Funding Opportunities Late January

Ducklings. Ducklings following their mother in a pond near Bailey, Colorado. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photo taken: 8/1/2009.

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 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.

Colorado's Water Plan Grant Opportunities: The purpose of the Water Plan Grant funding is to make progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. All applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular CWP Measurable Objective category. The Board will select projects, programs and activities to fund from applications that have the best opportunity to make progress on the CWP’s Measurable Objectives or critical actions. The CWCB staff reserves the right to negotiate with successful applicants to modify the scope and budget of their project to better meet the CWP objectives in light of fund availability. CWCB staff will evaluate applications and recommend projects to the CWCB Board for final approval at its regularly scheduled Board meetings. Learn more 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 United 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 Late January

Sunset viewing. A group of people viewing birds during sunset. Division of Wildlife. Jon DeLorenzo.

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 13th, 20th, and 27th, 2018: The Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University invites you to participate in the 2018 Water Course, which will cover Hydrology and Water Law in Colorado; Preparing for a Drier Future; and Grand Valley Initiatives to Improve Habitat and River Access. Click HERE to learn more and register.

FEBRUARY 20th-21st, 2018: Irrigation Association: Principles of Irrigation Landscape. Master fundamental theory and application principles for turf and landscape in this intensive session for experienced irrigators (taught in Imperial units). Two full days in Berthoud, CO covers soil-waterplant relationships, advanced hydraulics, electricity, pumps, specialty valves and irrigation equipment. Learn more HERE .

FEBRUARY 22nd, 2018: Irrigation Association: Landscape Water Management & Planning. Learn how to create water budgets, develop irrigation schedules, document water usage and plan for periods of drought. This full-day class will help attendees maximize the benefits of smart technology and work effectively with water providers. Find more information 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.

MARCH 29th, 2018: Join Water Education Colorado invites you to the 2018 Climate and Colorado's Water Future Workshop in Lakewood, Colorado. Curious about how Colorado's climate impacts the management our water? In Colorado we always hear about snowpack, river levels, and weather changing on a daily basis, but how does it all connect and what does the future of our water resources look like with a variable climate? This workshop will explore the potential impacts of climate change on Colorado's water future and explore how we can meet our demands for water—agricultural, household and business use, plus environmental and recreational benefits—and still deliver water downstream to satisfy interstate agreements. Participants will walk away with a comprehensive look at the relationship between our water resources and the climate and get a unique opportunity to tour the National Ice Core Laboratory! Find more information HERE.

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.

July 9th-12th and 16th-19th, 2018: Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) accepts high school students rising to 11 or 12th grades, or recent high school graduates (with occasional exceptions for younger students). Students from San Miguel, Ouray, Dolores, San Juan, La Plata, Archuleta, and Montezuma counties are invited to apply. Join the San Juans' most immersive and engaging mountain science program!  During the two week, rigorous field course program, students explore topics and careers in the sciences and natural resources by day, and camp and explore in the evenings. During the program, interns gain hands-on experience contributing to real-world environmental science projects. Students work side-by-side with a small group of other interns from across the San Juan Mountains. The program is led by mentors from MSI and more than 20 local science professionals.  Students interact with natural resource managers and researchers in the field to learn about ecology, geology, hydrology, wildlife, and forestry. They will dive into topics such as air and water quality, climate change, mine reclamation, fen restoration, and forest health. Find more information HERE!

Job Announcements Late January

Skaguay Reservoir SWA #5. Division of Wildlife. Michael Seraphin, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Photo taken: 7/7/2002.

Wildlands Restoration Volunteers seeks a full-time, seasonal Youth and Stewardship Projects Coordinator who is passionate about empowering youth and WRV’s mission. The Youth and Stewardship Projects Coordinator will help WRV reach our goal of inspiring the next generation of land stewards. Through our Youth Program we partner with diverse local groups to provide education, leadership training, and restoration programs, connecting youth with environmental education, community engagement and volunteerism. Applications will be reviewed starting January 15th and will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Read more HERE.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has three open seasonal positions in Denver: 

• Angler Education Assistant: Feb. 12th through Oct. 31st, 2018. Duties include: Teaching fishing clinics and other fishing-related events; Working with schools and other community groups to schedule fishing clinics; Working with volunteers; Maintaining equipment. Click HERE for more.
• Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments Intern: March 1st-Nov. 30th, 2018. The SOLE Intern will be responsible for: Participating in field trip experiences as a staff photographer and blog contributor; Participating in the delivery of education programming at Family Nature Nights, other family events, and assist with programming in the classroom; Assisting SOLE staff in all aspects of program implementation. Find more information HERE.
• Resource Stewardship Program Technician: This position’s responsibilities will primarily include citizen science program management, biological research, and GIS technician work. This will include field work using ArcCollector tablet computer mapping, as well as assistance with the preparation of resource management plans, GIS map production, data management, biological research, threatened & endangered species analysis, production of biological training & education materials, program planning, site visits, volunteer management, and administrative duties. Find more HERE.

