Funding Opportunities Early August

Grant Deadlines:

The National Forest Foundation’s Collaborative Capacity Program financial awards provide resources to support collaborative activities that increase wildfire resilience, recreation opportunities, forest health, and rural economies. Eligible efforts must describe how investments in collaboration will support a long-term strategy for achieving stewardship outcomes and how these outcomes benefit National Forest System lands.In 2025, two funding pathways are offered, based on budget level: the Mini Grants Pathway and the Standard Grants Pathway. The Mini Grants Pathway supports all eligible applicant types requesting $10,000 or less and is designed to allow the program to prioritize smaller requests that can be funded sooner and with a shorter application. In addition to the separate pathways based on budget threshold, Standard Grant applications submitted by federally recognized Tribes or Tribal organizations will be evaluated separately to allow for recognition of matters of sovereignty, and their government-to-government relationship with the U.S. Forest Service. Application Deadlines: Mini Grants: July 25, 2025, Standard Grants (Community Partner Applicants): August 1, 2025, Standard Grants (Tribal Applicants): August 22, 2025. Learn more HERE

The Colorado Basin Roundtable has $310,000 in Water Supply Reserve Funds (WSRF) to award for projects in the river basin. Contact the Grants Committee at cobrt.chair@gmail.com if you have questions on applying for these funds or would like to discuss your project. Click HERE for Application. Click HERE for Guidelines. Applications due by August 1st.

CCCF is excited to partner with Monarch Mountain for the new Impact Grant cycle. These funds support projects that align with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian, and fostering a supportive community. The application deadline is Friday, August 29th at 11:59 pm. The 2025 Monarch Mountain Impact Grant process will award $10,000 to one or more applications for projects that align with Monarch Mountain’s core values of environmental sustainability, recreation, humanitarian, and fostering a supportive community across Chaffee County. Strong applications will clearly describe the needs being addressed, approach to addressing the needs, activities, outputs and outcomes of the project or program. Applicants can apply for an existing project or program, but should be able to clearly describe how the grant will increase the impact. Public/private partnerships are encouraged to apply, but the applicant must be a 501c3. Learn more HERE

The Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program (EC-SDC Grant Program) anticipates releasing a new Request for Applications (RFA) in mid-July. The division expects the RFA to remain open from July 21 through Aug. 31, 2025.

The South Platte Basin and Metro Roundtables are seeking proposals for their Water Supply Reserve Fund Basin Grants. The Water Supply Reserve Fund is designed to provide grants to assist in addressing critical water supply issues and interests. The Roundtables play a major role in allocating these state funds for water projects in the South Platte basin and Denver Metro area. Proposals are due September 1st, 2025. Learn more and apply HERE

The Grand County Open Lands, River, and Trails Fall 2025 grant cycle opens August 4th with applications due September 6. Make sure to check out the Grant Application Process Document on our website to see a list of eligible projects. Contact Anna Drexler-Dreis (Administrator): aldrexler@gmail.com or (970) 531-1171 with any questions. Learn more HERE

FY 2026 Brownfields Job Training Grants - This notice announced the availability of funds and solicited applications from eligible entities, including nonprofit organizations, to deliver Brownfields Job Training programs that recruit, train and place local, unemployed and under-employed residents with the skills needed to secure full-time employment in the environmental field. This includes areas such as sustainable remediation, chemical safety and site preparation for the revitalization of brownfields. Applications close September 26th, 2025. Learn more HERE and apply HERE

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the 2025 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) application period is now open through Oct. 9, 2025. The CWHP is a statewide program that offers funding opportunities to landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat or provide wildlife-related recreational public access on their property. The CWHP is an incentive-based program that funds conservation easements, public access easements, and fee title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife conservation and public access goals.  Learn more HERE

Grant Programs:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colorado Water 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 Early August

Peak Facilitation is hiring a program associate! At Peak Facilitation, we provide facilitation and mediation services throughout the West, primarily focusing on facilitating stakeholder collaboration and public engagement in public policy issues related to natural resource planning and management. In this full-time position, the successful candidate will support collaborative stakeholder and community engagement projects by writing technical documents and summaries, communicating with stakeholders and clients, overseeing meeting preparation and logistics, and facilitating small group discussions. Applications are due by Friday, August 8, but earlier applications will be considered first. Learn more about position duties, preferred candidate qualifications, and how to apply HERE

