Funding Opportunities Early December

Potential Barrier for Fish. A natural waterfall functioning as a potential barrier to fish upstream movement on the Big South Fork of the Cache La Poudre River. Big South Fork of the Cache La Poudre River north of Rocky Mountain National Park. Division of Wildlife. Matt Kondratieff, Colorado Parks and Wildlife.  Photo taken: 8/15/2003.

The Nature Conservancy is working to promote environmental education through the creation of Nature Works Everywhere gardens. The core principle behind the Gardens program is that gardens model conservation science on a relatable scale. The program empowers students and teachers to work together to create and implement their own solutions to environmental challenges in their communities. Grants of up to $2,000 will be awarded to support projects that implement green infrastructure to address local environmental challenges. These include access to healthy food, air quality, heat island effect, climate change, and storm water collection. Through the program, young people will work as social innovators to help their communities through project design and implementation. Link to Complete RFP.

2018 Matching Awards Program: The National Forest Foundation is pleased to announce that it is currently soliciting proposals for its Matching Awards Program (MAP). This funding is available for Natural Resource Projects with a Clear Benefit to National Forests and Grasslands.  MAP is a nationally competitive grant program that provides federal funds for direct on-the-ground projects benefiting America’s National Forests and Grasslands. The program supports action-oriented projects that enhance outdoor experiences, forest and ecosystem health, and engage local communities in caring for their public lands. Nonprofits with  501(c)(3)  status, universities and Native American tribes are eligible to apply.  Grants are awarded for one year and require a 1:1 non-federal cash match. Submission Deadlines January 23, 2018 at 11:59 pm MST or June 13, 2018 at 11:59 pm MDT.  Informational Webinar January 9, 2018 at 11:00 am MST. Register for Webinar HERE. For more information about MAP, click HERE.

The Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department is offering small grants for research and biological inventories on open space lands. These research projects and inventories provide valuable data to monitor management practices and improve resources and park visitor experiences. Grants awarded up to $10,000. The deadline for proposals is Monday, January 15, 2018. Click HERE for the rest of the details and to apply.

Colorado River District is accepting grant applications for projects that protect, enhance or develop water resources in the 15-county area covered by the District are eligible for funding consideration. This includes all watersheds in north- and central- western Colorado, except the San Juan River basin. The 2018 Grant Program cycle will open December 1, 2017. Deadline for submission of a grant application for the 2018 cycle is January 31, 2018.  Find more information and guidance HERE.

Bureau of Reclamation Announces WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Funding Opportunity for 2018. WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation has announced its 2018 funding opportunity for Phase I of the Cooperative Watershed Management Program. This funding opportunity is seeking proposals for activities to develop a watershed group, complete watershed restoration planning activities, and to design watershed management projects. Applicants must submit their proposals by Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. MST. To view this funding opportunity, please visit HERE. Up to $100,000 in federal funds may be awarded to an applicant per award, with no more than $50,000 made available in a year for a period of up to two years.

The Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program has released a new funding opportunity announcement. Past projects funded by the program have typically involved converting unlined canals and ditches to pipelines located in the Upper Basin States to reduce seepage that picks up salt and carries it into the Colorado River system. The Colorado River and its tributaries provide municipal and industrial water to about 27 million people and irrigation water to nearly four million acres of land in the United States. The river also serves about 2.3 million people and 500,000 acres in Mexico. The threat of salinity is a major concern in both the Unites States and Mexico. Salinity affects agricultural, municipal, and industrial water users. Click HERE for more information. 

EPA Wetland Program Development Grants – Due date varies by region. Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the reduction and elimination of water pollution. WPDGs assist building programs to protect, manage, and restore wetlands. States, tribes, local governments, interstate associations, and intertribal consortia are eligible to apply for the Regional WPDG Request for Proposals. Click HERE for more information.

