Announcements for Late January

CDPHE Nonpoint Source Project Middle North Empire Creek Waste Piles

Innovative young farmers are featured in the newly released short film Conservation Generation, presented by the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC), an organization that “represents, mobilizes, and engages young farmers to ensure their success.” Across most of the arid West, drought has been the norm for the last 15 years. The majority of young farmers and ranchers in this region have never farmed in non-drought conditions, which means they are uniquely focused on creative solutions to water conservation. The four young farmers featured in Conservation Generation are working hard to run successful farms in the arid West, with two of them farming on Colorado’s Western Slope.

The next Water Availability Task Force meeting will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 9:30-11:30am at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Denver in the Red Fox Room. An agenda will be posted at the CWCB website.

RFP: Design Standards Project - Town of Parker. The successful consulting firm or team of firms will have architecture, urban design and planning expertise with relevant experience in the development of design standards. The project must complement the Town's planned overhaul to its Land Development Ordinance in 2017-18 which will seek to modernize zoning, incorporate form-based zoning principles and promote complete streets as well as context sensitive urban design. The Town of Parker has allocated a budget not to exceed $100,000 for this project, with a timeframe of approximately eight months for completion. The proposal that is most responsive to the RFP and advantageous to the Town based upon consideration of all evaluation criteria, scope of work, schedule and budget will be selected. The deadline for submittal is January 31st, 2017. For more information click HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the availability of approximately $1 billion in credit assistance for water infrastructure projects under the new Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program. EPA’s WIFIA program will provide long-term, low-cost credit assistance in the form of direct loans and loan guarantees to creditworthy water projects. WIFIA provides another option for financing large infrastructure projects – generally at least $20 million – in addition to the State Revolving Funds and bond market. WIFIA is available to state, local, and tribal governments; private entities; partnerships; and State Revolving Fund programs. For more information click HERE.

Fraser Flats Project Needs Volunteers! Continuing with protecting the Upper Colorado River and its headwaters, the CTU Headwaters Chapter is leading a volunteer effort on the Fraser River as part of the Fraser Flats project. The chapter is in need of volunteers to help plant willows on the banks of the river near Tabernash. You can sign up to vounteer or read more about the project HERE.

WATER QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION - HEARING NOTICES

The following Notices of Rulemaking Hearings have been posted on the commission’s website:  www.colorado.gov.

• Apr 10, 2017: Regulation 43, On-Site Wastewater Treatment System Regulations (public hearing).
• Apr 10, 2017: Regulation 38, Classifications and Numeric Standards for South Platte River Basin, Laramie River Basin, Republican River Basin, Smoky Hill River Basin (written comment rulemaking).
• Mar 13, 2017: Regulation 61, Colorado Discharge Permit System Regulations (public hearing).
• Mar 13, 2017: Regulation 21, Procedural Rules (written comment rulemaking).

The following Notice of Administrative Action Hearing has been posted on the commission’s web site: www.colorado.gov.

• Section 303(d) Listing Methodology

The Clean River Design Challenge is on! Each year volunteers with the Greenway Foundation remove 2,400lbs of trash from the South Platte River. Now, they are challenging themselves and others to do even more with the Clean River Design Challenge. This competition challenges teams of college students to create a functional trash removal device. The winning teams will be awarded $2000! Teams must register online by February 1, 2017. For questions please send an email to: info@greenwayfoundation.org.

The Watershed Wildfire Protection Group meeting will be held on Friday, February 3rd, 2017 from 9:00 -3:00 pm MST atthe Colorado Parks & Wildlife Administration Building; Bighorn Room @ 6060 Broadway in Denver. A tentative agenda for the meeting will be available by mid-January. For more information contact Richard M. Edwards, CF, Assistant Staff Forester, Forest Management Division, Colorado State Forest Service, (970) 491-8036, Rich.Edwards@colostate.edu.

SAVE THE DATE for the next Watershed Wildfire Protection Group meeting on Friday, March 10th, 2017 from 9:00 am -3:00 pm MST atthe Colorado Parks & Wildlife Administration Building; Bighorn Room @ 6060 Broadway in Denver. Contact Richard M. Edwards, CF, Colorado State Forest Service at  Rich.Edwards@colostate.edu with any questions.

Funding Opportunities for Early January

CDOT Sediment Basin Project

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 January 13, 2017. Full details are available HERE.

