Funding Opportunities Early April

Grant Deadlines:

The Yampa River Fund is accepting applications for their Spring 2025 Grant cycle. The Yampa River Fund is a community-based collaborative dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities provided by the Yampa River. Launched in September 2019, the Fund was created through a partnership of twenty-one public, private and nonprofit entities representing the entire Yampa Basin coming together to create the board that governs the fund. Applications are due April 1st. Learn more HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is pleased to oversee a $2000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student or a Colorado college freshman interested in western water issues and planning to attend a public college or university in Colorado. Diane Hoppe served in the Colorado House of Representatives from 1999-2006 and was the chairwoman of the House Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources Committee, the Water Interim Committee, and the Water Resources Review Committee. She also served as the minority whip. Diane was a founding member of the Colorado Foundation for Water Education and served as president from 2002-07. Governor Hickenlooper appointed Diane to the Colorado Water Conservation Board as the South Platte Basin representative in 2012. She was elected chairwoman of the board in 2015. Diane passed away on February 27, 2016. Her family worked with the Colorado Water Conservation Board to establish this scholarship in her honor. Applications for the Diane Hoppe Memorial Scholarship are due April 1st, 2025. Learn more HERE.

The State Revolving Funds have several state grant programs to help fund water, wastewater, and stormwater projects. Upcoming loan application deadlines: April 5, 2025 (closed cycle). Learn more about the grant programs HERE.

Agricultural Emergency Drought Response Program - This provides up to $1 million annually, in the form of loans or grants, for emergency drought-related water augmentation purposes to Colorado’s agricultural water users. Eligible entities include agricultural organizations (augmentation companies, ditch and reservoir companies, conservancy districts, conservation districts) within counties, pursuant to Federal or state law, where an emergency drought designation or a disaster emergency has been proclaimed. The deadline is April 15, 2025. Learn more HERE.

The Partners in the Outdoors Program is a platform for networking and collaboration to advance and balance outdoor recreation and conservation in Colorado.​ To support these efforts, Colorado Parks and Wildlife provides grant funds to assist our partners across the state who are helping us achieve this goal. Grant applications close May 5, 2025. 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 April

MSI is seeking a passionate and multi-talented Fundraising Manager responsible for strengthening the organization’s base of support and expanding MSI’s portfolio of unrestricted funding. To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and three references by April 4, 2025. Please send materials as one file with the title “LastName_ FundraisingManager” to apply@mountainstudies.org. Learn more or read full position description HERE. 

Trout Unlimited (TU) seeks to hire a Colorado River Program Manager to support TU’s project and policy work and coordinate with partners in the Colorado River Basin. TU’s work across the Basin is expanding in exciting new ways, and this role presents an opportunity for motivated candidates to work on impactful issues. The Program Manager will work closely with the Colorado River Program Director & Western Water Policy Advisor, project managers, and state directors to support the development of proposals through federal funding programs including the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART programs and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs. The Program manager will also track and analyze federal programs and funding awards to understand how programs are supporting conservation work across the West. Learn more or apply HERE. 

High Line Canal Conservancy is seeking to hire a Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship. The Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship is responsible for protection and enhancement of the High Line Canal’s natural resources and preserving the Canal’s conservation values through stewardship of a conservation easement that protects the corridor. This person works closely with the local jurisdictions and stormwater managers along the Canal, under the supervision of the Senior Director of Planning and Implementation, to facilitate collaborative maintenance, develop new management approaches, elevate the level of care for the Canal and implement natural resource restoration projects. This role coordinates closely with foresters, natural resource planners, landscape architects, park planners and operations staff from local jurisdictions to ensure a vital future for the Canal. The Manager of Natural Resources and Stewardship is also responsible for stewarding a conservation easement that protects 45 miles of the 71-mile corridor. This includes working with Conservancy leadership and landowner(s) to complete annual monitoring, lead easement enforcement, review projects and address all stewardship inquiries and issues. Application closes April 18th. Learn more or apply HERE. 