The National Water Quality Initiative will work in priority watersheds to help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners improve water quality and aquatic habitats in impaired streams. Natural Resource Conservation Service will help producers implement conservation and management practices through a systems approach to control and trap nutrient and manure runoff. Qualified producers will receive assistance for installing conservation practices such as cover crops, filter strips and terraces. More Details HERE.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), provided through the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land. EQIP applications are accepted on a continuous basis, however, NRCS establishes application "cut-off" or submission deadline dates for evaluation, ranking and approval of eligible applications. EQIP is open to all eligible agricultural producers and submitted applications may be considered or evaluated in multiple funding pool opportunities. To learn more CLICK HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Account (WSRA) Program provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. The funds help eligible entities complete water activities, which may include competitive grants for: Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; and structural and nonstructural water projects or activities. For more information click HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Water Efficiency Grant Program provides financial assistance to communities, water providers, and eligible agencies for water conservation-related activities and projects. Eligible entities, as well as state and local governments and agencies, can receive funding to develop water conservation and drought plans, implement water conservation goals outlined in a water conservation plan and educate the public about water conservation.
Types of Water Efficiency Grants available - Click on programs below for more information about each and how to apply:

• Water Conservation Planning Grants: For water providers seeking to develop or update their water conservation plans.
• Water Conservation Implementation Grants: For water providers implementing water conservation plan goals and programs identified in locally adopted and CWCB-approved water conservation plans.
• Drought Mitigation Planning Grants: For water providers or state and local governmental entities developing drought mitigation and response plans.
• Water Resource Conservation Public Education and Outreach Grants: For agencies seeking to promote the benefits of water resource conservation through public education and outreach.

Tamarisk Coalition has a list of riparian restoration funding opportunities maintained by the Tamarisk Coalition.  For list click restoration funding opportunities. 

Trainings and Workshops Early December

Man Fishing in Tomichi Creek. 458 acres adjacent to Tomichi Creek will remain undeveloped and instead will be set aside for recreation, academic research and a state wildlife area. Longtime landowner Dick Bratton decided to sell the property to the Bureau of Reclamation so future generations can enjoy it. The land sale will enable biologists to protect an important Gunnison sage grouse habitat. This is a man fishing in the Tomichi Creek. Division of Wildlife. Photo taken: 2/16/2004.

JANUARY 29th-30th, 2018: Sprinkler Irrigation Workshop- CSU Extension is offering two free-of-charge workshops for farmers interested in sprinkler irrigation. Farmers in the Lower Arkansas River Basin face many challenges if they want to install a center pivot irrigation system. A recently released report from the Colorado Water Institute (www.coloradoarmac.org) confirms that these challenges are real, but can be overcome in practical ways by most farmers.   Now might be the time to consider installing a sprinkler system on your farm.  Locations: Student Union, Otero Junior College, La Junta, January 29, 2018; Colorado Room, Cow Palace Rodeway Inn, Lamar, January 30, 2018.  For more information and to register, visit HERE.

February 28th- March 2nd, 2018: Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado is hosting a Community-Based Collaborative Conservation Workshop. Objectives include: Understand existing resources, identify barriers to participation, identify new resources and opportunities, develop and prioritize strategies to address these, seek agreement on the most effective and efficient way to connect CBCC practitioners, and unify these understandings into an action plan. To read more about this workshop, click HERE.

The City of Boulder is hosting a workshop for other land managers in Colorado and throughout the western United States to learn about their experiences monitoring and managing tall oatgrass and to establish a network of professionals to share resources, research, and expertise. In the City of Boulder, tall oatgrass has invaded over 300 acres of tallgrass prairies, causing concern for a variety of resource management needs, such as wildlife habitat quality, prairie ecosystem conservation, and soil nutrient management. If you are interested in attending, please contact Sabrina Kleinman from EnviroPlan Partners, LLC at skleinman@enviroplanpartners.com to register and learn more.  

SPRING 2018: For the first time One World One Water Center will offer a Water Studies Online Certificate through Metropolitan State University of Denver! Participants are required to complete four courses: Water Law, U.S. Water Concerns, Colorado Water and the American West and a final capstone project. For more information and to register: click here.

Job Announcements Early December

Dolores River Pre-Improvement 02. In October of 2003, a habitat improvement project was launched on the Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir in Southwestern Colorado. The overall goal of the project was to restore natural river processes by adding cobble to the river banks. This picture is before the improvements took place. Division of Wildlife. Chris Kloster, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken: 2/6/2004.

