Conferences & Events Late July

JULY 19th, 2018: Anderson Farms near Erie will host a half-day tour of their farm starting at 9am. This tour will highlight the irrigation methods used for a variety of crops, showcasing both traditional and new irrigation techniques. There is no cost to attend, please register HERE.  

JULY 22nd, 2018: Annual Community Gathering hosted by Friends of the Lower Blue River. Join us for a fun community event in the Lower Blue River Valley including a presentation on Wildfire prevention and prepardness by Lake Dillon Fire Rescue Jeff Berino and District Ranger Bill Jackson, live music by Randall McKinnon, a silent auction and Mountain Lyon Cafe B.B.Q. lunch. R.S.V.P. by 7/22/18 to friendsofthelowerblueriver@gmail.com. 

JULY 26th, 2018: Reception on the River: Join The Water Connection, the water resources and policy arm of The Greenway Foundation, to celebrate the past, present, and future of our urban waterways! This event will host 250 local leaders in engineering, law, architecture, government entities, water provision, and non-profits at a new location this year: STEAM on the Platte!  Come learn about all the projects and programs aimed to improve the urban waterways in Metro Denver; including our Clean River Design Challenge, our efforts to minimize trash in our urban waterways through utilization of Gutter Bins, and more! For more information, click HERE. 

AUGUST 4th, 2018: Glenwood Springs RiverFEST and River Clean-Up: Join the MCWC at the Glenwood Springs RiverFEST on Sunday, August 4th! Hosted by the Glenwood Springs River Commission, RiverFEST is an annual celebration of the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers, complete with live music, informational booths, fly fishing demos, stand up paddleboarding, and of course, a morning river clean-up! The MCWC will have its own clean-up team, so keep an eye out for more details and for a MCWC Clean-Up Team invitation. For more information, click here. 

AUGUST 22nd - 24th, 2018: Colorado Water Congress 2018 Summer Conference and Membership Meeting takes place annually for two and a half days. The 2018 conference will be in Vail at the Hotel Talisa. The high-energy Summer Conference is packed with great topical content. It's a don't miss event for those who wish to stay informed about water issues in Colorado while engaging in numerous professional development activities. This conference includes expert presentations on issues including land use planning, growth, and climate, A new, interactive conference format. There are opportunities to earn CLE credits. For ore information and registration visit Colorado Water Congress.

AUGUST 28th - 30th, 2018: Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) 2nd annual Silverton Innovation Expo.This year, the Expo Committee has invited mining executives, venture capital, and agency personnel.While other conferences or expos may be larger, this event is intentionally invites pioneers, early adopters, and those on the leading edge of technology and innovation to a targeted conversation to advance innovation in remediation. This year's themes include: Valuing Water as an Asset, Changing the Equation: Water and Wastes into Products and Advancing Technology, Characterization & Models. Register HERE.

SEPTEMBER 10th-12th, 2018:  2018 Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA) conference. Do you have open space, natural resource management, or conservation expertise that you’d like to share?  They are seeking presentations for the conference, which is themed “Ripple by Ripple, Water is the Driving Force in Nature.”  Read more about this HERE.

SEPTEMBER 27th-OCTOBER 7th, 2018: 5th Annual Creek Week Cleanup Seeking Creek Crews. Be a part of the largest cleanup in the state of Colorado! Creek Week volunteers clean up litter along the creeks, trails, parks and open spaces from Palmer Lake to Pueblo during this 9-day event happening 9/27-10/7 this year. Individuals and groups (families, clubs, schools, churches, neighborhoods, etc.) are invited to form a Creek Crew.Get outdoors, get active, and create some good for your community and those living downstream! Last year, over the course of nine days, 2,592 citizens formed 81 groups and collected nearly three THOUSAND bags of litter and debris, weighing in at over 30 TONS. If you are interested in hosting an event (public or private) or have any questions, please contact the Creek Week Steering Committee at creekweeksoco@gmail.com before 7/25.  