The Town of Windsor is seeking to hire a Stormwater Coordinator. As a member of the Public Works - Stormwater Team, the individual in the Stormwater Coordinator position is responsible for performing analytical and administrative tasks, planning, developing, coordinating, and managing activities and documentation required for the town’s Stormwater Management Program. This work is conducted in compliance with the Colorado Discharge Permit System (CDPS) and the General Permit for stormwater discharges associated with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4s). This includes ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations by leading inspectors, coordinating construction site inspections, developing public outreach initiatives, and managing stormwater mitigation projects. The individual will actively monitor and report on stormwater quality and discharge activities. Application closes April 18th. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Friends of the Yampa is seeking two people to fulfill the positions of Yampa River Ambassador, a seasonal, part-time position to help ensure visitors to the Yampa River wishing to recreate on the river are aware of safe put-ins and take-outs, are informed of the necessary river-use knowledge, recreate responsibly, give safety tips, help keep the Yampa clean, among other duties. This position is a collaborative effort of Friends of the Yampa and the City of Steamboat Springs. Get paid to be outside beside the river and be a Yampa River steward. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Rio Grande Farm Park is seeking to hire a director. The RGFP Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of programs, staff, and infrastructure at the Rio Grande Farm Park. This role ensures smooth operations, oversees community engagement efforts, and maintains the park’s farming, education, and volunteer initiatives. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with a passion for land stewardship, community organizing, and program management. Please send a letter of interest and resume to opportunity.slvlocalfoods@gmail.com by April 18th. Learn more HERE. 

Colorado River District is seeking to hire a Director of Interstate and Water Resources Engineering, who provides technical engineering, scientific expertise, advocacy, and project management support for multiple projects. Working closely with members of the leadership and policy team, the position focuses on interstate matters and water supply planning and acts as the primary technical resource on interstate matters. Position will typically involve significant travel throughout the District’s  15-county territory, within Colorado, and occasionally out-of-state. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Audrey Turner (aturner@crwcd.org) no later than April 1st. Learn more HERE.

Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is hiring a Waste Diversion Coordinator. The Waste Diversion Coordinator will be a key staff member of YVSC’s Waste & Circularity Priority Area and will work collaboratively with regional and statewide partners to support, establish and scale up systems that waste less, recycle more and increase circularity in NW Colorado. This position will serve as staff for the Yampa Valley Recycles Depot, a year-round outlet for hard-to-recycle materials, and work collaboratively with partners to develop education and outreach materials that increase diversion.Position is open until filled. Early applicants encouraged. Learn more HERE. 

The Costilla County Conservancy District is accepting applications for the full-time position of District Manager. Operating under Title 37-101, this role reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall administration of the district, ensuring compliance with policies, local, state, and federal laws. The District Manager will provide executive leadership, working closely with the Board and district staff to guide program decisions that align with the Conservancy District's long-term goals. They will manage the development of a sustainable budget, oversee the effective delivery of programs, and ensure the District fulfills its commitments to conserving natural resources. Additionally, the District Manager will collaborate with key partners, including government agencies, non-profits, and private landowners. Learn more HERE.

Pawnee Buttes Seed Inc. in Greeley, CO, is hiring an Inside Sales Representative. In this full-time, in-person role, you'll work closely with the sales team to support customers by providing expert guidance on seed products for pasture, reclamation, turf, and CRP. Ideal candidates should be organized, customer-focused, and able to build strong relationships. While previous sales or agricultural experience is a plus, it is not required. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive training, health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid time off. This position is open until filled, with priority given to those with agricultural, rangeland, or NRCS experience. Send Resume and Cover Letter HERE.