Thornton is recruiting for a Water Treatment and Quality Manager. It’s an exciting time to join Thornton as they are in the process of replacing a 20 mgd water treatment plant, in addition to running their existing 50 mgd membrane plant. Deadline to apply is December 12, 2017. Find out more HERE.

Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) is hiring a Communications and Fundraising Coordinator. The mission of the EVLT is to protect forever the lands we love, to preserve our heritage, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitats, and to build a permanent legacy for future generations. General Job Description: Reporting to the Executive Director, the Coordinator drafts and conveys all communications and coordinates several fundraising activities of the organization. The Coordinator will take on increased public relations responsibility over time. Since EVLT is a small organization, all employees are expected to work together as a team and shall be responsible for administrative tasks necessary for the day-to-day business of the land trust. The position will be open until filled. Click HERE to learn more.

The City of Longmont is seeking a Temporary Sustainability Coordinator. Under the direction of the Environmental Services Manager, plan, organize and coordinate the City’s implementation of sustainability concepts and methods. Areas of focus include environmental quality, energy and water conservation, renewable energy, green building, low impact development, recycling and reuse, pollution prevention, economic vitality and community well-being.  The position requires coordination with and providing direction to administrative, professional, and technical positions in various City departments. This position will be open until filled. HERE is more information.

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is hiring an Education Program Technician to assist with educational programming, outreach, and volunteer coordination. More duties include: leading hikes and field trips for schools, community groups, and the general public including scheduling, marketing and writing press releases as needed; organizing, planning and implementing volunteer projects with field staff on parks and open spaces; coordinating and organizing a summer campground program series, including working with presenters, marketing and evaluation; collaborating with the outreach, education and volunteer team and other staff, outside agencies, and schools as appropriate; and assisting with volunteer management of the volunteer naturalist program and their training and recognition events. Deadline December 20, 2017. Click HERE for more.

The Middle Colorado Watershed Council is hiring a part-time, contract Community Outreach Coordinator.  The non-profit, based out of Rifle, CO, consists of a broad partnership of interested individuals and entities living and working in the watershed that provide leadership in watershed planning, management, and stewardship.  The Community Outreach and Education Coordinator position is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to help implement elements of the 2016 Watershed Plan.  Deadline is December 20, 2017 or until position is filled. More information on this position and how to apply can be found HERE.

Conferences and Events Early December

Ridgway Reservoir. Ridgway Reservoir in Ridgway State Park near Ouray. Elk, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, yellow-bellied marmot, red fox and cottontail rabbit are a few of the mammal wildlife species. More than 140 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in the park. In the area, Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, Kokanee salmon, and the occassional yellow perch. Division of Wildlife. Jennifer Kleffner, Colorado Divison of Wildlife.

DECEMBER 5th, 2017: The Colorado Ag Water Alliance Summit will be in Loveland at The Ranch – Larimer County Fairgrounds – and brings together agricultural leaders from across the state, water professionals, elected officials, and decision makers to discuss agricultural water issues.  With this event comes the desire to continue the discussion of pertinent water issues, but also want to make this event an opportunity to tell the story of “Water and Agriculture” for people unfamiliar with the role of agriculture in Colorado. More information can be found HERE, or to directly register, click HERE.

DECEMBER 6th, 2017: StormCon is the leading conference and expo for stormwater professionals. No other conference in the world offers you this chance to interact with such a highly representative, influential group of professionals who are passionate like you about water-quality issues. You are invited to submit an abstract that will be the basis for a presentation at the conference program. If your abstract is accepted, your presentation will be 30 minutes long, including a question and answer period. Your paper must match the title and description in your abstract. Abstract deadline is December 6th, and final papers would be due May 9th, 2018. For more information click HERE.

DECEMBER 12th, 2017: You are invited to Conservation and Management of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southwestern United States, a webinar sponsored by the US Forest Service. This webinar covers material provided in Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southwestern United States by Larry Jones, Ken Halama, and Rob Lovich (Eds.). This book was published in August 2016 and is available on Amazon. Click HERE to register.

DECEMBER 14th, 2017: Join Mountain Studies Institute from 4:30 - 6:30 in Durango to celebrate 15 years of research and education in the San Juan Mountains as a way of appreciating community support while restoring alpine wetlands, monitoring forests and high-alpine species, celebrating, and providing financial support.  Please RSVP by December 12th HERE.