OCTOBER 9th - 11th, 2018: 13th Annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. The Color of Water: Exploring the Spectrum, Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO. Don't miss the premier watershed conference in Colorado. Expanding cooperation and collaboration throughout Colorado in natural resource conservation, protection and enhancement by informing participants about new issues and innovative projects and through invaluable networking. For information and registration go to SCW Conference 2018.

OCTOBER 24th-25th, 2018: 29th Annual South Platte Forum at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, CO. The conference will feature an exciting lineup of speakers and topics, and a great opportunity to network. Find the list of speakers and their bios HERE, and all general and pertinent information and links HERE. 

OCTOBER 30th, 2018: 10th Annual Water Conservation Symposium at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Join them for the 10th Annual Colorado WaterWise Water Conservation Symposium in Denver, Colorado! They have a great program that will appeal to many audiences. Register now as space is limited. To register, visit their website 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. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS will expire June 30th. Click HERE for details for abstracts

Job Announcements Late July

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking a Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) Administrative Assistant, as well as an Intern. Schools and Outdoor Learning Environments (SOLE) is a program that connects 4th grade classrooms across Colorado and their families to the outdoors. This position spends approximately 90% of time in the office, focused on behind the scenes support. Offsite opportunities vary depending on employee’s interest. Information about SOLE can be found at www.cpwsole.org. Email resume and cover letter with “SOLE Administrative Assistant”, or "Sole Internship", in the subject line to wildlife.projectwild@state.co.us. Deadline to apply is July 20th. 

The City of Fort Collins is hiring a Senior Forestry Manager. Under general direction, oversees the general health and condition of the urban forest in an effort to provide a safe environment, reduce liability, protect and preserve the urban forest canopy for the city. Leads the Forestry Division of the Parks Department by providing direction and supervision to staff in the areas of urban forestry operations. Develops the Division budget and provides fiscal management. Serves as the leader and spokesperson for urban forestry within the City of Fort Collins organization and throughout the community. Provides exceptional customer service to community residents. Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the City and the Department/Division. Deadline to apply is July 20th (1500 MT). For more information and to apply, click HERE. 

The Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group is looking for applicants for a Project Coordinator. Under the general direction of the Executive Director, serve as project coordinator on watershed science and stewardship projects. The project coordinator is responsible for carrying out tasks relating to implementing and overseeing stewardship and watershed science projects such restoration site monitoring, citizen science projects, weed control, revegetation, and other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director. The project coordinator will also carry out program and administrative tasks including planning and organizing meetings and outreach/volunteer events, grant research, preparation and compliance. For more information, including how to apply, click HERE. Deadline to apply is July 23rd.

Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Deputy Director for Water Planning, Healthy Rivers Program with deep knowledge of western water management issues to lead our advocacy efforts to implement sustainable water management policies, including water conservation/efficiency, alternative water supplies, and integrated planning processes. This position requires management of other staff, strategic planning, direct advocacy to policymakers, research, analysis, and writing, as well as working collaboratively with external stakeholders. Reporting to WRA’s Healthy Rivers Program Director, the Deputy Director will collaborate with fellow program staff, conservation community partners, water providers, local governments, and state agencies to advance the next generation of water management strategies. Applications can be submitted HERE. Deadline to apply is August 3rd. 

Eagle River Watershed Council is seeking a Community Outreach VISTA to become a part of our team. The VISTA will help to expand our community outreach efforts particularly in the Latino and underserved communities, build organizational capacity, and help develop a new water quality education program county-wide. All applications must be submitted through the AmeriCorps website. To create a login visit https://my.americorps.gov/mp/recruit/registration.do. More information about the AmeriCorps VISTA application process is HERE. 

Continental Divide Trail Coalition is looking for a Project Leader (to be filled immediately). This full-time, seasonal position (July - October) requires leadership experience in constructing and managing non-motorized trails through collaborative partnerships, proven success in program coordination and a background in volunteer management. Requires a minimum of two years of experience in sustainable trail construction techniques and crew leadership/volunteer management. For more information, click HERE. To apply: Please email a Cover Letter and Resume to Morgan Anderson at manderson@continentaldividetrail.org with Subject: CDT Project Leader Application. 

