Announcements for Early February

A snowy river near Baily, Colorado - David Hannigan

A snowy river near Baily, Colorado - David Hannigan

Judges needed: 2017 Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair. If you enjoy helping young scientists develop their interest and skills, please consider volunteering to judge at the 2017 Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Judging will be Friday February 17, 2017 from 10:00am-5:00 pm at the University of Colorado Denver Auraria Campus. Lunch will be provided for judges. To learn more about the fair and to register as a judge, please visit their website at denversciencefair.com.  If you cannot commit to the full day of judging, please consider other science fair volunteer opportunities.  Sign up for these is available through the fair website at denversciencefair.com.

WATER QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION - HEARING NOTICES

The following Notices of Rulemaking Hearings have been posted on the commission’s website:  https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wqcc-rulemaking-proceedings.

·         Confined Animal Feeding Operations Control Regulation, Regulation #81 (5 CCR 1002-81).

·         Graywater Control Regulation, Regulation #86 (5 CCR 1002-86) and Procedural Rules, Regulation #21 (5 CCR 1002-21).    

The following Notice of Administrative Action Hearing has been posted on the commission’s web site: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wqcc-administrative-action-hearings.

·         Proposed projects for Section 319 nonpoint source funds.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board January 2017 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the January 19, 2017 Water Availability Task Force Meeting is posted on the CWCB website. All of the presentations from the meeting can also be found on the CWCB website. If you have questions regarding the Drought Update, please contact Taryn Finnessey at taryn.finnessey@state.co.us.

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 Late January

Erosion control Cokedale to Ludlow-Purgatoire/Apishipa

Erosion control Cokedale to Ludlow-Purgatoire/Apishipa

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.

SIPA Micro-Grant program grants are available that are designed for state and local governments, special districts and public education in Colorado to put more citizen-facing information and services online. Since 2010, more than 125 grants and over $600,000 have been awarded to governments across the State. Grant funding is for projects that support SIPA's mission of providing innovative citizen access through online and mobile technologies. Grant funds range from $1,000-$6,500. See more eligibility requirements here. Grant applications due by 5pm MST January 20th, 2017. 

Colorado State University School of Global Environmental Sustainability (SoGES) invites proposals for their 2017-2018 Global Challenges Research Teams and Resident Fellows. Both programs seek proposals that address pressing global and regional environmental sustainability grand challenges, are highly innovative and enterprising in their approach, and are applicable to real-world sustainability issues. Applications are due January 27th. Click for more information on the RFP, the Research Teams, and the Resident Fellows

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 opportunityApplications 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 Late January

Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Workshop

Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Workshop

JANUARY 25th, 2017: Webinar - The Alliance for Water Efficiency will host a webinar entitled, "Water Efficiency in the 115th Congress" at 10 am Mountain Time. Water Efficiency is a policy area that has always crossed political lines. AWE's Mary Ann Dickinson and Gene Goldenberg will discuss why water efficiency has been an appealing issue for over two decades to both Republican and Democratic administrations. Because saving water saves dollars, it has been of consistent political interest regardless of ideology; water utilities can avoid expensive new infrastructure and consumers can save on their water bills. CLICK HERE to learn more and to register. This webinar will include:

A Snapshot of the 114th Congress and water legislation that was proposed and enacted.
An overview of the landscape of the new 115th Congress.
A look at issues of interest including WaterSense authorization; the water-energy nexus; water efficiency funding; tax exempt rebates for water conservation.
How to get Involved.

FEBRUARY 2nd and 4th, 2017: The Colorado State Forest Service and Colorado State University Extension partners are hosting a demonstration of a mobile biomass pyrolysis unit February 2nd at DDI Forestry Equipment in Whitewater (just outside of Grand Junction) and February 4th at the Garfield County Agricultural Expo in Rifle.  Developed in partnership among Amaron Energy, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Utah State University, the unit is one of the first of its kind mobile unit capable of producing bio-oil and biochar from agricultural and forestry feedstocks. There is no cost for attending the Demonstrations, however those attending the Garfield county Demonstration will have to pay the Agricultural Expo Fee.  REGISTRATION AND RSVP REQIREMTS THAT VARY BY SITE. For more information contact Tim Reader, Utilization & Marketing Forester, Colorado State Forest Service, Tim.Reader@ColoState.Edu.

