Funding Opportunities Early January

Grant Deadlines:

Fishing Is Fun	The Fishing Is Fun program provides up to $650,000 annually in matching grants to local and county governments, park and recreation departments, angling organizations, water districts and others for projects to improve angling opportunities in Colorado. For over 30 years, the program has supported 375 angling improvement projects across the state. The deadline to apply is January 9th, 2026. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: January 9th, 2026
Healthy American Forests Initiative	The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), through an agreement from the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is pleased to announce the Healthy American Forests Initiative (HAFI) Request for Proposals (RFP). This funding opportunity will support watershed restoration and vegetation management projects on National Forest System lands to achieve a healthy forest ecosystem. Thriving forests lead to more robust timber production, which plays a vital role in helping local economies, especially in rural areas, generate jobs and revenue. Moreover, recent disasters have shown that effective forest management and wildfire risk reduction efforts can protect lives and safeguard communities across the United States. Applicants should develop proposals that increase forest management activities and reduce wildfire risk to ultimately promote healthy forests, increase timber productivity and protect American prosperity. Full proposal due January 13th, 2026. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: January 13th, 2026
Arkansas River Basin Water Forum Scholarship	The Arkansas River Basin Water Forum offers scholarships each year to undergraduate and graduate students in support of their education and/or research in water resources, watershed studies, hydrology, natural resource management, environmental studies, agriculture, civil engineering, and similar fields of study.Up to $5,000 in scholarships will be distributed between 1, 2, or 3 of the best application submissions judged by our expert panel, plus free registration and lodging to the 2026 Arkansas River Basin Water Forum to be held in Salida, Colorado on April 22 & 23, 2026 (attendance encouraged, but not required). Deadline to apply is January 16, 2026. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: January 16th, 2026
NFF Matching Awards Program	Through the Matching Awards Program (MAP), the NFF is soliciting proposals to provide funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands. MAP pairs federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. MAP: Connecting People to Forests, focuses primarily on in-person community engagement, and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. Program goals are to create lasting change that will allow all communities opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest System lands or adjacent public lands.  Round 1 Application Deadline: January 22, 2026. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: January 22nd, 2026
Call for Applications: Water history research funding from the Colorado State University Water Resources Archive	The Colorado State University Water Resources Archive is now welcoming applications for the Water Scholar Award. This annual award grants funding to researchers whose work on western water would benefit from access to the collection. The award is intended to help offset the expenses of researchers engaged in studies that will benefit from access to the holdings of the Water Resources Archive as well as costs associated with presentations, publications, or other products resulting from that research. For the 2026 award, the total amount of funding is capped at $3,900, to be allocated to a maximum of three applications. Please apply only for the amount needed. Applications are due January 31. Additional information and application details can be found at HERE.	Deadline: January 31st, 2026
Grants available for public water systems to address emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities	The Water Quality Control Division announces that the Request for Applications for the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program is now available. The details of this RFA are available on the division’s website. You can submit questions and inquiries about the RFA at any time using this form until 2 p.m. Mountain Daylight time on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. The grant can support planning, design, and infrastructure projects aimed at lowering public health risks from emerging contaminants, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), manganese and others.	Deadline: February 4th, 2026
Waterways for Wildlife Initiative	The NWTF is now accepting applications for 2026 proposals through the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative (W4W). Projects eligible for funding include restoration, education/outreach, easement/acquisition, among others aimed at furthering the quantity and quality of riparian habitat in the Great Plains as well as providing educational information as to why these areas are so important. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 6th, 2026. All applicants will be notified by April 1st and funds available the same day for award winners. Application materials, general initiative info, past awards, etc. can all be found on our Waterways for Wildlife webpage, HERE.	Deadline: February 6th, 2026
Colorado River District Community Funding Partnership	The Colorado River District Community Funding Partnership is opening a pilot, special funding round for irrigation companies. The grant opportunity will support capital improvement planning and rate studies to inform proactive financial decisions to complete infrastructure projects at an appropriate pace and scale, and ultimately to create local solutions to aging infrastructure risks. Applicants must own and/or operate an irrigation ditch and be able to contract with an engineering firm. Applications are due February 15, 2026. Up to five applicants will be chosen for the pilot grant program. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: February 15th, 2026
2026 Diane Hoppe Scholarship	The 2026 Diane Hoppe Scholarship opened for applications on December 15. The $2000 award is a one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student or college freshman passionate about western water issues.	Deadline: February 27th, 2026
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program	Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Beginning in 2026, funds will be available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes and weirs, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them. The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation. Learn more HERE.	Deadline: January 31st, 2026

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 January

Colorado Water Conservation Board is seeking to hire a Regional Water Coordination Specialist (PSRS II). The purpose of the position is to provide professional technical assistance and facilitate communication with stakeholders on complex water resource management issues to the Colorado Water Conservation Board, under the Board’s statutory authorities, in a broad range of water resource planning programs. The position, under the supervision of the Section Chief, is responsible for liaising with key legislatively defined stakeholders on complex water management activities related to the development, protection, and conservation of Colorado’s water resources. The position responsibilities include data management, documentation, noticing public meetings, managing accounts for virtual meetings, field work and travel to roundtable meetings across Colorado, technical support for those meetings, sharing agency information and gathering input, as well as mediating conflicts and challenges that arise. Learn more HERE. 

