21st, 2019: Spatial Analysis Training online with ArcGIS online exercises through ESRI - the Science of Where. This free course is for people who know something about data analysis and want to learn how the special capabilities of spatial data analysis provides deeper understanding. Registration closes on February 21, 2019. Register HERE.

MARCH 4th-5th, 2019: QUALIFIED MS4 STORMWATER TRAINING. In this two-day course they will cover all the topics to ensure that you meet the regulatory requirement to conduct Stormwater Inspections. They will review the requirements of your state MS4, Construction, and Industrial General Permits; we will discuss what it takes for you to be in compliance with the permits; they will discuss inspection techniques that will help you better evaluate whether or not other permittees are in compliance with their permits – and how that influences your permit compliance; and they will discuss BMPs – which are best, when to use them, how to use them, and how to know if BMPs are correctly installed and maintained. For details, including registration, click HERE.

MARCH 5th, 2019: Landscape Professional Lunch & Learn will unpack the City of Aspen's new landscaping standards and learn about other important local water management programs and strategies. This presentation is applicable to local landscape professionals, developers, and other interested community members. QWEL-certified professionals are eligible to receive 2 CEU credits for this program. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Register HERE.

MARCH 5th-8th, 2019: Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Training Class. South Platte Park has opened registration for their next training course at South Platte Park in Littleton. Successful students will receive nationally-recognized certification in interpretation and resource communication. If you have been considering this course for your incoming seasonals, front-line staff, extraordinary volunteers, new hires, or old hands, now is the time to register! For more information and how to register, click HERE.

MARCH 7th, 2019: Energy Efficiency Assessments – Alamosa 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
CRWA Energy Efficiency Technician Sebastian Madrid will be on site to discuss the importance of implementing an Energy Efficiency Assessment and how it can save your utility money.  This training will consist of education on optimizing filtration and improving well efficiencies.  The training will end with a regulatory update on Regulations 100 and 11.  Class attendees are encouraged to ask questions and participate in class discussions. Find out more and register HERE.

MARCH 13th, 2019: Town of Larkspur's 1st Source Water Protection Planning Workshop.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Larkspur Fire Protection District Meeting Room (9414 S Spruce Mountain Rd, Larkspur, CO, 80118). Colorado Rural Water Association would like to invite you to participate in developing a Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) for the Town of Larkspur. Larkspur values a clean, high quality drinking water supply, and would like to work collaboratively with you to develop a SWPP to protect this valuable resource. Please feel free to contact Linda Black with Larkspur (LBlack@townofLarkspur.org) if you have any questions.

MARCH 14th, 2019: A Watershed Academy Webcast: Lessons Learned on Integrating Water Quality and Nature-based Approaches into Hazard Mitigation Plans 11:00pm - 1:00pm MST
EPA is promoting integration of FEMA hazard mitigation plans and water quality plans to support projects that reduce natural hazards while emphasizing water quality benefits. This webcast will look at two completed pilot projects that have successfully integrated watershed planning, green infrastructure practices, and source water protection into FEMA hazard mitigation plans. Register HERE.

MARCH 19th, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis, Municipal & Industrial by Colorado Water Conservation Board. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Register HERE. The Colorado Water Plan Analysis (formerly, SWSI) serves as the technical backbone to the Water Plan. Leading up to the study's full release in July 2019, select data insights and tools will be released gradually for early stakeholder review. Check in HERE for general information on the project. See all monthly technical webinars HERE.

MARCH 21st, 2019: Wastewater Treatment Workshop – Pueblo West 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
CRWA Wastewater Technician Mark Foxworthy will be on site to discuss proper wastewater treatment.  This class will focus on preliminary and primary treatment of lagoons, trickling filters, rotating biological contactors, activated sludge, and sequencing batch rotators.  Class attendees are encouraged to ask questions throughout this training. Find out more and register HERE.

MARCH 21st-22nd, 2019: Certified Stormwater Inspector Training. Denver, CO. This course was developed by former Federal and State stormwater enforcement officials for the express purpose of training municipal stormwater personnel to conduct stormwater inspections of municipal, commercial, industrial, and construction activities. It includes instruction in the law (federal, state, local), illicit discharge detection and elimination, pollution prevention, post construction, public involvement and education, inspector protocols, and much more! For more information, including registration, click HERE.

MARCH 28th, 2019: Water University: Utility Management Certification Workshop – Fort Morgan 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. This training will cover the financial, technical, and managerial aspects of management for small systems. The day will end with a managerial certification exam that will provide a certificate showing management capabilities. Find out more and register HERE.