The USDA Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Community Forest Program. Local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. Applications must be received by January 13, 2017. Information about how to apply is found in the Federal Register Notice and on the Community Forest Program website.

Nonpoint Source 2017 Funding Announcement, CDPHE Water Quality Control Division. CDPHE is looking for watershed implementation projects that construct best management practices identified in EPA Nine Elements Watershed Plans in order to restore waterbodies impaired by nonpoint sources of selenium, pathogens and/or nutrients. Application deadline January 17, 2017, 5:00 p.m. MST.

National Forest Foundation: Matching Awards Program is offering Matching Grants for Conservation Projects Impacting National Forests. The National Forest Foundation was established by Congress to support the USDA Forest Service in its management of America’s National Forests and Grasslands. Funded projects must address one of the following focus areas: The Outdoor Experiences category supports projects that improve the quality, condition, and care of outdoor experiences in National Forests. The Forest Health category supports citizen-involved projects that maintain or restore forest resiliency. The Foundation also encourages projects that cohesively integrate the Outdoor Experiences and Forest Health program areas. All grants require at least a one-to-one cash match through non-federal donations. MAP also requires projects to show a strong commitment to civic engagement and community involvement through the direct involvement of the public. The proposal deadlines for 2017 are January 17 and June 26. Visit the Foundation’s website to learn more about each MAP focus area and to submit the required eligibility questionnaire.

The Environmental Protection Agency Fiscal Year 2017 Environmental Justice Small Grants solicitation is now open. Under this RFP, EPA will award grants that support activities designed to empower and educate affected communities to understand environmental and public health issues and to identify ways to address these issues at the local level. Approximately 40 one-year projects will be awarded at $30,000 each. Applications are due on January 31, 2017 by 11:59 PM (ET). EPA requires applications for Environmental Justicegrants to be submitted electronically through the Grants.gov website. Hardcopy mailed or delivered applications are only accepted if the applicant has a waiver on file. For more information, see: Grants.gov. View the opportunity directly on Grants.gov: www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=289829.

The United States Bureau of Reclamation has announced three funding opportunities. for fiscal year 2017. 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.

CLICK HERE for Drought Resiliency Projects, Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F010, WaterSMART Drought Response Program:  Drought Resiliency Projects for Fiscal Year 2017,
CLICK HERE for Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects, Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F011, WaterSMART Grants:  Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects for Fiscal Year 2017,
CLICK HERE for Water and Energy Efficiency Grants, Funding Opportunity Announcement No. BOR-DO-17-F012, WaterSMART Grants: Water and Energy Efficiency Grants for Fiscal Year 2017.

The United States Forest Service has a Wood Innovations funding opportunity. Applications are due January 23, 2017.  Expansion of (1) wood-energy markets and (2) expansion of wood products markets are the two application categories.  Under a cooperative agreement with Region 2, CoWood is providing outreach assistance for this announcement along with technical assistance in supporting applicants across Region 2 (Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming) in developing and preparing successful proposals.  CoWood staff is available to provide guidance on project/proposal development, competitiveness, eligibility, and compliance with application requirements and instructions. Complete program information, eligibility criteria and application instructions is available at http://www.na.fs.fed.us/werc/wip/2017-rfp.shtm and/or by contacting Tim Reader with the Colorado State Forest Service at Tim.Reader@ColoState.Edu.

The Colorado River District is inviting constituents, within its 15-county region, to apply for a funding opportunity for projects that protect, enhance or develop water resources. Proposals must seek to achieve one or more of the following objectives, (with a preference for projects that utilized senior water rights that were in use before 1929); develop a new water supply, improve an existing water supply system, improve instream water quality, increase water use efficiency, reduce sediment loading and implement watershed and riparian management actions. Each project will be ranked based upon its own merits in accordance with ranking criteria. Criteria may be viewed on their website. Application deadline: January 31, 2017, 5pm. To access the application, guidelines and policies visit www.ColoradoRiverDistrict.org/grant-program.

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships focused on improving water quality, watersheds and the species and habitats they support. Projects include a variety of ecological improvements including: wetland, riparian, forest and coastal habitat restoration; wildlife conservation; community tree canopy enhancement; and/or water quality monitoring and stormwater management; along with targeted community outreach, education and stewardship. Priority will be given to projects that advance water quality goals in environmental justice communities special consideration will be given to project proposals that advance the priorities in the 19 Urban Waters Federal Partnership designated locations. Grants Due by Jan 31, 2017. Details Here.

