Conferences and Events for Early November

Drive by the Reservoir

NOVEMBER 2nd & 3rd, 2016: The Sixth Annual Upper Colorado River Basin Forum will be held at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The theme is"Complex Systems in Flux: Changing Relationships between Water, People and the Environment." More information is available here.

NOVEMBER 9th, 2016: Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) Untapped 2016, a mini beer tasting extravaganza. This event will be held at the RedLine Art Gallery, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO, 80205, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information and tickets go to elkkids.org.

NOVEMBER 9th, 2016: StoryEarth with Odds Bodkin & Martin Ogle - A story telling event. Can a symbiosis of story and science help guide us toward thriving, long-term human life on Planet Earth? "StoryEarth," a thought-provoking stage performance, combines epic storytelling, scientific discourse and conversation to ask big questions: Are ancient stories about humanity and Earth still relevant? Is science suggesting new stories, and, if so, how will old and new stories evolve together? This evening will mesmerize, entertain, and awaken new possibilities! Master storyteller, Odds Bodkin brings a folklore tale and the ancient myth of Gaia – the Earth Goddess of ancient Greece – to life for a modern audience with his prodigious skills as a storyteller and musician. Naturalist & Earth scientist, Martin Ogle, asks the audience to internalize the raw, adult interpretation of the Greek origin myth and blend it with the newest scientific understandings of humans and Earth to sense and help create a new, emerging story. This performance is from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the University of Colorado, Sustainability, Energy and Environment Complex (SEEC) Auditorium, 4001 Discovery Drive. To purchase tickets click HERE.

NOVEMBER 9th - 11th, 2016: Strengthening Collaborative Capacity for Better Water Decisions at the Sylvan Dale Ranch, Loveland Colorado.  Good water policy decisions require decision-making processes that encourage collaboration and consensus building as well as best practices and skills to find solutions that are in the best interest of communities, the environment, and stakeholders interested in water allocation. The future of water in Colorado and the West requires the best collaborative problem-solving and consensus building skills available. This interactive workshop is designed to strengthen capacity among water leaders and professionals to design and implement highly functioning collaborative processes and apply them to practical and complex issues affecting Colorado and the West. For more information click HERE.

NOVEMBER 10th, 2016: Wildfire Collaboration Conference: Working Better Together with FireWise of Southwest Colorado from 8:30 am – 11:30 am at the Durango Recreation Center, 2700 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301. Being a resident of the wildland-urban interface has many benefits as well as risks. Those that choose to live in or near a wildland environment have a higher associated risk and personal responsibility for the safety of their families as well as their property, pets, and livestock. Understanding the wildland environment you are a part of is a large part of being firewise. For more information visit the FireWise of Southwest Colorado website.

NOVEMBER 16th, 2016: Colorado Groundwater Conference at the Doubletree by Hilton, Denver, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver 80207. This is a one-day conference for state legislators, local government officials, water managers, regulators, environmental organizations, agriculture, industry and water utility end users and their scientific, engineering and legal advisors. Topics will include managing groundwater in Denver Basin aquifers, water banking, water reallocation and water rights trading In Colorado. Click HERE for more information.

NOVEMBER 17th, 2016: 2016 Water Educator Symposium - Innovative Water Education in the 21st Century: Visual storytelling, using technology to share Colorado’s Water Stories from 8:15 am - 4:30 pm in Keystone, CO. Join the Water Educator Network of the Colorado Foundation for Water Education to explore exemplary visual storytelling techniques for water and river education and outreach. Presenters include Will Inveen, Director of Education at the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in Australia; Tracy Ferdin, creator of the Waters to the Sea program at Hamline University; the Open Water Foundation, Open Media Foundation, and others. Learn how you can implement visual storytelling using technology to expand your message and reach new audiences across Colorado and beyond. Register HERE.

NOVEMBER 17th, 2016: The Great Divide - Film Screening and Fundraiser for the Colorado Water Trust, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the SIE FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Ave., Denver. If you haven't yet seen the film The Great Divide, this is your chance to see it on the big screen! And proceeds from the event will support the Water Trust! "The destiny of the West is written in the headwaters of Colorado...In this time of increasing demand and limited supply, it is essential to promote a more informed and inclusive discussion concerning decisions affecting our water resources." For tickets go to the SIE FilmCenter Website.

NOVEMBER 17th, 2016: Colorado Water Supply Systems Workshop at the Doubletree by Hilton, Denver, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver 80207. Is a one-day program on practical, cost-effective solutions that work.  The workshop will explain how to maximize yields and pump performance on existing wells and ensure correct design, construction, pump and pump control selection, and maintenance on new wells. New or existing, this program will enable groundwater users to reduce energy costs and prolong well life.  Hear from experts about technologies and techniques to save money by maximizing efficiency and increasing performance. For detailed information and registration click HERE.