EPA Alliance Training Group offers an Intro to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act through online training. The course will walk you through the requirements, the management of Universal Wastes, and common hazardous waste violations that could occur at your facility. Furthermore, fill out a quick form and perform some action items, provided in the course, to meet your annual RCRA training requirements! The RCRA 102 Advanced course will be ready this March! Check out their complete list of training topics HERE.

APRIL 1st-3rd, 2019: After the Flames Workshop and Conference.  Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire is invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. For more information click HERE.

APRIL 9th, 2019: The Color of Law: A Conversation about Segregation and Environmental Racism Webinar. 12:00 p.m. - 1:15p.m. MDT. The Center for Creative Land Recycling will welcome Richard Rothstein, author of the 2017 book The Color of Law, to frame the history of segregation in the United States, and help us understand how racial segregation shapes redevelopment decisions today. Join CCLR for this first in a series of webinars that explore what different local jurisdictions are doing to mitigate the risk of displacement as a result of land recycling. Note: It is highly recommended that you read the Color of Law, available at local libraries and from book sellers, prior to this webinar. Register HERE.

APRIL 23rd, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis, Agriculture by Colorado Water Conservation Board. 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register HERE. The Colorado Water Plan Analysis (formerly, SWSI) serves as the technical backbone to the Water Plan. Leading up to the study's full release in July 2019, select data insights and tools will be released gradually for early stakeholder review. Check in HERE for general information on the project. See all monthly technical webinars HERE.

JUNE 10th-14th, 2019: Western Rivers Teacher Workshop,Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, Colorado. Utilize western rivers to meet interdisciplinary academic standards creating relevant place based context for your students. Registration opens February 2019 through the Extended Studies program.

Online Courses Available Through Colorado Rural Water Association. Industry studies have shown employee-training budgets for most water and wastewater utilities are tighter than ever. Web-based operator certification and license renewal training provides employers and their employees the flexibility of taking training courses at their own pace without the hassle and cost of attending live classes. Check them out HERE.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is offering a new Water Studies Online Certificate to provide training and skills relevant to careers in water studies, conservation, agriculture, construction, engineering, and law. From lifelong learners who want to know more about water preservation to those working in green and sustainable professions, this unique certificate provides introductory level training and skills relevant to a wide range of fields in the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors, including water industries, conservation, agriculture, construction, engineering, and law. Find out more HERE.

Funding Opportunities Early March

The Community First Foundation announced their 2019 Collaborating for Community Health in Jeffco grant. The purpose of this grant is to support coalitions and collaborations working together to improve conditions of community health of the Jefferson County community. This can include anything from access to neighborhood health and built environment including environmental conditions. This is an open, competitive, one-time grant that lasts 12 months, from July 2019 through July 2020. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 7, 2019. LEARN MORE.

The EPA has extended the submission deadline for the Environmental Justice Small Grants to Friday, March 8th. These grants are for one-year projects that address emergency preparedness and increase resiliency, as well as projects that include the needs of US military veterans and homeless populations. You can find more HERE.

The Colorado Water Quality Control Division has extended the application deadline for the 2019 NPS RFA (#12390). The funding is for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients OR protect waterbodies from degradation caused by nonpoint source pollution. Applications must be submitted by March 11, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. (MST) to christa.trendle@state.co.us. Find the updated application and reference materials HERE. 

Diane Hoppe Scholarship: The Colorado Water Conservation Board is pleased to administer a $2,000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student interested in western water issues planning to attend a public institution of higher education in Colorado. Students who will be graduating from high school in the spring of 2019 are eligible to apply. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2019 to be considered by the Selection Committee. Learn more about Diane Hoppe and apply HERE.

The DOI Bureau of Reclamation offers a grant to 15 Drought Resiliency Projects. States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States or United States Territories. Apply by March 27th HERE.

Get Your 2019 Project Funded Are you planning, designing, or implementing on-the-ground restoration projects that will restore river flows and/or recharge ground water? Would you like the opportunity to share your projects with businesses who may be interested in providing support for your projects? If the answer is “Yes!” be sure to check out the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank, a new opportunity for paid members of River Network to use a national platform to attract funding.

US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Full details, including requirements and registration, can be found HERE. 

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.

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 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.

What type of Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants are available?

Basin Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Basin Account to ensure the Threshold Criteria are met.