The two positions above close on January 19th, or after 50 resumes have been received.

Westminster, Colorado is seeking an Arborist Technician. This is a skilled labor position involving knowledge and practical experience in the maintenance and identification of trees and shrubs common to the Denver metro area. Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of tasks with major emphasis on urban forestry maintenance duties. Employees will be required to use computers on a regular basis to complete work orders and maintain/update the City tree inventory database. Work is reviewed by a supervisor and through inspection of work while in progress and/or upon completion. Applications accepted until January 22, 2018 at 8am. Learn more and apply HERE.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is a national non-profit that works to protect the
outdoors by inspiring and teaching people to enjoy it responsibly. The Center is seeking an
Outreach Manager who understands the value of education in creating more responsible
recreation experiences across America's public lands. Application deadline is January 26th, 2018. Read the job requirements and application information HERE.

Rocky Mountain Field Institute seeks two positions, both applications are due January 26th, 2018:

• Field Instructor: Do you love working outside? This is an exciting opportunity to join the RMFI team. This position will work in some of the Pikes Peak Region’s most outstanding natural areas, as well as lead community volunteers, youth corps crews, and students in completing ecological protection and restoration projects. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through at least January 26, 2018. Interviews of well-qualified applicants are anticipated in February 2018. See job description below for full position description. Click HERE for the full description and to apply.
• High Alpine Field Instructor: Do you love working in the backcountry? Do you love Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks? This is an exciting opportunity to join the RMFI team. This position will work on the Kit Carson Peak-Challenger Point Trail Improvement Project in the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, leading youth corps crews and college students in completing a very technical backcountry, high-alpine trail project. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through at least January 26, 2018.  Interviews of well-qualified applicants are anticipated in February 2018. Click HERE for the full description and to apply.

Jefferson County Open Space seeks a Natural Resources Specialist. The Natural Resources Specialist assists with vegetation inventory and monitoring on JCOS properties by collecting and analyzing vegetation field data, identifying native and nonnative plants using dichotomous keys, assisting with preparing reports based on sound scientific and biological principles, and assisting with resource planning efforts.  Application deadline is January 28th, 2018. More information can be found HERE.

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission consists of nine members with staggered 3-year
terms. Commission members are appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the
Colorado Senate. Anyone interested in applying to be a member of the Water Quality Control Commission should submit an application and resume at your earliest convenience, but at least by February 15, 2018, to the Governor’s Office of Boards and Commissions. Read more HERE.

The Conservation Center is excited to start looking for their next Healthy Forests Initiative AmeriCorps VISTA. In late March, the new VISTA will join their team! The Healthy Forests Initiative VISTA can expect to:

• Team up with The Nature Connection and GOCO Inspire in strengthening and building the Youth Outdoor Network, which is a group that creates pathways to natural resource careers for local high schoolers;
• Get their hands dirty on trail stewardship days with the Paonia Ranger District of the US Forest Service;
• Get kids outside with Conservation Days and Every Kid in a Park; 
• Lead community outreach event planning, like the Mountainfilm World Tour and the Float Fest;
• Build partnerships with public lands agencies; 
• And work in a dog-friendly office with Juniper, Jude, and sometimes Luna!

If this sounds like your cup of tea, you can apply here and find application instructions here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled.  Applications will be accepted through March 26th, 2018.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) seeks two full-time Seasonal Project Managers to work closely with the VOC project team to provide professional project management, logistical support, and volunteer leadership coordination on VOC volunteer projects both administratively and in the field. This Seasonal Project Manager is a full-time, term limited, non-exempt position that reports to VOC’s Senior Projects and Trainings Manager. This position works within the VOC program team and closely with two other project managers to provide professional project management, logistical support and volunteer leadership coordination on VOC volunteer projects administratively and in the field. Learn more and apply HERE.

Little Thompson Water District is seeking a Water Resources/Engineering Technician. Under supervision of the District Engineer, the Water Resources/Engineering Technician performs a variety of support functions in water resources, engineering, and geographic information systems. Read 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
• Assist with planning and coordination for special events/activities

Find application information HERE.

Northern Water seeks a Water Efficiency Program Manager who will be responsible for the development, evaluation, management, and advancement of Northern Water’s regional urban water efficiency efforts. These efforts include identifying, developing, implementing, and advocating programs, practices, and policies that promote urban water efficiency and demand management in order to assist stakeholders in meeting their water management objectives. Position will be open until filled. Click HERE for more.

Mountain Park Environmental Center seeks a Development Director responsible for planning, organizing, and directing annual fundraising including the annual campaign, direct mail solicitations, special events, and the full life cycle of foundation and trust grants.  The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in all fund-raising endeavors. This position is a full-time, salaried position. Salary is competitive and based on experience. More information and application can be found HERE.

