Job Announcements Early January

Colorado Department of Natural Resources has a position open for a Decision Support Systems Specialist - Colorado Water Conservation Board. This position is in the Interstate, Federal & Water Information Section of the CWCB which exists to protect Colorado's decree and compact entitlements and to conduct all studies, analyses, and investigations pertaining to Interstate Compacts and negotiations on the Colorado and Arkansas River, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Program, the Endangered Fish Recovery Programs in the Upper Colorado River and San Juan River Basins, and other miscellaneous water resources. This includes researching and identifying all current uses of water, future projected uses of water, development and evaluation of complex water management models, and understanding the risks associated with all of these elements. Applications accepted until Janurary 2nd, 2018 at 5pm. Click HERE for more details and to apply. 

Sustainability Coordinator needed at School of Mines. Application deadline is January 5th, 2018. This entry-level position is responsible for developing sustainability-related policies, standards, and guidelines. Provides close collaboration with the entire campus community, overall management of the sustainability office, including student staffing, consultant oversight, volunteers, and committees. Acts as the primary representative and expert for internal and external relations in the area of institutional sustainability. Develops and maintains sustainable master plan while working closely with the entire campus community to translate and facilitate environmental sustainability into policies, practices and curriculum activities. The Coordinator will work closely with the university’s administration, students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as city/county and state agencies. Learn more and apply HERE.

Pawnee Buttes Seed, Inc., specialists in seed for pasture, reclamation, turf, and conservation for over 20 years is seeking applications for the position of  Marketing/Advertising Coordinator.  Duties include: develop and execute seasonal advertising campaigns, design and write print, radio and digital advertisements, coordinate and implement organization’s social media strategy, maintain and update marketing and advertising budget as needed, create and update all email marketing including monthly e-newsletter, event emails and other marketing emails, maintain all promotional materials and assist with planning and coordination for special events/activities. Applicants should send their resumes to: pat@pawneebuttesseed.com and for the subject line, Marketing/Advertising Coordinator.

Colorado State University seeks a Research Associate who will coordinate the farming operations at the Western Colorado Research Center in Fruita, CO. Application deadline is January 8th, 2018. Details HERE. 

The Colorado Water Conservation Board has an opening for a Physical Science Researcher/ Scientist III in the Water Supply Planning Section. Application deadline is January 8th, 2018. Find more details HERE. 

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics seeks two dynamic, tech-savvy, extroverted teams of educators (only teams of two are accepted as applicants) for regional Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer positions. Contract period runs April 2018 through March 2019. As Traveling Trainers, teams live on the road, camp more than 250 nights a year, and deliver Leave No Trace programs to children and adults of all experience levels and ages. Teams create videos, social media content, weekly blogs, and detailed program reporting. The majority of this work is with first-time visitors in front country settings. Teams will be hired for one of two regions, but will work and travel outside of that region as needed by the Center. Teams are outfitted with a Subaru vehicle, basic equipment and supplies necessary for teaching and camping, and technology for communication needs. Application deadline January 8th, 2018.  Find more information HERE.

The Boulder County Youth Corps has an opening for a Field Coordinator to assist with planning, oversight and evaluation of the County’s popular teen employment program for the 2018 season.  The Field Coordinator primarily works with Project Sponsors to provide well-planned work projects that meet program expectations. This is a full-time 6-month term position with full benefits starting February 26 and working through August 24.  Applications will be taken through January 16.  Click HERE for more information and to apply.

The City of Greeley has openings for three new positions in its Forestry, Natural Areas and Trails program, Forestry Crew Supervisor, Natural Areas and Trails Supervisor and Natural Areas and Trails Maintenance Tech I. Find more information HERE.

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.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. More information on this position and how to apply can be found HERE.

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.

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.

Conferences and Events Early January

Frozen Waterfall. A frozen waterfall near Bailey, CO.Agency: Division of Wildlife Credit: David Hannigan. Date Taken: 1/1/2010.

SPREE Holiday Camps 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!

January 24th, 2018: ISF Workshop at Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention. At the Hyatt Regency, Denver Tech Center from 2:00-5:00 pm  The Water Trust and CWCB will present information about the Request for Water Acquisitions Pilot Process. The first part of the Workshop will focus on new ISF Appropriations, and the second portion will cover the new Request for Water Acquisitions Pilot Process. The Pilot Process topics will include the process timeline, available stream restoration and transaction tools, and information a water right owner needs to provide to initiate participation in the Process. This event is free and open to the public!

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 “lightning 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.

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.