NOVEMBER 14th, 2016: Sustainable Denver Summit, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Downtown Denver Sheraton from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Sustainable Denver Summit is about working together to create long-term strategies and specific commitments to achieve our 2020 Sustainability Goals. Breakout Tracks include: Energy Solutions, Affordable Housing, Density and Mobility, Water Systems, Materials and Waste Management, and Food and Health Systems. For more information click HERE.

DECEMBER 2nd, 2016: Colorado WaterWise 8th Annual Water Conservation Summit at Metropolitan State University – Auraria Campus, St. Cajetan’s Church, Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204. Come on out and hear the latest on water education on topics such as Children's Water Festivals; Project Wet; Edible Aquifers; Colorado Water: Live Like You Love It Testimonials; Colorado Collaboratory: A Living Laboratory Campus Experience; Brewery's Matter and much. Space is limited so register now! Conserve your funds and take advantage of early bird rates now through November 4. 

APRIL 4th, 2017: National Watershed & Stormwater Conference, Online and Remote Hub Locations. Mark your calendar for the second year of this unique conference.  This conference is designed to allow both in-person discussion at multiple locations and online attendance.  Participants can learn about local and national stormwater and watershed issues while networking at their preferred attendance location. Major conference topics may include: IDDE, Public Education, National Certification, Monitoring, Drinking Water and Stream Restoration. Learn about exciting research, case studies, innovative technology, and special regional considerations from experts around the country. Registration will open soon.  Stay tuned for more information on registration and sponsorship at CWP.org.

Announcements for Late October

Sunset over the Rio Grande Near Monte Vista, Colorado

The U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation is requesting comment on the Draft Eligible Project Types and Evaluation Criteria for the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program. Reclamation invites other Federal agencies, the public, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit companies, academic institutions, States, Tribes and local governments, and the public to comment on the draft eligible project types and evaluation criteria by October 28, 2016. Questions, comments on the draft eligible project types and evaluation criteria may be sent to Ms. Avra Morgan at aomorgan@usbr.gov or this address:
Bureau of Reclamation Attention: Avra Morgan 84-51000 PO Box 25007 Denver, CO 80225-0007

The Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education is requesting session proposals for their 16th annual Colorado's Advancing Environmental Education Conference. The 2017 conference theme is "Inspiring Connections and Expanding Reach." CAEE seeks session proposals that highlight environmental education approaches from a variety of backgrounds, sectors, focus areas, and experience levels, and in particular the connections between environmental education research, practices and collaborations that offer tangible takeaways for participants. Session Proposals Due Monday, October 31, 2016. Submit your 2017 conference session proposal here (CAEE).

The “Collaborative Watershed Assessment: A Profile of the Upper South Platte Partnership” report is posted on the Watershed Wildfire Protection Group (WWPG) webpage. This paper represents one of the deliverables from the 2014 US Forest Service State & Private Forestry Western Competitive Resource Allocation “Watersheds” Landscape Scale Restoration grant awarded to the Colorado State Forest Service. Click on the web link to view the final report, http://csfs.colostate.edu/media/sites/22/2016/10/USPP_Final_Report_2016_posted.pdf.

Request For Proposals, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Funded Research Program. The Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) of the City of Boulder has funding available through its funded research program for scientific inquiry on OSMP lands. Proposal deadline is Jan 13, 2017. Full details are available HERE.

Mark your calendar for the 2017 National Watershed & Stormwater Conference on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. The conference is designed to allow both in-person discussion at multiple locations and online attendance.  Participants can learn about local and national stormwater and watershed issues while networking at their preferred attendance location. Major conference topics include: IDDE, Public Education, National Certification, Monitoring, and Stream Restoration. Learn about exciting research, case studies, innovative technology, and special regional considerations from experts around the country. Registration will open soon. Stay tuned for more information on registration and sponsorship! For more information visit cwp.org.

The Colorado Wildland Fire Conference is accepting presentation proposals. The conference will be held April 19 – 21, 2017 at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, CO. This conference will provide an atmosphere for professionals and landowners to have solutions-oriented discussions about creating communities in Colorado that are adapted to wildfire. This year’s conference will expand on the Fire Adapted Communities concept, providing the framework for moving from awareness to action, messaging to mitigation, and words to work. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise about reducing communities’ vulnerability to wildfire. The conference planning committee is looking for presentations that focus on innovative research influencing policy changes; case studies of overcoming barriers to planning and implementation; and success stories of on the ground actions to create Fire Adapted Communities. Submit your presentation proposals online HERE. Presentation proposals are due Friday, November 18, 2016 by 11:59 p.m.