The mission of the Captain Planet Foundation is to give the next generation of environmental stewards an active understanding and love for the natural world in which they live. The Captain Planet Foundation primarily makes grants to U.S.-based schools and organizations with an annual operating budget of less than $3 million. Grants are intended to: provide hands-on environmental stewardship opportunities for youth; serve as a catalyst to getting environment-based education in schools; and inspire youth and communities to participate in community service through environmental stewardship activities. Grants Due by Jan 31, 2017. Details Here.

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Inc. released the 2017 Request for Proposals for the Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program. Additional grant funds are available in 2017-2018 through a new partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)--up to $2 million is available for the 2017 grant cycle.  The program’s focus is to accelerate the strategic protection of healthy freshwater ecosystems and their watersheds across the country. The deadline for proposals is February 1, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern. For more information see the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, Healthy Watersheds Consortium website.

Outdoor clothing and gear company Patagonia provides grants to nonprofit organizations engaged in environmental work. The company's environmental grant program supports small grassroots activist organizations that have provocative direct-action agendas and are working on multi-pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment. Grants of up to $15,000 will be awarded in support of projects that are action-oriented, build public involvement and support, are focused on root causes, and demonstrate a commitment to long-term change. There are two annual deadlines for this process - April 30 (all applications received in April will receive a response by the end of August) and August 31 (all applications received in August will receive a response by the end of January). Click HERE for grant guidelines and application.

Trainings for Early January

1904 U.S. Geological Survey Map of Silver Plume, CO

FEBRUARY 21st, 2017: Water Quality in the Lower Arkansas Basin: Impacting your Bottom Line Workshop from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Otero Junior College Student Center, La Junta, CO 81050.. This workshop will highlight best management practices to improve water quality in the lower Arkansas River. Changes in water rights, non-point source and point source pollution have had cumulative effects on water quality and further impact the uses of Arkansas River water. This is a FREE event but RSVP is required. A complimentary lunch will be served during the workshop. Please RSVP by February 17th, 2017.

FEBRUARY 23rd, 2017: Webinar - An Accounting Approach to Ecosystem Services for Public and Private Sector Decision Making in the U.S., 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm EST. The Nicholas School is hosting a webinar on natural capital accounting - a tool being used in dozens of countries globally and by the private sector that tracks changes in ecosystem services and directly ties these changes to costs and benefits across different economic sectors. In this National Ecosystem Services Partnership webinar, Ken Bagstad and Carl Shapiro of the U.S. Geological Survey will describe ongoing work to develop the infrastructure for a national natural capital accounting system in the United States.The webinar is free, but advanced registration is required. Details HERE.

FEBRUARY 27th, 2017: Let’s WRAP – Fountain Creek! Workshop with the Colorado Data Sharing Network and Colorado State University eRAMS Team from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, location to be announced. Learn about water quality data sharing systems that can help you navigate upcoming Reg 85 Requirements and manage your water resource data more effectively to get better results in your watershed management decisions.  The Colorado Data Sharing Network has been providing service to water organizations for over 15 years.  Colorado State University has been working with CDPHE to develop the Watershed Rapid Assessment Program and other tools to bring together disparate watershed data sources and provide the ability to do analytics on that data on one cloud based platform. RESERVE YOUR SEAT!

MARCH 2nd, 2017:  Annual Colorado Nutrient Management Workshop hosted by the CSU CLEAN Center and Colorado Monitoring Framework. The 2017 stakeholder workshop will be held at the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District Board Room in Denver, Colorado.  You can register for the workshop HERE.

Conferences & Events for Early January

Girls learning to fish in Idaho Springs, CO

JANUARY 25th - 27th, 2017: The Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado. The 2017 convention will take place at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. The Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention is a water industry event attracting 500+ attendees that convene for networking and collaboration on the important water issues of the day. For more information visit their website at www.cowatercongress.org.

FEBRUARY 3rd, 2017: Fourth Annual Poudre River Forum: As the River Flows — Forest to Plains from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Greeley - Island Grove Event Center, Conference Rooms, 501 N 14th Ave. Greeley, CO. Program topics include the connection between forest health and water diverted on the plains; how variability and uncertainty affect agricultural, urban, and environmental sectors alike; and how much the Poudre has changed since the 1960's. Check the Poudre River Forum webpage for more details.