FEBRUARY 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2018: Annual Water Course held at CMU University Center, Grand Junction, CO. This course is open to the public and provides an overview of water law and hydrology in Colorado and the Colorado River Basin as well as current issues and ways to get involved. Refreshments are provided. Cost: $20/ session or $45 for the whole series. More details to come. To see original posting of this event, click 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 10th, 2018: Join the Center for Watershed Protection's 2018 National Conference to learn fresh ideas about watershed and stormwater funding and management. Today’s water quality experts not only have to overcome pollution, but also a world of uncertain federal funding and regulatory oversight. To restore our waterways, identifying innovative financing strategies and management solutions is more important than ever before.This conference will help practitioners, regulators, water and sewer authorities and stormwater managers overcome common hurdles — from staff shortages and a lack of financial support to addressing multiple pollutant sources in mixed land use watersheds. Register online or attend at one of our in-person hub locations. Spots are limited. Find more information and register HERE.

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.

APRIL 29th-May 1st, 2018: The 2nd annual Next Generation Water Summit. The Summit focuses on water conservation and water reuse in the arid Southwest.  It brings together builders, designers, architects and water professionals to share best practices and brainstorm new ones through charrettes. In 2018, our featured keynote speaker will be Jonathan Overpeck. Overpeck’s visionary work has been at the forefront of the heated climate change public debates and identifying the risks to managing water resources, providing valuable insights into past climate variability and change in the Southwest. He will present on the Climate Change forecasted impact to the Colorado River flows. There are over 40 unique sessions planned with speakers from AZ, CA, CO, NM, TX. On the morning of May 1, we will hold two charrettes, where we will have multiple stakeholders dive into a challenging topic. These charrettes will have very limited seating, so sign up today! Learn more and register HERE.

MAY 2nd-4th, 2018: San Juan Mining and Reclamation Conference- Planning for Resiliency will be held in Creede, Colorado. The format of this conference encourages discussions of how the mining and reclamation community can plan for potential disasters and invites bold and frank conversations about topics that have challenged you, may be considered taboo, or can be uncomfortable to share. Topic examples include, but are not limited to: Longevity of mines; Lifetime of watershed groups; Risk assessment, tolerance, and mitigation; Effectively communicating risk; Fiduciary responsibility and abandoned mines (Good Samaritan Law); Scenario planning; Adaptive management; Environmental justice; New regulations and their impact; Planning for natural disasters and severe weather events; Changes in relationships, partners and stakeholders. Contact UWPcommunications@gmail.com or call 970-325-3010 for more information.

NOVEMBER 7th-8th, 2018: 8th Annual Upper Colorado River Basin Water Forum will be held at CMU University Center in Grand Junction, CO. For more, click HERE.

Funding Opportunities Early January

Plunge Pool 2. A plunge pool in a tight canyon taken during a biological survey in southeast Colorado. Division of Wildlife. Jim Guthrie, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken on 5/28/2009.

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.

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.

The National Forest Foundation is pleased to announce that it is currently soliciting proposals for its Matching Awards Program 2018 (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.

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.

Colorado Water Quality Control Division is now accepting applications for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients OR protect waterbodies from further degradation caused by nonpoint source pollution. Applications must be submitted by February 5th. For the application and reference materials click HERE.

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 January

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.

January 24th, 2018: ISF Workshop at Colorado Water Congress Annual Convention. At the Hyatt Regency, Denver Tech Center from 2:00-5:00 pm  The Water Trust and CWCB will present information about the Request for Water Acquisitions Pilot Process. The first part of the Workshop will focus on new ISF Appropriations, and the second portion will cover the new Request for Water Acquisitions Pilot Process. The Pilot Process topics will include the process timeline, available stream restoration and transaction tools, and information a water right own

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 8th-9th, 2018: The Setting Watershed-Scale Priorities in Riparian Restoration Workshop will be held at CMU University Center, Grand Junction, CO. Decades of restoration efforts in the Colorado River basin have had varying success. With conservation dollars stretched thin, increasing regional temperature and variability in rainfall, and increasing demands on surface water, it is important to prioritize where to pursue restoration and what to do.  We will review restoration strategies and techniques being pursued in the Colorado River basin, and obtain participant feedback on restoration goals, strategies, and techniques. We will introduce decision-support tools useful in the implementation of analytical prioritization strategies in order to refine prioritization tools that help workshop participants increase their effectiveness. This workshop is organized by the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University and hosted by the Hutchins Water Center. For more information and to register, click 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.

Announcements Early January

Boreal Toad Research #174. Boreal Toad Research at a location near Cottonwood Pass. Division of Wildlife. Michael Seraphin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken 7/16/2010.

Otter spotted eating trout at Colorado toxic mine site raises hope for new kind of cleanup. Bio cell treatment ponds at the at the Rico-Argentine mine site each have experimental processes that are helping to clean metal contaminants from the water that flows out of the St. Louis tunnel.  Read more HERE.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership (UWP) completed its first report for the Ouray Hydrodam Sediment Release Study, detailing the water quality impacts of the annual release into the Uncompahgre River. Read the full UWP Reports on Hydrodam Sediment Release Study HERE.

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.