Trainings for Late October

The Green River and Canyons of Dinosaur National Monument

OCTOBER 18th, 2016: Webinar, Alliance4WaterEfficiency Partner GlobalWaterWorks will host a FREE webinar entitled, "Making the Business Case for Water Projects," at 8 a.m. PT. The webinar will be based on the July 2016 paper published by Shira Eting, fellow at the Milken Innovation Center, in connection with the Israel California Global Innovation Partnership. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register for the webinar.

OCTOBER 24th, 2016: Train-the-Trainer Workshop: Integrating Water into Land Use Planning, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. This free workshop is targeted to local government planners and water providers who want to be trained to provide educational workshops in their community and/or region to explore issues of water and land use planning and how to develop effective plans and implementation strategies for water conservation. Participants will be guided in three training modules and learn how to conduct educational workshops for local government leaders in their region. The modules will help trainers enhance communication and provide specific land use techniques regarding water efficiency and land use. The Colorado Water Conservation Board with support from the Department of Local Affairs are coordinating this educational effort. This Train-the-Trainer workshop is being offered in conjunction with the American Planning Association, Colorado State Conference in Colorado Springs at the Antlers Hotel.
The training workshop is free, but space is limited. Click HERE to register.

OCTOBER 25th, 2016: Intermountain West Drought Early Warning System Front Range Drought Outlook & Stakeholder Meeting with the Alliance for Sustainable Colorado. This workshop will serve four purposes: 1) provide an update on current and forecasted drought & climate conditions 2) introduce the new Intermountain West Drought Early Warning System 3) showcase current research and tools available to stakeholders to support drought early warning 4) gather feedback from stakeholders on current needs for the IMW DEWS to help inform the development of the IMW DEWS Strategic Plan. This meeting will focus on past, present and/or expected drought impacts in the region with a particular focus on Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. It will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to interact with other decision makers and information providers in the region. For more information go to joss.ucar.edu. Registration is FREE.

OCTOBER 25TH, 2016: River Network webinar, Water Scarcity as a Catalyst for Integrated Water Management – Creating Multiple Benefits for Your Community and River, 2:00 pm Eastern - 3:30 pm Eastern. At scales ranging from the neighborhood and city to the watershed and basin, some communities are doing the work of breaking down the silos in water management to increase sustainability and equitably maximize benefits across the community and watershed. So, what does “Integrated Water Management” mean for your watershed and your community? Where has it been used and what are the benefits and challenges? Can it help your community achieve “triple bottom line” (environmental, social and economic) benefits? Join them to learn how communities in Washington and San Francisco – driven by limited water resources – are seeking ways to integrate water management with other sectors and at varying scales, from the Basin to the building level. Click HERE for more information.

OCTOBER 26th, 2016: Webinar, Navigating the Intersection: Western Water, Climate Change & Public Health, starting at 10:00 am PDT. Whether you’re a water utility manager in Colorado, a public health director in California, or a water justice activist in Arizona, climate-driven changes in western water are already having direct impacts on public health. What lies ahead and how do we work together? Find out and register for this webinar. This is the first of a three-part webinar series hosted by Carpe Diem West.

OCTOBER 27th, 2016: Webinar, Exploring Children's Perspectives of the Environment, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm.   Join Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) with Bryan Wee, Associate Professor, Department of Geography & Environmental Sciences, at University of Colorado Denver. Applying a lens of equity, he will be reviewing his findings of about how children in the U.S., China, and Sweden perceive the environment and the implications for environmental education. Dr. Wee was the 2015 Awards for Excellence in EE winner for Outstanding EE Educator. Hear him share his expertise in the field! For more information and to register visit the CAEE Website.

NOVEMBER 7th – 8th, 2016: Colorado Climate Fundamentals - Colorado Regional Workshop #1. The Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) is offering a series of 2-day training academies in Golden. These academies will provide curriculum on topics including understanding climate science and variability, identifying climate hazards and conducting vulnerability assessments, basics of greenhouse gas accounting, explanations of the food-water-energy nexus, and fundamental governance and stakeholder engagement strategies. Workshop participants will learn from experts about the implications of climate change with a regional focus added for Colorado and the Rockies. Professionals from the public and private sectors, higher education and the NGO community will benefit from the classroom-style, interactive training activities. For more information go to climatefundamentals.org.