FEBRUARY 7th - 9th, 2017: Tamarisk Coalition Conference - The Future is Now:  Forward-Thinking Restoration Planning and Adaptation at the Hilton, 425 West Prospect Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Featuring a keynote presentation from Clint Evans, State Conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Early Bird Registration is open.

FEBRUARY 11th, 2017: Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants Conference from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm at The Ranch Events Center in Loveland (There is a beginner friendly 1/2 day option). Includes keynote and combined breakout sessions 1 and 2 with Anne Clark (lunch not included). The Landscaping with Colorado Native Plants Conference promotes the inclusion of native plants in our landscaping to benefit pollinators and songbirds, save water, and restore the beauty and health of nature in the places we live, work and play. Visit landscapingwithcoloradonativeplants to register. 

FEBRUARY 15th - 17th, 2017: The Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance (DARCA) is holding its 15th Annual Convention on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Ignacio, Colorado. Ignacio is located twenty-four miles southeast of the City of Durango. The event will take place at the Sky Ute Casino Resort in the town of Ignacio. During the two-and-a-half-day conference, a wide variety of speakers will discuss their views on timely subjects facing ditch and reservoir companies. It will be a great opportunity to expand everybody’s horizons by interacting with mutual ditch and reservoir companies, irrigation districts, laterals, and private ditches from around the state. Click HERE for more information.

MARCH 7th - 9th, 2017: High Altitude Restoration Science & Practice joint conference hosted by the High Altitude Revegetation Committee and the Central Rockies Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. The aim of the conference is to connect practitioners, scientists, land managers, students, and policymakers to enhance our understanding of restoration theory and practice in diverse ecosystems using a variety of methods. Online registration is now open. Click HERE to register. 

MARCH 9th, 2017: Colorado Trout Unlimited 2017 River Stewardship Gala at the Mile High Station in Denver, CO. The Gala is Colorado TU’s biggest fundraising event of the year and the largest fishing-oriented auction in Colorado. The funds raised will go towards CTU’s work in youth education, protecting stream flows and temperature across the state, reintroducing and protecting native fish, and preserving and restoring fisheries and their watersheds. They will be honoring the Colorado Water Conservation Board for their work in developing Colorado’s first ever state water plan. This plan will guide water decisions made in the state and lead water conserving initiatives. Prizes will be available ranging from fishing trips, fishing gear, nights out on the town, art, and much more! There will even be great trips around the state and even a trip to fish in Argentina! For more information about the Gala including tickets, donations, or sponsorships visit http://coloradotu.org.

MARCH 16th & 17th, 2017: Western Places/Western Spaces Conference: Creating Inclusive Communities. Jointhe Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute's 26th annual land use conference at the University of Denver campus. The theme for the 2017 Western Places/Western Spaces conference, Creating Inclusive Communities, focuses on the challenges and strategies available to cities—large and small—to plan for and build communities in which everyone can thrive. They will explore options for conserving and protecting our lands and natural resources. Water and energy development—whether from fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal or renewable sources like wind and solar—remain inextricably linked with the West. And as our metropolitan areas grow, it becomes increasingly important to preserve the character of our rural and agricultural communities, as well. Click Here to Register for this Event.

MARCH 31st, 2017: Save the Date - Healthy Headwaters 12th Leadership Convening: Smart Partnerships for Fast Times starting at 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Aurora Municipal Center, Aurora, CO. Carpe Diem West’s Healthy Headwaters Alliance pioneers innovative, scalable policies and actions to protect and restore the forested headwaters - the major source of our water supply in the American West. Each Healthy Headwaters convening highlights the work of key western communities that are catalyzing innovation in the region and beyond.

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.

APRIL 19th - 21st, 2017: The Colorado Wildland Fire Conference will take place at the Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, CO. 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 conference is a great opportunity to share your knowledge and expertise about reducing communities’ vulnerability to wildfire.Watch for more details about the 2017 Colorado Wildland Fire Conference soon at www.wildfire-colorado.com.

Job Announcements for Early January

River Filling

Boulder County is hiring a half-time Land Officer position. The Boulder County Land Officer manages open space real estate interests for Boulder County's Parks and Open Space Department. This position's focus is on management and dispositions (e.g., to respond to road widening needs and other eminent domain/condemnation situations), with some land conservation acquisition work. For more information click HERE.