The San Juan Mountains Association is seeking to hire a North Side Coordinator. As visitation to our public lands continues to grow, SJMA is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to strengthen partnerships, expand our outreach efforts, and manage both educational and stewardship initiatives in the northern San Juan Mountain region. The North Side Program Coordinator will play a key role in advancing SJMA’s mission by engaging the public through education, volunteerism, and stewardship. This position plays a pivotal role in developing and managing partnerships with local organizations, recruiting and training volunteers, and implementing outreach programs that promote responsible recreation and sustainable stewardship. A significant focus of this role will be to catalyze a deeper understanding of local ecosystems, outdoor ethics, and the importance of public land conservation with the general public. The North Side Program Coordinator will also assist with school programs and interpretive events, ensuring that both visitors and residents have meaningful learning experiences in the outdoors. Additionally, this position will support SJMA’s stewardship efforts, collaborate with land management agencies, and support Top of the Pines. Learn more HERE. 

Join The Greenway Foundation’s SPREE (South Platte River Environmental Education) program as an Environmental Educator! You’ll teach outdoor environmental education for preschool-5th grade students in Denver parks, teach at summer camps, and support community events and youth programs. This is a full-time, in-person position with variable hours from March – December, 2025. Most programs run weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends required. All programs take place outdoors in Denver public parks or at local schools. Additional responsibilities include supporting other programs, including but not limited to: excursions, events, day camps, youth programs, volunteer opportunities, marketing, and fundraising. This position is open until filled and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please email bekky@greenwayfoundation.org to apply.

Jefferson Conservation District is seeking to hire a Natural Resource Specialist. Position reports to the Director and undertakes a variety of office/computer and fieldwork duties (about a 50/50 split over the course of a year). Supporting JCD’s grant administration year-round is a major focus of the office/computer work. Noxious weed inventory and program support during the summer/fall is the primary fieldwork focus of this position. Open until filled, but application review will begin after 2/9/25. Learn more HERE. 

Jefferson Conservation District is seeking to hire a Conservation Forester. Position reports to the Director and undertakes a variety of office (approx.50%) and fieldwork (approx. 50%) duties in support of JCD’s private-lands ecological forestry program. This position involves significant project management, landowner outreach, and contractor coordination. This work occurs in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), which provides logistical support to JCD at the Colorado NRCS State Office at the Denver Federal Center (This position is not a federal job; JCD and NRCS are separate employers). Open until filled, but application review will begin after 2/9/25. Learn more HERE. 

The City of Evans, Colorado is seeking to hire a Civil Engineer. The Civil Engineer is under general supervision of the City Engineer, and provides a full range of engineering and project management services for the City’s Public Works and Utilities Department. This includes technical work related to municipal stormwater management, transportation, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment. The employee will perform technical work related to the design and review of engineering and utility plans and develop deliverables related to the production of maps, drawings, plans, specifications, and details for water, wastewater, and stormwater management systems. Learn more or apply HERE. 

In 2025 the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District will advertise a position, Water Resources Engineer/Specialist/Scientist/Analyst,  for a new team member. Water professionals with 2 to 5 years of experience, who are interested in directly receiving the job announcement when it is released, are encouraged to contact Sean Cronin - sean.cronin@svlh.gov. If you thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for water, want to be part of a legacy, and crave the freedom to achieve work-life balance, this is an excellent opportunity for you.

Internships

Denver Water is seeking interns for the following positions: 

Watershed Sediment Management Intern

Watershed Water Quality Intern

Attention undergraduates, graduate students and emerging professionals looking for an unparalleled learning experience. Coalition for the Uppers South Platte (CUSP) offers opportunities to apply academic knowledge and analytical skills gained in school in a diversified, professional environment. Apply HERE.

Coldharbour Institute is seeking an AmeriCorps intern to assist with coordinating education, restoration, monitoring and research activities tied to our Healthy Watersheds program. The AmeriCorps intern will work as an integral part of the small team that will be conducting water education events and implementing watershed restoration projects on the Coldharbour Ranch. While the majority of intern duties will be tied to our Healthy Watersheds program, occasionally the intern will be asked to participate in other aspects of our programming and organizational operations. Learn more HERE. 

Applications are now open for YVSC’s summer internship program! The 12-week term runs from May 19-Aug. 8, and is a paid, part-time, 15-20 hr/wk position. Interns are paired with a staff mentor to collaborate on a project that directly advances YVSC’s programming in Energy, Transportation, Resilient Land & Water, Waste Diversion, or Community Engagement. Applications are due April 1. Learn more and apply HERE.