FEBRUARY 2nd, 2018: Poudre River Forum: The Poudre Runs Through It. Registration includes the full day's program, as well as breakfast, lunch, and a social hour with opportunities to win Poudre prizes. THIS YEAR'S TOPICS INCLUDE but are not limited to: As the Poudre Flows—a set of provocative, dialogue-stimulating “lightening talks” from a range of speakers with contrasting views about what can improve and what can damage Poudre flows; Can we Grow Water Smart?—late breaking alternative scenarios from the evolving Colorado Water Plan, and regional insights on integration of land use planning with water supply planning; How are Poudre Farmers Improving Water Quality through Air Quality Monitoring? Click HERE to learn more and register.

SPREE Holiday Camps 2017-2018

SPREE will be hosting several day camps during the 2017- 2018 academic calendar on days that Denver Public Schools are closed.These unique and educational programs are for children who are in kindergarten (must be at least 6 years old) through 5th grade. All holiday camps will be held at Johnson Habitat Park, 610 S. Jason St. Denver CO, 80223; from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Cost for this program is $50/child/day.

January 15, 2018: Something Fishy!
Join SPREE as we learn about the fish in the South Platte River and the many amazing adaptations they have.

February 2, 2018: Raptors of the River
Investigate the birds of prey that live along the South Platte River.

To view specific dates/themes and to register, please visit the SPREE website!

FEBRUARY 6th-8th, 2018: Riparian Restoration Conference at the CMU University Center, Grand Junction, CO. This conference is organized by the Tamarisk Coalition and hosted by the Hutchins Water Center. Along with taking in the breathtaking red rock scenery and outdoor adventure that Grand Junction has to offer, you'll network with your peers and learn about the latest advancements in riparian restoration, ranging from local to regional initiatives as highlighted in case studies and success stories addressing the challenges of restoration, funding, planning, monitoring, and implementation. Novel tools, techniques, and research will be also be discussed. More information and registration can be found HERE.

MARCH 2nd - 3rd, 2017: 2018 Advancing Environmental Education Conference, "emPowered by Nature", Auraria Campus,Denver, CO. Colorado’s Advancing Environmental Education Conference is annually hosted by the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE), a statewide leader in environmental education since 1989. CAEE facilitates communication, coordination, resource sharing and professional development to advance environmental education among over 850 members across the state among various sectors.  Information about the Conference Event.

APRIL 18th, 2018: The Center for Watershed Protection is hosting the 2018 National Watershed and Stormwater Conference, which is designed for water management from all sectors, practitioners, regulators, and water and sewer authorities, and will present case studies and best practices as well as address cross cutting issues and emerging trends. This will take place online and at remote hub locations. Registration begins soon. Questions can be answered by emailing: center@cwp.org, or calling 410-461-8323. For more on the Center for Watershed Protection, click HERE.

Announcements Early December

Beaver Dam. A beaver pond in winter on Park County Road 43. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photo taken: 3/27/2009.

 The Colorado Water Plan has set a goal of conserving 400,000 acre-feet of municipal and industrial water by 2050. By 2025, if the Water Plan objectives are met, 75% of Coloradans will live in communities that have water-saving actions incorporated into land-use planning. Furthermore, by 2030, the plan sets out to A) re-use and share at least 50,000 acre-feet of water amongst agricultural producers, B) cover 80% of locally prioritized rivers with Stream Management Plans, and C) ensure 80% of critical watersheds with Watershed Protection Plans. In order for a project to utilize the Water Plan’s budget to meet these goals, the proposed conservation project must be appropriate in that it addresses real needs and is cost-effective, sustainable, and supported by local stakeholders. Read more HERE. 

The Colorado Foundation for Water Education, first founded in 2002 by an act of the state legislature, is introducing a new look that comes with a new name: Water Education Colorado. Tasked with the mission to help Coloradans understand that water is a limited resource and to help them make informed decisions, the organization’s next chapter aims to engage and inform more Colorado residents by building on the programs and trust it has developed among the water community over the last 15 years. Read more HERE.