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 Late January

Looking at the pond from the restaurant in the new Riverfront Park. Division of Wildlife. Photo taken: 10/28/2005.

JANUARY 17th, 2018: Join Water Loss Management Webinar! During the webinar we’ll hear about:

• General best practices in water loss management, including resources available like the AWWA M36 Water Loss Control Methodology (or Manual) and free AWWA water audit software
• Initiatives and programs being led by the Colorado Water Conservation Board in 2018
• Water loss management programs and lessons learned from three Colorado communities (Aspen, Fort Collins, and Montrose)

Learn more and register HERE.

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: Raptors of the River day camp hosted by SPREE.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. 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 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.

Deadlines starting FEBRUARY 9th, 2018: The Trout Tank H20: Pitch Accelerator kicks off with Initial Pitches where participants present their best five-minute pitch to their peers and a committee for feedback. Once participants have completed the initial pitch, the training begins. During the Trout Tank H20: Pitch Accelerator, the Denver Metro SBDC and its partners will provide a Funding Options Panel, a special Trout Tank version of the Rockies Venture Club Pitch Academy, and a Funding Request Preview. Additional sessions related to water are under development. This training is meant to hone and strengthen participants pitches and prepare them for the Final Auditions as well as provide opportunities to strengthen your business. At the Final Auditions, each participant will get to show what they have learned and pitch one last time for a panel of judges. The top pitches will be chosen to present at the Trout Tank H2O: Pitch Event and compete for the $5,000 award!

• Registration deadline – February 9, 2018
• Initial Pitches – February 15, 2018
• Funding Options Panel – March 1, 2018
• Trout Tank H2O edition of Rockies Venture Club Pitch Academy – March 15, 2018
• Pitch at Final Auditions – March 29, 2018 
• Pitch or attend the Trout Tank H2O: Final Pitch Event – April 19, 2018 

Click HERE for more information and to register.

FEBRUARY 16th, 2018: Water Education Colorado invites you to the 2018 Water Festival Coordinator Gathering. This annual gathering brings together water festival coordinators across the state to discover strategies to improve their events. It's also an opportunity to share best practices, challenges, and lessons learned. Spend the day collaborating with experienced water festival coordinators and learning from one another. Topics will include best planning practices, innovative tools to improve your water festival, volunteer management, and more. This year, the gathering will also feature a special session dedicated to evaluating the long-term effectiveness of water festivals. Hear from an evaluation expert who will help you develop indicators to measure the success of your event as well as the impact of your water festival over time. More information 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.

MARCH 9th, 2018: Snow to Stream: A Workshop and SNOTEL Field Trip in Carbondale, Colorado. In Colorado, snow is more than a type of weather; it's a way of life. What might be less apparent is what snowpack means in terms water, soil moisture, and forest health, and how climate variability is impacting it all. Join Water Education Colorado and Roaring Fork Conservancy for this day-long workshop and field trip exploring the nexus between climate, snow, and water!  This workshop and field trip will be geared toward educators, but is open to the public and will be interesting for anyone wishing to learn more about these topics. The afternoon will feature a unique opportunity to visit a SNOTEL site at the top of McClure Pass! Participants will learn how to conduct a snow course survey and will then have the opportunity to collect samples themselves. They'll finish the day by snowshoeing to the actual SNOTEL site. Participants will walk away with the knowledge and resources to educate others about snow science, climate, forest health and more. Learn more and register HERE.

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 their 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, their 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, they will hold two charrettes, where they 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.

MAY 9th-11th, 2018: Advancing Colorado by Investing in the Outdoors Workshop. The Partners in the Outdoors Conference brings together organizations, agencies, schools, businesses and communities engaged in the future of Colorado's conservation and outdoor recreational opportunities. Together, we can improve the quality of life for all Coloradans by promoting awareness and respect for natural resources, sustainable growth of businesses, and responsible hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Learn more HERE.

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.

Announcements Late January

The North Fork of the South Platte River near Bailey, Colo. Division of Wildlife. David Hannigan. Photo taken: 3/8/2009.

Partners of the Outdoors presents the opportunity to present at Advancing Colorado by Investing in the Outdoors. Submit your 2018 Partner of the outdoor conference session proposal for the conference taking place May 9th-11th, 2018. Submit this Conference Session Proposal including speaker bios and head shots by the deadline of January 31, 2018. Find more information HERE.

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.

Conserving water when you’re at home is relatively simple. If not simple, it’s fairly predictable. You have a routine, and within that routine you’re able to find inefficiencies in your water usage. By cutting back in these areas you’re able to save water and do your part to reduce your impact on the environment. But what about when those routines fly out your open car window? There are many more variables thrown into your day. You might not have the same opportunities to save water when you travel, but that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist. Click HERE for some great ways to save water when you travel.