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!

February 28th, 2017: Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) will be hosting a Financing Sustainable Water Workshop in Glenwood Springs, CO. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts about resources and strategies that can help navigate the challenges of rate setting and resource management. CLICK HERE to learn more about AWE's Financing Sustainable Water initiative. Register for the Glenwood Springs workshop HERE.

March 2nd, 2017: Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) will be hosting a Financing Sustainable Water Workshop in Lakewood, CO. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from experts about resources and strategies that can help navigate the challenges of rate setting and resource management. CLICK HERE to learn more about AWE's Financing Sustainable Water initiative.
Register for the Lakewood workshop HERE

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 Late January

2016 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference

2016 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference

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.

JANUARY 26th, 2017: Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Rocky Mountain Wild is hosting a festival stop at Denver's Sie FilmCenter. The evening will include award-winning environmental and outdoor adventure films from around the world that have been selected not only for their great visual stories, but also to inspire and motivate us to continue the cause to keep the Rocky Mountains wild. The films start promptly at 7 pm, but before that there will be an opening reception, starting at 5:30. During the reception, you can speak with some of the filmmakers. The evening will also feature a free raffle, a silent auction, membership specials, a newly designed Rocky Mountain Wild limited-edition tee, and more. Get your TICKETS ahead of time as they do sell out.

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.

The Greenway Foundation is offering SPREE events for children. These are fun and educational days filled with games, crafts, and adventures about the environment. SPREE offers camps on DPS school holidays for K-5th grade students. Camps are held at SPREE HQ from 7:30AM to 6PM and cost $45 per child per day. Learn more and sign up HERE.   

February 3: Journey of the South Platte, Investigate our River's journey as it travels through Colorado and beyond!

February 20: The Secret Lives of Hibernators
Investigate the animals who are sleeping through the winter in Colorado!

March 27-31: Reptiles and Amphibians of Colorado
Join SPREE to become herpetologists- experts on Colorado’s reptiles and amphibians! Full week camp ($225).

April 3: Crazy about Crawdads
Become a crawdad expert as we investigate one of the South Platte's most amazing creatures!

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 8th, 2017: Colorado Law Talks, "The Law of the River" at 5:30 p.m.
at Davis Graham & Stubbs LLP, 1550 17th Street, Suite 500, Denver. This inaugural Colorado Law Talk will be delivered by Professor Sarah Krakoff who will discuss the many legal and policy issues, including tribal consultation, endangered species, uranium mining, and the Colorado River compact, that affect the Colorado River and its surroundings. Professor Krakoff's lecture will be followed by a reception and an opportunity to mix and mingle with members of our Colorado Law community. The event is free for all Colorado Law students and 2012-2016 Colorado Law graduates, $10 for all other alumni, and $20 for other guests. The evening's proceeds will benefit Professor Krakoff's Advanced Natural Resource Seminar (The Law of the River), which will address all of these issues and more, and will culminate in a two-week raft trip through the Grand Canyon. Pre-registration is requested and space is limited, so please sign up today. Register HERE.

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.

FEBRUARY 26th, 2017: SNOTEL Site Tour, Understanding Colorado's Snowpack. Join Roaring Fork Conservancy's Liza Mitchell and National Resources Conservation Service's Derrick Wyle, a professional snow surveyor, to learn how snowpack is measured in the mountains. Fuel up indoors with refreshments while Liza and Derrick introduce snow science practices and their critical role in understanding Western water. Then head outdoors and snowshoe to a SNOTEL site on McClure Pass where they'll conduct a snow course survey, and interpret the layers of a snow pit as it tells the story of snow's past and water's future! Visit their WEBSITE for additional details, including how to register.