Colorado Division of Water Resources now Hiring Assistant Division Engineer (PE II). The purpose of this position is to provide leadership, guidance and oversight to the Division 5 operations group responsible for Augmentation Plan coordination and administration.  This group supports water rights administration by developing methodologies to collect and analyze water diversion and delivery data to verify augmentation plan operators are operating in compliance with all applicable court decrees, statutes, rules and regulations and to analyze Water Court applications, including reports of engineering experts, consult with the Water Court Referee regarding all applications, write reports summarizing the agency’s position and negotiate or provide expert engineering support / testimony to litigate any conditions necessary to protect existing water rights; to supervise professional and technical staff; and provide assistance to the public in understanding Colorado water law. Application closes August 3rd, 2025. Learn more or apply HERE

Biohabitats is seeking a Bioregion Team Leader that will play a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and engaged work environment, developing business, and ensuring successful project delivery in our Western Bioregions. The ideal candidate will have advanced training and consulting experience in core discipline(s) relevant to landscape ecology and water resources within the diverse western U.S. ecosystems, ranging from rural to urban settings. They will also have the ability and desire to lead, coach, and mentor others; facilitate relationships; and connect team members to project and learning opportunities. Finally, they will have a passion for ecological stewardship, foundational to thriving within a purpose-driven organization. Learn more or apply HERE.

Conferences & Events Early August

August 1st, 2025 | Twin Lakes Tunnel & Diversion Tour - Learn firsthand how up to 40% of the Roaring Fork River headwaters are diverted under the Continental Divide to the Front Range. Learn more HERE

August 2nd, 2025 | Sweep the Creek - This event is designed to bring together local rafting companies and non-profit organizations for a day of community engagement, fun, laughter and food. Sweep the Creek will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Twin Tunnels Open Space Park in Idaho Springs. Learn more HERE

August 2nd, 2025 | Glenwood Springs Riverfest - Mark your calendars for a day of community, music, and river love! RiverFEST is an annual river cleanup and celebration hosted by the City of Glenwood Springs River Commission. Learn more HERE

August 2nd, 2025 | Community Volunteer Day with Metro Water Recovery - Join Metro Water Recovery and The Greenway Foundation for a hands-on volunteer day dedicated to caring for our river and community! We’ll be rolling up our sleeves to restore Globeville Landing Park, a vital green space along the South Platte River. Volunteers will help with trash removal and beautification efforts to protect wildlife habitat and improve this beloved riverside park for everyone. Light breakfast will be provided. Learn more and sign up HERE

August 4th, 2025 | Boulder County Drought Resiliency Tour - Join us on Monday, August 4 to learn about two innovative projects funded by the Colorado Ag Water Alliance and our partners. Tours are free to attend though we ask that you register so we have a headcount. Register HERE

August 5th, 2025 | SNOTEL Hike with NRCS - Learn about the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Snow Survey and Water Supply forecasting resources they have, while enjoying a short hike starting at 9am on Hoosier Pass to a SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) site. We'll meet in the parking lot at Hoosier Pass and hike as a group, enjoying the views and wildflowers, to the Snotel site for a private talk on the snow scale and other equipment. Register HERE.

August 7th, 2025 | Wine with Water - Welcome to the Gunnison Country! Are you new to the valley? Want to learn more about Colorado water? The Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, Crystal Peak Properties and Buckel Family Wine cordially invite you to an evening at the winery with free wine, appetizers and a program about the intricacies of Colorado's waters. This event is limited to 40 attendees, get your ticket and RSVP HERE

August 7th, 2025 | EV Watershed Coalition Presents: The Beavers of Fish Creek - Johannes Beeby and Karin Emanuelson have been working with EVWC to restore the beaver wetlands at Cheley Camp since 2020.  Join us as they discuss the effects of the 2013 flood,  initial restoration, and current efforts at Cheley Camp. Johannes and Karin will also discuss why beavers are a critical species to this ecosystem and why we need them back along Fish Creek. Learn more and RSVP HERE

August 6th, 2025 | Wetland Plant Identification Day - Jackson State Wildlife Area - Save the Date.  