Conferences & Events Early April

April 2nd, 2025 | State of the River: White River - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

April 3rd, 2025 | State of the River: Roaring Fork and Crystal Rivers - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

April 3rd, 2025 | Confluence: Colorado Water Summit & Net Zero Cities - 8:00 am - 4:00 pm - Aims Community College Welcome Center, Greeley - The only water conference in the region to examine the economic issues surrounding the scarcity of water affecting the growing number of residents of the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado. Learn more HERE. 

April 4th, 2025 | Arkansas Tailwater Willow Cutting - Trout Unlimited need volunteers to help collect willow cuttings that will be used as transplants later in April.  We will meet at the Valco Ponds parking lot at 8 am on Friday, April 4th. Please bring your own work gloves, as well as sharp pruning shears if you have them.  Waders and boots are NOT required but we suggest sturdy boots as we will be working on uneven terrain. Learn more or sign-up HERE. 

April 10th, 2025 | The Waters Connect Us - Stories from the Colorado River Basin - 12:30pm - Join for a panel discussion on voices from Indigenous land and water protection. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required. Learn about the event and RSVP HERE.

April 10th, 2025 | Denver Water Operations Complex Tour - Join Colorado Waterwise to learn about Denver Water's 35-acre Operations Complex. This operationally efficient campus was designed to showcase the future of sustainable, urban water use. The complex models a One Water strategy with an ecological sanitation system (onsite wastewater treatment) that provides water for flushing toilets, rainwater capture for irrigation, and passive stormwater management. Space is limited for this tour. Learn more or register HERE. 

April 12th, 2025 | Boulder Creek Spring Cleanup - Join Boulder Flycasters with Arbor Anglers Lafayette on Saturday, April 12th from 9AM - 12PM for a canyon cleanup on Boulder Creek. Meet at Boulder Flycasters Memorial Park (parking area upstream of the tunnel). We will supply nitrile gloves, trash bags, trash grabbers as well as coffee, water and snacks. If you're able, please bring waders. Please email Fred Eller (fredeller@icloud.com) to sign up. Learn more HERE. 

April 17th, 2025 | State of the River: Upper Gunnison River - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

April 17th, 2025 | Young Professionals Happy Hour Earth Day Volunteer Project - Join the Greenway Foundation and other young professionals to give back to our planet in honor of Earth Day.  We’ll meet at City of Cuernavaca Park to do a park clean up, and then enjoy some refreshments in the park. Learn more and RSVP HERE. 

April 17th, 2025 | Webinar - Breaking Now:What's Fresh in Water News - Join Water Education Colorado on April 17 at noon for an insightful webinar exploring the latest water headlines, trending topics, and key issues you should know about.Get the inside scoop from Jerd Smith, Editor of Fresh Water News, and Shannon Mullane, Colorado River reporter for The Colorado Sun, as they break down the stories shaping water conversations in the West. Learn more or register HERE. 

April 19th, 2025 | Pacifico Preserves Spring South Platte Stewardship Day - Spring South Platte Stewardship Day needs your help restoring local parks along the South Platte River! Volunteer groups will assist with trash removal, crusher-fine based trail repair, painting, graffiti removal, tree protection and more. Help us care for these local green spaces and get them ready for a busy summer season! Learn more or RSVP HERE. 

April 19th, 2025 | 15th annual Earth Day Fort Collins at Civic Center Park, 11am-5pm - This year, Earth Day takes on heightened significance as citizens unite in a resounding call for creativity, innovation, ambition, and bravery. It marks a historic moment when communities join forces to address the pressing climate crisis and embrace the power of local action. Earth Day Fort Collins inspires community members to honor the Earth EVERY DAY and features a combination of activities and events for the entire family, including informational booths and displays, kids activities, arts & crafts, live music, speakers, food trucks, farmers market and a beer garden. Learn more HERE.