Funding Opportunities for Late October

Eman in Rocky Mountain National Park

The GRO1000 Gardens and Green Spaces Grant Awards Program, an initiative of The United States Conference of Mayors and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, promotes mayoral leadership in the development of greenscapes across the nation. Every municipality in the United States may nominate one new or one substantial addition to an existing public garden, edible garden, or green space within their community. All garden and green space projects initiated by city governments are eligible, including projects developed with community garden groups and other community partners. The four focal areas of the GRO1000 program include: Outdoor Play - creating natural playgrounds for youth, Urban Revitalization - transforming vacant and abandoned properties, Nature Gardens - increasing pollinator-friendly gardens and landscapes, and Food Deserts - providing access to fresh healthy foods. Four winning cities will each receive a total of $40,000 in monetary funds and products. The application deadline is November 15, 2016. Visit the GRO1000 website to learn more about the program and to submit an online application.

Applications are being accepted for the Colorado Corn FFA Grant program. The National FFA Organization was founded in 1928, and, with its focus on middle school and high school classes that promote and support ag education, is the largest of the career and technical student organizations in U.S. schools. For a fourth year, the Colorado Corn Administrative Committee is accepting applications from FFA chapters around the state as part of its Colorado Corn FFA Grant Program. The Colorado Corn FFA Grant Program assists FFA chapters in Colorado on projects that lack funding within their school district's budget. The deadline to apply is November 15th, 2016. Click HERE for more information.

Conservation Alliance Invites Nominations for Conservation Projects. The Conservation Alliance is a group of outdoor businesses that seeks to protect threatened wild places throughout North America for their habitat and recreational values. As a group of outdoor industry companies, alliance recognizes its responsibility to help protect the wild lands and waterways on which our customers recreate and wildlife thrives. Grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded for projects that seek to secure permanent and quantifiable protection of a specific wild land or waterway. Priority will be given to landscape-scale projects that have a clear benefit for habitat. In addition, campaigns should engage grassroots citizen action in support of the conservation effort and must have a clear recreational benefit. Nominations must be received no later than November 1, 2016. Upon review, selected nominees will be invited to submit full proposals by December 1, 2016. Visit the Conservation Alliance website for program guidelines, information about how to be nominated by an alliance member, and application procedures.

The Bureau of Reclamation will begin to provide funding for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) Phase II watershed management projects in fiscal year (FY) 2017, to support local watershed groups in implementing collaborative solutions to water management issues. All funding will be awarded through a competitive process, using established criteria. The FY 2017 Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for CWMP Phase II projects will be posted to grants.gov in January 2017. For information on FY 2017 funding opportunities for the CWMP, please see Reclamation’s website at www.usbr.gov.

Conferences and Events for Late October

Hot summer day at Confluence Park

OCTOBER 17th, 2016: 'Make A Difference Monday' - THIS MONDAY! From 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at The Ginn Mill, 2041 Larimer Street, Denver. Join the Colorado Water Trust and Good River and support Colorado's rivers by having a beer with them...what could be better? All proceeds from the evening support the Colorado Water Trust. And every Good River Beer that you enjoy also supports the Water Trust through their 2% for rivers program.

OCTOBER 20th, 2016: Bites & Brews for Biodiversity. Rocky Mountain Wild is hosting this celebration of biodiversity and fundraising event at Silver Vines Winery, 7509 Grandview Ave, Arvada, CO 80002. You'll be able to participate in a silent auction with packages ranging from local business "date-nights," to conservation-themed artworks, to vacation packages. While you bid, you can also enjoy appetizers and wine! Each ticket includes two complimentary glasses of Silver Vines award-winning, locally-produced wines, a full spread of vegan and vegetarian tapas, and a "do good" bag filled with items to help you live a more sustainable life. And you'll be able to take direct action to help biodiversity! Click HERE for tickets.

OCTOBER 20th, 2016: Dolores Watershed and Resilient Forest Collaborative (DWaRF) Field Tour from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm beginning at Summit Lake Community Church on Hwy 184. They will spend time in the landscape where the $249,000 Community Assisted Forestry Award will be used for fuels treatments near Joe Moore Reservoir, and determine desired future conditions and other methods of evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatments. Tour the machine built slash piles on the Ute Mountain Tribally owned Adams Ranch that will be cooperatively burned this winter; Travel through the Millwood state school section where 60 acres of timber harvest and 60 acres of mastication are planned; Observe the Joe Moore State Wildlife area and neighboring Big Pine Lake subdivision and agree on treatment objectives for DWaRF pilot projects throughout this landscape; and Discover work on adjacent USFS lands and their proposed supplemental project. Please contact Becca Samulski if you are interested in participating at, 970-564-7860, montezumafirewise@gmail.com.