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

August 9th, 2025 | Denver South Platte Cleanup & Beer Release - Bring your friends & family, and get ready to spread some love to the Denver South Platte River! Join Protect Our Rivers,  Denver Trout Unlimited and some other amazing partners for our 3rd Annual South Platte River Cleanup and Golden Ghost Tap Party! Help tackle a stretch of the South Platte that is in need of a ton of love. Learn more and RSVP HERE

August 12th, 2025 | Salinity in the South Platte Basin Field Day - Join the Colorado Water Center for an educational field tour in the South Platte Basin. Learn more HERE.

August 13th, 2025 | Water With Your Lunch: Zebra Mussels in the Colorado River - 12pm - 1:15pm -  Join us for a special Water With Your Lunch as we dive into the growing threat of zebra mussels in the Colorado River system. These invasive species pose serious risks to infrastructure, agriculture, recreation, and native ecosystems. Experts from the Grand Valley Water Users Association and Colorado Parks and Wildlife will share what’s at stake, what’s being done, and how you can help protect our waters from this fast-moving threat. Bring your lunch and your questions for this important conversation. Register HERE

August 16th, 2025 | Riparian Plant Walk & Beaver Talk with Wild Bear - Save the Date. 

August 19th, 2025 | Tending the Prairie: A Field Tour of Grassland Stewardship - Calling all prairie, goat, and fire fans! How does your community care for its prairies? Join The Watershed Center for an evening exploring grassland ecosystems near Longmont, CO. On this tour, we’ll hear from City of Longmont staff and local researchers about the work they’re doing to protect open spaces and restore native ecosystems. Learn more HERE

August 19th, 2025 | State of the Outdoors - Save the date. Mark your calendars for State of the Outdoors on Tuesday, August 19. This annual gathering brings together leaders, advocates, businesses, and community members to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of outdoor recreation in the Pikes Peak region and across Colorado. Register HERE

August 19th - 21st, 2025 | Colorado Water Congress 2025 Summer Conference - Conservation: Meeting Demands, Managing Responsibly - Join us at the 2025 Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference at the Steamboat Grand, August 19-21, and be part of the conversation driving positive change for our water future! How do ag producers conserve? How are conservation groups working with our traditional water structure? What tools are municipal water users employing to conserve? Can storage be a conservation tool? Registration closes July 31st, 2025. Learn more and register HERE

August 21st, 2025 | Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum Tour and Geology Walk - Join RMAEP for this special tour of the Colorado School of Mines Museum of Earth Science. Learn more and register HERE

August 22nd, 2025 | Forest & Flows - Join Water Education Colorado for an inspiring and hands-on evening that dives into the powerful relationship between trees and water in our arid state. Learn more and register HERE

August 23rd, 2025 | Raft the River - Explore the beauty of our rivers while supporting a great cause. Join RiversEdge West and Rimrock Adventures for a relaxing day on the water during our "Raft the River" fundraiser on August 23rd from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Learn more HERE

August 26th, 2025 | Meet the Center for Watershed Protection Directors Team - This is your chance to connect with the leaders advancing the science and practice of watershed and stormwater management. Whether you are new to the field or a seasoned professional, this session offers valuable insight and direct access to the experts behind our work. Learn more HERE

August 28th, 2025 | Volunteer Planting Day - Want to get outside on a private ranch along East Plum Creek and make a difference? Join Douglas County Conservation Distric at CALF's Lowell Ranch to plant hundreds of riparian plants along the creek.This activity is appropriate for young adults to seniors. Tools and training is provided by Bill Vanderpoel, Project Manager. Please bring work gloves, sturdy shoes that can get wet, water, snacks, and sun protection. Learn more and register HERE

August 28th, 2025 | Explore Beaver Meadow Restoration (hosted by EVWC & LCD) - Take part in an on-the-ground tour exploring how targeted restoration efforts are improving riparian habitats and reconnecting natural floodplains in the Estes Valley. With site visits led by the Larimer Conservation District and the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, attendees will see how monitoring, adaptive management, and community collaboration are shaping long-term outcomes. Learn more and RSVP HERE

September 6th, 2025 | Blue River Festival - Spend the weekend showing your appreciation for the water in our lakes and rivers by participating in the Blue River clean-up and fun events of the annual BRWG River Clean-Up Festival. Learn more HERE

September 10th, 2025 | Water Education Colorado’s President Reception - Join us for an evening of celebration, community building and recognition as we honor water leadership and raise impactful funds to support WEco's mission at one of the best water events of the year. Learn more and purchase tickets HERE