Statewide Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable on a competitive basis. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Statewide Account to ensure each application meets the Threshold Criteria in addition to being evaluated using the Evaluation Criteria.

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:

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

Conferences & Events Early March

MARCH 7th, 2019: Colorado TU River Stewardship Gala. Join them at Mile High Station in Denver for this must-attend event for anyone who cares about rivers and trout! Enjoy a delicious meal, beer and wine, and your chance to participate in the auction and live program. They’ll be highlighting Colorado TU’s 50th anniversary throughout the evening and honoring William Reilly with their 2019 River Stewardship Award. Purchase your tickets HERE or sponsor a table and bring your favorite fishy friends.

MARCH 8th, 2019: The Fork Not Taken: A Two Forks Retrospective from 7:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at History Colorado Center. Following a continental breakfast, the AGENDA will feature two panel discussions. Discounted pricing and a limited number of scholarships are available for students—email nshipman@msudenver.edu. Discounts are also available for members of Water Education Colorado, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and the History Colorado Center. SPONSORSHIP opportunities available. Don't wait to REGISTER.

March 11th, 2019: Roaring Fork Conservancy invites you to The River Center for the last of a NEW three-part winter speaker series whose topics address our most precious resource, water. They’ll discuss the most current water-related issues at the local, state and national level, and provide opportunities for one-on-one dialogue with these water leaders. Additional details can be found HERE. Restoring Critial Riparian Habitat in an Age of Invasives with Cara Kukuraitis, Outreach and Education Coordinator with RiversEdge West. SEATING IS LIMITED. Please RSVP HERE.

March 12th, 2019: Colorado E. coli Symposium. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Stormwater Council, Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, and the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association are co-sponsoring a one-day symposium focused on approaches to address water quality impairments in Colorado due to elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli). Their planning committee has lined up an excellent group of knowledgeable speakers, including representatives from the Colorado Water Quality Control Division, EPA Region 8, local governments, and consultants. The symposium will provide practical information for local governments and others working to identify and reduce E. coli sources as a result of existing or future Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The conference will be held at the Arvada Center. Thanks to the support from CDPHE, the conference cost is only $30 ($10 for students). Register HERE.

March 12th, 2019: Join the Trout Tank H2O Cohort! Any business with a focus in water, new or old, can participate in the program.Trout Tank H2O: Pitch Accelerator is about highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses with a water nexus and giving them opportunities to sharpen their pitching skills, connect with mentors, gain exposure, secure funding, and build connections with lenders, investors, decision-makers, and key stakeholders within the Colorado business and water community. Pitch for a feedback committee at the Initial Pitches 2:00-5:00 p.m. Interested? Apply HERE.

MARCH 12th-14th, 2019: HAR-CERSER 2019 Conference. Jointly hosted by High Altitude Revegetation Committee (HAR) and Central Rockies chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (CeRSER), the goal of the 2019 Conference is to enhance our understanding of ecological restoration and revegetation in diverse ecosystems using a variety of methods. For more information click HERE.

MARCH 13th-14th, 2019: Water in the West Symposium. Join leaders from diverse disciplines to dive deep into water issues affecting the region and to explore innovative solutions to water challenges. The Symposium will feature nationally renowned speakers, and showcase the efforts of various sectors in leveraging research, innovation, education, and creative policies to address the most pressing global water issues. For more information, click HERE.

MARCH 16th, 2019: Boulder County Nature Association 2019 Ecosystem Symposium - The Changing Baseline for Front Range Ecosystems: Implications for Management and Restoration. This symposium will explore what we know from recent research and monitoring studies about change over decades to Front Range plant, animal and microbial communities. We will consider the implications for managing these communities for resilience, not with the goal of returning them to some idealized and static past, but by bolstering their ability to adapt to the challenges of the future. Registration is not required. There is no charge for the ecosymposium, and all are welcome to attend. Find the details HERE.

MARCH 17th-23rd, 2019: Sustainable Trails Conference - Grand Junction, CO. Don't miss this convening of international trail experts in Grand Junction, CO. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, concurrent and plenary sessions, and networking opportunities throughout the event. For more information, click HERE.

MARCH 25th-29th, 2019: 11th National Monitoring Conference - Working Together for Clean Water in Denver, CO, is hosted by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council and North American Lake Management Society. Attendees will have opportunities to network and create new relationships, exchange information on topics relevant to all water resources, as well as to develop new skills and learn about the latest technologies and techniques. All water resources will be represented. Registration deadline is March 15. See more HERE.