April 19th, 2025 | High School Spring Stewardship Day - Ready to make a difference and have some fun? Join GLC for a day of giving back and helping nature. You’ll team up with other teens from across Denver to clean up our city, parks, and river by tackling trash and leaving the park better than we found it. This will directly help our local environment, including the plants and animals that are critical to our local ecosystem. Learn more or RSVP HERE.

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

April 22nd - 24th, 2025 | Partners in the Outdoors Conference - The conference will take place from April 22-24, 2025 at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs, CO. At this year’s conference, we will explore how resiliency applies to every facet of our work and highlight how we can plan for, adapt, recover, and thrive amidst challenges. Register HERE. 

April 25th - 29th, 2025 | Roaring Fork Conservancy Watershed Cleanup - Volunteers are needed to clean up trash along rivers throughout the Roaring Fork Watershed, during daylight hours only, the week of April 25-29. Registration is REQUIRED for anyone wanting to pick up trash and participate in the Cleanup. Registration opens April 1 and closes April 19. Learn more or register HERE. 

April 30th, 2025 | Poudre River Cleanup - Help us keep the Poudre River clean and beautiful! Spend your Saturday morning with CPRW and Odell Brewing Co. for a river cleanup in Old Town, Fort Collins. Advance registration is required and space is limited. The event will begin and end at Odell Brewing Co. in Fort Collins. Parking is available at Odell Brewing or, even better, ride your bike! Register to volunteer here. After the river clean up, stick around at Odell Brewing for a River Appreciation Celebration until 3pm! Learn more or register HERE. 

May 2nd & 3rd, 2025 | Colorado Youth Climate Summit -  The first annual Colorado Youth Climate Summit (CYSC) is happening Friday-Saturday May 2-3, 2025 at the Third Street Center, free for high school youth. Participants will be engaging in climate action planning, exploring regional climate solutions, and building relationships with peers from across the state. Youth need to apply soon to participate in this free state-wide program by March 1st; space is limited. Adult volunteers are also encouraged to sign up soon HERE. 

May 13th, 2025 | State of the River: Upper Colorado River - The Colorado River District’s State of the River meetings are a spring tradition in Western Colorado, bringing communities together to discuss the most pressing water issues facing our region. These free public events provide valuable insights into river forecasts, local water projects, and key challenges impacting West Slope water users. Learn more HERE. 

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

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

May 29th, 2025 | State of the Yampa Address - Save the date. 

June 6th & 7th, 2025 | 2025 Conference on the Colorado River - Once again, the Colorado River is at a crossroads, as the efforts to finalize the post-2026 rules push up squarely against long standing conflicts, legal interpretations, and notions of equity and inclusivity.  Complicating progress is the narrow focus on reservoir operating rules, and the tradition of pushing the thorniest issues to future discussions in largely undetermined forums and unknown schedules.  In this event, we assess the current state of progress, focusing specifically on the degree to which emerging steps forward incorporate the lessons learned through past experiences. Learn more or register HERE. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 18th, 2025 | Colorado WaterWise 2025 Annual Water Conservation Symposium - Save the Date. Abstract submissions are due by March 28th, 2025. 

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 15th & 16th, 2025 | 2025 Rocky Mountain Groundwater Conference - Save the Date.

Trainings & Workshops Early April

April 2nd - 4th, 2025 | Beyond Grants: Building Financial Capacity for Land, Water and the Outdoors - Grand Junction, CO - Learn how to engage with the many and vital steps of the resource development cycle, and how to effectively use tools and systems and other topics. Learn more HERE. 

April 3rd, 2025 | CWCB Climate Workshop - CSU Pueblo - The CWCB is hosting two Climate Workshops in April as part of its work on Water Plan Actions 4.5 and 4.8. These workshops foster partnerships between the state and local communities working on water and climate adaptation, with a focus on those disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through presentations and interactive discussions, attendees will help shape a Climate Impacts Report CWCB is developing with Colorado State University. This report will expand on the 2024 Climate Change in Colorado Report, exploring climate impacts on communities and the effects of local adaptation efforts. Register to attend the workshops by filling out this Google Form. Learn more HERE. 