September 17th & 18th, 2025 | Colorado Forest Collaborative Summit - The purpose of the Forest Collaboratives Summit is to connect place-based forest collaboratives from across the state and facilitate learning about issues most relevant to collaboratives. Learn more and register HERE

September 18th, 2025 | Fall in Love with the Big Thompson – Fall in Love with the Big Thompson is an evening of celebration hosted by the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition at the scenic Sylvan Dale Ranch in Loveland, CO. Set along the banks of the Big Thompson River, the event celebrates 10 years of the Coalition’s conservation efforts and features live music, locally inspired food and drink, a river appreciation ceremony, and stories from a decade of impact. Join us for a night of connection, reflection, and support for a healthier, more resilient watershed. Learn more HERE.

September 18th, 2025 | Colorado WaterWise 2025 Annual Water Conservation Symposium - The Water Conservation Symposium is Colorado WaterWise’s flagship event, bringing together nearly 200 water professionals throughout the state for a day immersed in water conservation, sustainability, and innovation. Hear from water experts representing all sectors while we explore the latest water efficiency initiatives through policy, incentives, strategy, and community engagement. This day-long event is an opportunity for attendees to share ideas and network while enjoying presentations that explore case studies on how we may collaboratively best manage our water resources now and well into the future. Register HERE

September 20th, 2025 | 2025 North Fork Poudre Healthy Watershed Tour & Open House - Join the North Fork Poudre Site Conservation Team (SCT) for a watershed tour and open house! Tour several private ranches in the Livermore area to learn about restoration projects that are improving riparian health and wildlife habitat while making our watershed more resilient. Learn more or register HERE

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 11th, 2025 | Big Snow Bash - The Big Snow Bash is Friends of the Yampa’s largest annual fundraiser with live music, a stellar online auction, and commentary from our river-loving community and special guests. Learn more HERE

October 14th & 15th, 2025 | 2025 Rocky Mountain Groundwater Conference -The objective of this American Ground Water Trust Conference is to discuss groundwater issues specific to Rocky Mountain States (Colorado, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming), and to facilitate information sharing among landowners, groundwater end-users, regulators, management agencies, scientists, engineers, lawyers and citizens who have economic or environmental interests in water resources. Learn more HERE

October 28th & 29th, 2025 | C9 Summit - Save the Date. Registration will open soon. More details, including an agenda, will be available 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 Early August

August 6th, 2025 | Water Law in a Nutshell - This four hour course  will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, Federal and interstate compacts and more. Learn more and register HERE

August 12th, 2025 | Fluvial Futures Webinar Series: Adopting FHZ Maps - 10am - 11am - Community adoption options and examples. Panel discussion with local governments. Lessons learned and Q&A. Register HERE.

August 13th, 2025 | Riparian Restoration Technology Webinar - Explore cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of riparian restoration at our free online workshop! This virtual workshop will feature insights into the use of GIS, satellite imaging, and other tools that enhance monitoring, planning, and decision-making for riparian ecosystems. Learn more and register HERE

August 13th, 2025 | Job Shadowing: Expanding Awareness of Water Careers - Job shadowing is a valuable workforce development tool that allows students, emerging professionals, or career changers to observe experienced workers in real world settings. In the water sector, job shadowing offers firsthand insight into the diverse range of careers from operations and engineering to public engagement and environmental justice. It helps participants build connections, clarify career interests, and better understand the skills required in the field. Learn more and register HERE.

August 20th, 2025 | Living in a Watershed: Workshop and Field Training - Intro to Macroinvertebrates - Join Evergreen Audubon and Evergreen Metro District for an exciting new program series! Bear Creek is a vital water source for our mountain community and its watershed stretches from Summit Lake on Mount Blue Sky all the way down to Bear Creek Lake and beyond, eventually joining the S. Platte on the south side of Denver. This program series – including three informational sessions and three hands-on field days –  will give participants hands-on experience caring for our watershed. Learn more HERE

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

September 9th, 2025 | Fluvial Futures Webinar Series: City of Greeley River Management Initiative- 10am - 11am - Greeley is undertaking a planning effort to revitalize & protect the Poudre River Corridor. We will discuss how the FHZ informs that effort and how the city may choose to administer the FHZ in the future. Register HERE.