APRIL 1st, 2019: Registration opens for the Denver Watershed Tour, hosted by Denver Water and Denver Public Works. The tour is a summer professional development workshop designed for classroom and informal educators. Electronic registration will require a $50 security deposit, refundable upon attendance. For more information, click HERE.

APRIL 1st-3rd, 2019: After the Flames Workshop and Conference.  Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire is invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. For more information click HERE.

APRIL 5th, 2019: Southwestern Water Conservation District’s Annual Water Seminar from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Durango. For more than 35 years in southwestern Colorado, water managers, irrigators, municipal representatives, tribal members, environmental advocates, recreation enthusiasts, and interested citizens have come together each year for the Annual Water Seminar. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with other individuals who are passionate about water resources, and hear expert speakers from around the state and region. Find out more HERE.

APRIL 9th, 2019: Advancing Abandoned Mine Land Cleanup Conference. The Mining and Metallurgical Society of America, in conjunction with the University of Nevada at Reno, the Colorado School of Mines, and Trout Unlimited, presents the Summit: Advancing Abandoned Mine Land Cleanup – With or Without Good Samaritan Legislation to be held in Reno, Nevada. Registration is free. See the MMSA Web site to sign up for a ticket and sign up for the mailing list to get updates on the summit preparations. Get the Free Ticket HERE.

APRIL 11th & 12th, 2019: Rocky Mountain Green (RMG) Conference with The Alliance Center. RMG is the largest conference in the Rockies that convenes building professionals, sustainability leaders and change makers from across the Rocky Mountain region for a full day of educational sessions, networking opportunities in the expo hall and discussions around today’s most critical sustainability and green building issues - REGISTER.

APRIL 14th, 2019: Walk for Freshwater. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. CU South Denver-Globeology Exhibit. Walk with them and EXPERIENCE the global water crisis first-hand! GRAB YOUR WATER JUG and find yourself among elephants, giraffes, and howler monkeys. Find out practical ways that YOU can be part of raising awareness and funds to change the water crisis in Malawi. All event proceeds go to fund water and sanitation projects at schools in Malawi, Africa, through Freshwater Project International. See pictures and register HERE.

APRIL 19th, 2019: 2019 AWRA-CGWA Annual Symposium: Colorado Water Stories – Learning from our past, reimagining our future at the Mount Vernon Canyon Country Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Golden, CO 80401 from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This year's conference will cover a range of topics from both a technical and policy perspective, including a deep-drill into ASR, geophysical applications, and how Coloradans are reimagining the river. For more details, check out THIS LINK.

APRIL 24th-25th, 2019: 25th Anniversary Arkansas River Basin Water Forum - A River of Dreams and Realities, at the Pueblo Convention Center. As one of the most important natural resources in our state, the water future of the Arkansas River Basin depends on education, dialog, and a deeper understanding of all sides of water issues. The Arkansas River Basin Water Forum has been at the forefront of this conversation for 25 years. Please join them to celebrate their 25th anniversary as they continue to work together to find common ground. For more information: arbwf.org

APRIL 24th-26th, 2019: 2019 Partners in the Outdoors Conference. Be a part of the solution as we shift from Planning to Action. Based on the Colorado Outdoor Principles and after months of collaborative work across the state from hundreds of partners, stakeholders and citizens, Colorado has drafted one of the finest Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORP) in the nation. For more information, click HERE.

APRIL 27th, 2019: Fryingpan River Cleanup at 8:30 a.m. in Lyons Park, Basalt, CO
Help clean up one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the country! Volunteers of all ages welcome! Join us for a free breakfast before cleaning up a 1-mile section of the river. Prizes for: Best of Trash, Most Toxic, Most Useful, Most Unusual Trash, and Best Photo. Event Details | Register

JUNE 18th-20th, 2019: The 4th Rocky Mountain Stream Restoration Conference will provide an opportunity for professionals to share ideas and lessons learned in stream restoration assessment, planning, design, construction, and evaluation, as well as other topical stream issues. The conference will explore stream restoration challenges and solutions, with a focus on the Intermountain West. For agenda click HERE.

AUGUST 6th-7th: Join Denver’s Public Works and Denver Water on a two-day tour of Denver’s watershed to explore how water moves from source to faucet and storm drain. The Denver Watershed Tour is designed for classroom and informal educators to learn more about how water gets to and moves through our communities. Throughout the tour, participants will engage in interdisciplinary activities to bring back to the classroom. For more information, click HERE.