April 9th, 2025 | Water Wisdom: A Quick Dive into the Larimer County Water Plan -  Join us to explore how we’re shaping the future of our water resources! Please feel free to bring your lunch. Light refreshments provided. We’ll share key highlights from the recently developed Water Plan, focusing on its goals, strategies, and how it addresses local water challenges like population growth, climate change, and watershed health. This informal session offers an opportunity to ask questions, provide input, and learn how the plan fosters collaboration and supports sustainable water management in Larimer County. Learn more or register HERE. 

April 23rd, 2025 | Water law in a Nutshell - This seminar 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 and reservoirs, public rights in appropriated water, interstate compacts and more. Don’t miss this rare and unique opportunity with Aaron Clay! From his 26 years as a water referee at the Colorado Water Court, Clay brings a wealth of knowledge that earned him a reputation as one of the top experts in water law to this eight-hour “Water in a Nutshell” course. Sign-up HERE.

April 23rd, 2025 | CWCB Climate Workshop - Clifton Community Center - The CWCB is hosting two Climate Workshops in April as part of its work on Water Plan Actions 4.5 and 4.8. These workshops foster partnerships between the state and local communities working on water and climate adaptation, with a focus on those disproportionately impacted by climate change. Through presentations and interactive discussions, attendees will help shape a Climate Impacts Report CWCB is developing with Colorado State University. This report will expand on the 2024 Climate Change in Colorado Report, exploring climate impacts on communities and the effects of local adaptation efforts.  Register to attend the workshops by filling out this Google Form. Learn more HERE. 

April 28th & 29th, 2025 | CSI-MS4 Training - Designed specifically for Municipal personnel this online webinar course focuses on stormwater permit compliance as the key to restore and maintain the waters of the United States. Testing will be conducted; students are required to achieve a minimum overall score of 75% to be awarded 1.6 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) from the National Stormwater Center, and a five (5) year Inspector Certificate. Learn more or register HERE. 

April 28th - 30th, 2025 | Colorado Growing Water Smart: Integrated Water and Land Use Planning Workshop - The Growing Water Smart workshop brings key community decision makers on water and land use planning together to collaborate on sustainable water use. The workshop utilizes a range of public engagement, planning, communication, and policy implementation tools to help community teams realize their water efficiency, watershed health, and water resilience goals. Application Deadline: February 28, 2025. Learn more HERE. 

May 2nd, 2025 | NGWOS: What's That? - Lunch at the Colorado River District (CRD) with a presentation by USGS hydrologists Cory Williams and Rodney Richards, followed by a short walk to see a local Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS) in action at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs. Learn how Middle Colorado Watershed Council, Colorado River District and USGS partnered after the Grizzly Creek Fire on post-fire recovery and critical water quality monitoring for the benefit of all downstream water users. Learn more HERE. 

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

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 April

RiversEdge West has published a Tamarisk Beetle Map each year since 2007 with beetle presence and absence data submitted by observers across the southwestern US and Mexico. This year we received 199 observations of tamarisk beetles and 63 absence observations. Observations were submitted by partners in 7 states plus Mexico! Check it HERE. 

Capture the Cache Exhibition - 2025 is accepting submissions of photographs AND artwork celebrating the natural beauty, culture, and heritage of the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area. Participants will submit their photographs and/or artwork to three different categories: agriculture, community, and weather. Entrants may submit up to three pieces per category for consideration. From those submissions, a number of pieces (up to 30; about 70% photography and 30% art) will be selected for the Capture the Cache Exhibition. All artists and photographers included in the exhibit will receive compensation for their artwork and complimentary ticket to the Opening Reception. Learn more HERE. 

Water managers navigating the challenges of resource planning in a changing climate now have a new resource at their disposal. Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) helped develop the CMIP6 Frequently Asked Questions guide for the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA) to help water utilities access, interpret, and apply the latest climate projections effectively.