September 17th, 2025 | Living in a Watershed: Workshop and Field Training - Macroinvertebrate Sampling - Join Evergreen Audubon and Evergreen Metro District for an exciting new program series! Bear Creek is a vital water source for our mountain community and its watershed stretches from Summit Lake on Mount Blue Sky all the way down to Bear Creek Lake and beyond, eventually joining the S. Platte on the south side of Denver. This program series – including three informational sessions and three hands-on field days –  will give participants hands-on experience caring for our watershed. Learn more HERE

September 23rd - 25th, 2025 | Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Training - The City of Aspen is pleased to offer the next QWEL course September 23-25, 2025 in Aspen, Colorado. This class is designed for local landscape professionals, resort and grounds staff, water utility staff, and other municipal staff involved in water or irrigation management working in the Roaring Fork Valley. With a limited number of seats, payment must be received no later than 5pm on Thursday September 18, or your seat cannot be guaranteed. Learn more and register HERE

October 2nd & 3rd, 2025 | Riparian Restoration on Private Lands - Grand Junction, CO - Learn how partnerships with private landowners are transforming riparian restoration efforts. Save the Date!

October 10th - 13th, 2025 | River Watch Training - River Watch is looking to add water quality monitoring volunteer groups in the Grand Junction area! Register here to attend the training they're hosting October 10-13 in Cedaredge to become certified in water quality sampling, learn about water resource management, and leave with the knowledge and equipment to begin sampling in your local watershed. Reach out to bradley@coloradowatershed.org if you have any questions.

October 14th, 2025 | Fluvial Futures Webinar Series: The Fluvial Opportunity Zone (FOZ) - 10am - 11am - Explore how FHZ mapping can be used for conservation planning, capitol improvement and land use planning, stream and floodplain restoration, and more! Register HERE.

October 15th, 2025 | Living in a Watershed: Workshop and Field Training - Macroinvertebrate Sampling - Join Evergreen Audubon and Evergreen Metro District for an exciting new program series! Bear Creek is a vital water source for our mountain community and its watershed stretches from Summit Lake on Mount Blue Sky all the way down to Bear Creek Lake and beyond, eventually joining the S. Platte on the south side of Denver. This program series – including three informational sessions and three hands-on field days –  will give participants hands-on experience caring for our watershed. Learn more HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements Early August

The Boulder Watershed Collective (BWC), a local non-profit organization, is working in collaboration with graduate students from CU Boulder’s Masters of the Environment program to analyze beaver management decision making and ecological trends of beavers along the Front Range of Colorado. This project hopes to inform BWC’s beaver management strategies and external agency supports, as well as helping inform state-wide beaver guidelines for supportive beaver management strategies. Complete the Boulder Watershed Collective Beaver Management Survey HERE

The division would like your feedback on potential edits to Reg. 84, and to assess interest and considerations regarding a new proposal to incorporate 'snowmaking' into the reuse framework. Please use this form to submit your initial feedback by Friday, Aug. 1. The division will not respond to comments individually, but we will use them to inform the process. We appreciate your input and look forward to reviewing your response.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is launching the development of a formal Beaver Conservation and Management Strategy and invites the public to provide input during a public scoping period open through August 31, 2025, at EngageCPW.org.

Read about the new facility being built in Douglas County to help wildfire management: “Douglas County becoming the first county nationwide to build and operate its own biochar facility, coupled with recycling center”

Last month, the CWCB and the River Network hosted a workshop to provide an overview on Colorado’s Wildfire Ready Action Plans (WRAP) and the purpose of the Wildfire Ready Watersheds (WRW) program. Four WRAP leaders presented on their processes, lessons learned, and recommendations. The CWCB and the Wildfire Ready Watersheds Technical Team answered questions about WRAPS and the WRW program. Watch the recording HERE.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division requests surface water quality data to develop the 2028 303(d) List of Impaired Waters and Monitoring and Evaluation List associated with Regulation 93. This effort requires compiling recent water quality parameters, including biological, physical, chemical, and other related information collected from 2020 to 2024. The division requests data collected in the San Juan River and Dolores River basins (i.e., Regulation 34) and the Gunnison and Lower Dolores River Basins (i.e., Regulation 35). Data from other basins will be requested in subsequent years. Please use this form to submit all data to the division by Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.