OCTOBER 21st, 2016: FLPMA Turns 40, Celebrating 40 years of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act, University of Colorado, Boulder, Wolf Law Building, Wittemyer Courtroom from 8:00 am – 5:10 pm. In the 40 years since congress enacted FLPMA, the BLM has experienced a remarkable transformation from an agency once focused almost entirely on livestock grazing and mineral development to one that has fully embraced a multiple use mandate. This event is free and open to the public. Click HERE to register to attend and for event agenda HERE.

NOVEMBER 1st, 2016: Changemaker Breakfast, an inspirational event to grow the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) featuring storyteller Odds Bodkin, held at and sponsored by the Denver Botanic Gardens. In a rapidly changing world, we have an unprecedented opportunity to provide Coloradans-young and old-with relevant, real-world learning they need to make informed decisions about the environment. Environmental education has the power to transform our communities and environments. REGISTER HERE.

NOVEMBER 2nd & 3rd, 2016: The Sixth Annual Upper Colorado River Basin Forum will be held at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction. The theme is"Complex Systems in Flux: Changing Relationships between Water, People and the Environment." They have a CALL FOR ABSTRACTS on presentation proposals from water managers, policy makers, scholars and other stakeholders. The call for abstracts is available here.

NOVEMBER 9th, 2016: Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) Untapped 2016, a mini beer tasting extravaganza. This event will be held at the RedLine Art Gallery, 2350 Arapahoe St., Denver, CO, 80205, from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. For more information and tickets go to elkkids.org.

NOVEMBER 9th - 11th, 2016: Strengthening Collaborative Capacity for Better Water Decisions at the Sylvan Dale Ranch, Loveland Colorado.  Good water policy decisions require decision-making processes that encourage collaboration and consensus building as well as best practices and skills to find solutions that are in the best interest of communities, the environment, and stakeholders interested in water allocation. The future of water in Colorado and the West requires the best collaborative problem-solving and consensus building skills available. This interactive workshop is designed to strengthen capacity among water leaders and professionals to design and implement highly functioning collaborative processes and apply them to practical and complex issues affecting Colorado and the West. For more information click HERE.

NOVEMBER 16th, 2016: Colorado Groundwater Conference at the Doubletree by Hilton, Denver, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver 80207. This is a one-day conference for state legislators, local government officials, water managers, regulators, environmental organizations, agriculture, industry and water utility end users and their scientific, engineering and legal advisors. Topics will include managing groundwater in Denver Basin aquifers, water banking, water reallocation and water rights trading In Colorado. Click HERE for more information.

NOVEMBER 17th, 2016: The Great Divide - Film Screening and Fundraiser for the Colorado Water Trust, from 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the SIE FilmCenter, 2510 East Colfax Ave., Denver. If you haven't yet seen the film The Great Divide, this is your chance to see it on the big screen! And proceeds from the event will support the Water Trust! "The destiny of the West is written in the headwaters of Colorado...In this time of increasing demand and limited supply, it is essential to promote a more informed and inclusive discussion concerning decisions affecting our water resources." For tickets go to the SIE FilmCenter Website.

NOVEMBER 17th, 2016: Colorado Water Supply Systems Workshop at the Doubletree by Hilton, Denver, 3203 Quebec Street, Denver 80207. Is a one-day program on practical, cost-effective solutions that work.  The workshop will explain how to maximize yields and pump performance on existing wells and ensure correct design, construction, pump and pump control selection, and maintenance on new wells. New or existing, this program will enable groundwater users to reduce energy costs and prolong well life.  Hear from experts about technologies and techniques to save money by maximizing efficiency and increasing performance. For detailed information and registration click HERE.

NOVEMBER 14th, 2016: Sustainable Denver Summit, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Downtown Denver Sheraton from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Sustainable Denver Summit is about working together to create long-term strategies and specific commitments to achieve our 2020 Sustainability Goals. Breakout Tracks include: Energy Solutions, Affordable Housing, Density and Mobility, Water Systems, Materials and Waste Management, and Food and Health Systems. For more information click HERE.

DECEMBER 2nd, 2016: Colorado WaterWise 8th Annual Water Conservation Summit at Metropolitan State University – Auraria Campus, St. Cajetan’s Church, Lawrence Way, Denver, CO 80204. Come on out and hear the latest on water education on topics such as Children's Water Festivals; Project Wet; Edible Aquifers; Colorado Water: Live Like You Love It Testimonials; Colorado Collaboratory: A Living Laboratory Campus Experience; Brewery's Matter and much. Space is limited so register now! Conserve your funds and take advantage of early bird rates now through November 4.