The Grand County Water Information Network is now accepting applications for a year-round 25 hours/week Executive Director. GCWIN is a non-profit water quality organization. Duties include program development, grant/membership development, board of directors’ liaison, personnel/fiscal management, monitoring programs oversight, database management and public relations/educational outreach. Click HERE for a full job description. 

The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Colorado Urban Conservation Program Manager. This position will lead the implementation of a recently established program focused on improving the health and well-being of people living in Colorado’s cities by integrating nature as a solution to critical urban challenges, such as the impacts of air pollution, escalating heat and storm water related flooding, enhancing urban biodiversity and natural open space, and expanding opportunities for lasting and meaningful connections between adults, youth and nature. The initial geographic focus of the program will be on the Denver Metropolitan area, with particular emphasis on the South Platte River corridor, but priority will also be placed on the development of solutions that are scalable to other cities across the state.  The Program Manager will work collaboratively with a wide range of partners to develop and implement projects that demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based approaches to urban challenges, while also enhancing vital ecosystems and contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable quality of life.  Whenever possible, projects will reduce risk to and/or otherwise benefit communities who may be impacted inequitably by these types of environmentally related challenges to well-being. Applications must be submitted prior to 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 4, 2017. For more information click HERE.

The Colorado WaterWise Board of Directors is seeking administrative support and project coordinator services in executing the goals and supporting the mission of Colorado WaterWise. Colorado WaterWise’s Mission is to connect stakeholders, provide resources, and serve as the collaborative leader in the efficient use of urban water in Colorado.The term of contract is February 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 and is renewable yearly upon agreement by both parties. Due date for RFQ is January 9, 2017.  Click HERE for more information.

The South Platte Forum Planning Committee has an opening for a Coordinator. The Committee has an immediate need for a qualified, independent contractor to serve as the Committee Coordinator. The South Platte Forum (SPF) has been a venue for the timely, multi-disciplinary exchange of information and ideas important to resource management in the South Platte River Basin. The two-day conference typically draws between 120 and 150 attendees. The Committee is seeking an organized and creative Coordinator who is dedicated to continuing to improve upon the SPF. The Committee Coordinator should be well versed in event planning, communication, and facilitating professionals to consensus decisions. The Committee Coordinator will work closely with the Committee throughout the year, and will ultimately be responsible for the planning, logistics, and on-site execution and management of the SPF, which is held in October, annually. For more information on the SFP, visit their website at: http://www.southplatteforum.org/. Submit resumes and cover letters by Monday, January 30, 2017 to: Jason Marks, Environmental Planner, Denver Water, 1600 12th Avenue, Denver, CO 80204, jason.marks@denverwater.org.

The Highlands Ranch Community Association is seeking a Property Maintenance Coordinator for its Backcountry Wilderness Area.  This is a new, full time position with benefits. The Backcountry Wilderness area is a 8,200 acre (13 square mile) conservation area with 26 miles of natural surface trails, a wide variety of outdoor based programs including youth camps, horseback trail rides and camps, nature programs, hunting and various special events. This position will help maintain the trails, amenities, structures, natural resources, and assist in preparing for programs, activities, and events. Applications must be submitted by January 31st.  To apply go to www.hrcaonline.org and visit the Employment page under “About Us”.

The Middle South Platte River Alliance is currently seeking a Watershed Program Assistant. The successful applicant will be a motivated, independent, enthusiastic problem-solver who is capable and willing to serve the larger purpose of restoring an environment and community that survived a recent disaster. The Program Assistant will assist the watershed coordinator in executing day-to-day management, outreach, education and administrative tasks. The assistant will provide support for Middle South Platte River Alliance meetings, grant submissions and tracking, project implementation, marketing and outreach in a community of diverse situations and needs. This will require communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge and perseverance.  A willingness to perform a variety of tasks, learn new skills and exercise high levels of creativity will be necessary"  The official posting can be viewed and downloaded at: www.middlesouthplatte.org.

Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) is seeking an Executive Director. This is a part-time administrative job requiring communication and computer skills, basic organizational experience with lists, contacting numbers of people in a timely and efficient manner, and giving attention to simple banking and bill paying. Oversee the logistics, serve as point person, represent the FOLBR in the community, and manage membership functions so that the FOLBR maintains a high and positive profile in the community, the FOLBR BOD functions efficiently and effectively, and the FOLBR Mission is consistently honored and met. Please submit a letter of interest and a resume to John Longhill at johnlonghill@mindspring.com or call 970-389-8496.