The Mancos Conservation District is seeking to hire a Watershed Coordinator. The Watershed Coordinator will lead the development and implementation of MCD’s multi-benefit watershed and soil health project work. This position will identify, fund, and coordinate projects that integrate irrigation water management, infrastructure improvements, drought resiliency, habitat improvement, soil conservation, and other land management practices. The Watershed Coordinator will serve as the lead point of contact with partnering organizations, technical advisors, contractors and other local stakeholders. This position will coordinate communications, develop project proposals, provide technical review, and advance monitoring activities. The Watershed Coordinator will also seek funding for and coordinate soil health activities for the MCD and local producers. Applications received by January 11th will receive full consideration. Learn more HERE. 

The Mancos Conservation District is seeking to hire a District Conservation Technician. The District Conservation Technician will work with MCD and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) staff in natural resource project planning and implementation. Because the MCD and NRCS are partnering closely on this position, many aspects of the work will occur within the context of the NRCS planning process and funding programs. The activities covered by this position will broadly address natural resource goals on private lands, including erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, forest management, soil health, and grazing management. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by January 9, 2026 to receive full consideration. Learn more and apply HERE. 

Little Thompson Water District is seeking a Water Resources Manager. This position will perform water resources tasks such as planning, organizing and directing a variety of water resources activities including securing and maintaining water supplies of quality and quantity sufficient to meet the District’s needs. Areas of program responsibility include coordinating the development of long-range water supply plans, alternate water supplies, regional partnerships, and dry-year supply planning. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Learn more and apply HERE.

Conferences & Events Early January

January 14th, 2026 | Beyond Boats and Bonytails: How innovative management of Ruedi Reservoir is benefitting the Roaring Fork Watershed - Roaring Fork Valley residents and visitors flock to Ruedi shores throughout the summer to camp, paddleboard, sail, and water ski. But why is Ruedi Reservoir there and what is the water used for beyond recreation? With most of the water destined for use in the Colorado River over 100 miles downstream, learn how RFC is ensuring local environmental and ecological needs are met. Spoiler alert: this reservoir is NOT used for drinking water! Learn more and register HERE. 

January 17th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE. 

January 23rd, 2026 | Sip N Science in the SLV - January 23rd kicks off our water quarter where we will be engaging in a leaded conversation about snow and how the snowpack impacts the lifestyle in the San Luis Valley! ‘Sip n. Science in the SLV’ is a yearlong series designed to help our community learn about the natural systems that define the San Luis Valley. Each of our sessions focuses on a different environmental topic that directly affects life here in the San Luis Valley. Learn more and register HERE. 

January 27th, 2026 | Zebra Mussels on the Western Slope: An Update - Aquatic Nuisance Species are more than just a minor inconvenience! Learn how a zebra mussel infestation's detrimental effects can impede water conveyance on Colorado's western slope. Updates will be provided on CPW's latest sampling results and subsequent containment measures, as well as what partners and citizens can do to support these efforts and stop the spread. Everybody has a role to play when it comes to being a Pain in the ANS! Learn more and register HERE. 

February 5th, 2026 | SNOTEL Tour with Colorado Snow Survey - 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 10 am on Hoosier Pass to a SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) site. We'll meet in the parking lot at Hoosier Pass and hike as a group to the Snotel site for a private talk on the snow scale and other equipment. The data this site collects is instrumental in snow and avalanche forecasting in our state. Learn more and register HERE. 

February 14th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE. 

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

March 14th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE. 

May 6th, 2026 | Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter - Save the Date. 

May 19th - 21st, 2026 | Western Collaborative Conservation Network Confluence - This year's theme: The Future of Collaboration: The Power of Working Across Divides. Save the Date. Learn more and register HERE. 

June 4th &5th, 2026 | 2026 Colorado River Conference - Save the Date. Registration opens January 15th, 2026. Learn more HERE. 

Trainings & Workshops Early January

January 26th & 27th | CSI-MS4 Training - Designed for Municipal personnel (MS4), this course will focus on permit regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States.  Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials.  Learn more and register HERE.

March 25th - 27th, 2026 | Rio Grande Basin Journalist Training & Workshop - To equip journalists to better understand the river’s current and future challenges, The Water Desk will host a training program for journalists in El Paso, Texas, on March 25-27, 2026. Participating journalists will hear from legal experts, tribal leaders, environmental advocates and other speakers who can shed light on the Rio Grande. Deadline for applications is Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm Mountain. Learn more HERE. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements Early January

2026 Water Leaders Program applications open! Join a network of passionate professionals and elevate your leadership skills to create a lasting impact on Colorado’s water future through Water Education Colorado’s premier leadership development program. This program is designed specifically for water professionals and focuses on leadership development and personal growth. Apply by January 9th. Learn more and apply HERE.

Are you an environmental educator or have a student whose project supports environmental stewardship? EPA’s Office of Environmental Education is seeking applications for the 2025 President’s Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) and Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). Applications for both awards are due no later than Friday, January 16, 2025. Learn more HERE.

Do you know a young person, aged 18-24, interested in Colorado water careers? We are looking for our next cohort of evaluators for our Water Education Exemplars Project. Applications are due Friday, January 16, 2025. Learn more about becoming an evaluator HERE. Learn more about the Water Education Exemplars HERE. 

CWCB has released a new Water Funding Explorer that provides practical and easy-to-use grant information for interested applicants and much more. Learn more HERE. 

The Colorado Water Loss Initiative (CWLI) has a new home on the CWCB website, creating a centralized hub for water loss auditing, training, and technical assistance. The site brings together updated guidance, Colorado case studies, auditing tools, a training calendar for upcoming 2025–2026 cohorts, and direct access to the Colorado Water Loss data portal. By integrating CWLI resources into the CWCB platform, Colorado is strengthening long-term water efficiency efforts and supporting utilities in reducing water loss—the most cost-effective “new” source of water. Learn more HERE.