FEBRUARY 27th, 2017: One-day Conference on Environmental Permitting at the University of Denver. The laws, regulations, and policies affecting projects in the west are constantly changing, sometimes in significant ways. At this new program, the regulated community, law firms, and public agencies will join together to get insights on strategies and issues that arise during environmental reviews and permitting for both public and private development projects. Eligible to earn up to 7 Hours MCLE credit. Get the latest on; National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act and Colorado's LEAN Permitting Process. Program Co-Chairs are Ruth Hamilton Heese, Esq. (US Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, Lakewood) and Peter Nichols, Esq. (Berg Hill Greenleaf Ruscitti, Boulder). Bring a colleague, or your entire team! Register now: www.cle.com/permitting.

MARCH 6th, 2017: Save the Date for the Annual Uncompahgre Plateau Collaborative orest Landscape estoration stakeholder meeting in Montrose. 

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 21st - 23rd, 2017: Conservation Excellence 2017 Conference at the University of Denver. Colorado Coalition of Land Trust's Annual Conservation Excellence Conference is the place for the land conservation community across the Rocky Mountain region to share knowledge and network. With more than 250 attendees annually, CCLT's conference helps define and influence the future of land conservation in the Intermountain West. Registration will open later in January. If you are interested in sponsoring, please email them at info@cclt.org.

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 Late January

WRV High Park

WRV High Park

The City of Steamboat Springs has a job opportunity in their Parks and Community Services Department for an Open Space and Trails Coordinator. This qualified individual plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises employees to implement the Steamboat Springs Area Open Space and Trails Master Plan and performs a variety of administrative, supervisory, skilled and semi-skilled tasks in maintenance and operation of open spaces, trails and facilities. For more information and to apply for the job, please visit the City of Steamboat Springs website at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/steamboatsprings. Deadline to submit applications is January 27th, 2017.

The City of Fort Collins is seeking a Natural Areas Community Educator (Hourly). The Community Educator will be responsible for designing, implementing and delivering programming for the public at City of Fort Collins natural areas. The Community Educator will develop, organize, and promote a wide variety of interpretive and educational programs about local ecology, astronomy, and history (if appropriate), and coordinate delivery of these programs. The Community Programs Educator will work with fulltime education staff and Master Naturalist education volunteers to implement and evaluate the programming. Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT January 25th, 2017. Click HERE for more information.

The City of Fort Collins is hiring a Natural Areas Education Assistant (Hourly). The Education Assistant will help coordinate and implement field trips for school children and special events sponsored by the Natural Areas Department (NAD).  The Education Assistant will also assist in coordinating the NAD display and volunteers for events, assist with mentoring and supervising volunteers, preparing and providing teaching materials and attending field trips to give introductions and ensure a smooth start.  The Education Assistant may teach field trips or staff events or booths when a volunteer is not available. Application deadline is 3:00 p.m. MT January 25th, 2017. 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 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 Chama Peak Land Alliance is seeking a full-time Executive Director who will guide administrative, financial, and programmatic actions of the organization. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission, financial objectives, and strategic goals. TheChama Peak Land Alliance is a diverse group of conservation minded landowners committed to embracing and practicing responsible land, water and wildlife stewardship in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico for the benefit of our tri-cultural heritage and for generations to come. This is a unique opportunity for a highly qualified candidate to become a critical part of a successful private lands based organization that is well known and respected throughout the region and the West. Submit cover letter, resume, and three references by February 22, 2017. For more information visit chamapeak.org.   

Gunnison County is hiring a Planner II full-time. The Department of Community & Economic Development is taking applications for a Planner II. This position will independently plan and implement long range planning projects and manage complex development applications.  Supports the Director and Assistant Director of Community Development in department activities. Performs a variety of routine and complex technical and professional work in current and/or long range planning of the county and the development and implementation of land use and related policies and regulations. View the job description HERE.