The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Environmental Programs Department is hiring a Water Quality Specialist to conduct field, lab. and office work to restore, maintain and protect the chemical, biological and physical integrity of the Tribes surface and groundwater resources. Contact Colin Larrick, Water Quality Program Manager, clarrick@utemountain.org for additional information and how to apply.

Friends of the Lower Blue River is hiring an Executive Director who will oversee the logistics, serve as point person, represent the FOLBR in the community, and manage membership functions so that the FOLBR maintains a high and positive profile in the community, the FOLBR BOD functions efficiently and effectively, and the FOLBR Mission is consistently honored and met. For more information, visit the description page HERE. 

The City of Boulder is seeking a Natural Lands Technician. Under limited supervision, maintains the health, safety and aesthetics of natural areas throughout the Parks and Recreation system.  Performs natural resource related maintenance and operations on City of Boulder Parks and Recreation natural lands including staff collaboration, project completion and program assistance.  Performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks in the areas of natural lands maintenance, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), wildlife management and equipment operation, and performs related duties as required. To see the entire job description, click HERE and look for the Maintenance Person III Natural Lands job title.

Trainings & Workshops Late July

WATER EDUCATION COLORADO'S WATER FLUENCY PROGRAM: A professional development course for non-water professionals. Learn the language of water and develop tools for navigating water management and policy issues so you can lead with confidence. Water is critical for every aspect of community vibrancy, from industry to commerce to agriculture, tourism, health, and the environment—but it isn't always clear how policy and management decisions around water trickle down to affect other sectors or vice versa. This comprehensive program will help you make those connections. In-person classroom days; water-focused site visits; and online discussions and homework between classroom days. The remaining scheduled program dates are: 

  • July 20 in Fountain

The topics will include:

  • Colorado's water resources (the role of water in society, the economic value of water, ties to public policy, emerging issues)
  • Legal and institutional frameworks (water law and administration, project planning and approval, interbasin projects and agreements)
  • Water resource management (watershed health, environmental protection, water quality, natural disasters)
  • Colorado water for the future (assessing supply and meeting demand, ecosystem values, conservation and land use, alignment of resources and policies)

The class will be capped at 35 people to ensure a quality experience. Find out more HERE, and register HERE.

The Center for Watershed Protection presents Watershed and Stormwater Webcast Series:

  • Stormwater and Green Infrastructure for Combined Sewer Systems- September 12, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST
  • Innovations in Stream Restoration Design and Construction- October 10, 2018, 1-2:30 PM ES
  • It Ain’t Easy Getting Green: Incentivizing Watershed Programs- November 14, 2018, 1-2:30 PM EST

Find pricing information and registration HERE.

 JULY 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!

Funding Opportunities Late July

The City of Steamboat Springs, in cooperation with Mount Werner Water and Sanitation District, is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to develop a Critical Community Wildfire Watershed Protection Plan (CWP)2 for the Fish Creek Basin, which is the primary source of drinking water for the Steamboat Springs Community. The RFP DOCUMENTS may be obtained electronically at the City’s website: http://www.steamboatsprings.net/bids.aspx or by contacting the City Hall offices, 137 10th St., Steamboat Springs, Colorado, from the Purchasing Division, (970) 871-8269. Proposals must be submitted to City Hall offices, 137 10th Street, PO Box 775088, Steamboat Springs,  no later than 5:00 pm, July 19, 2018.

EPA Wetland Program Development Grants—Application Close Date Varies by Region – Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the protection, management, and restoration of wetlands. States, tribes, local governments, inter-state associations, and inter-tribal consortia are eligible to apply for the Regional WPDG Request for Proposals. More information available HERE.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ACID MINE DRAINAGE WATERSHED COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT PROGRAMS (WCAP) - Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining, Funding Opportunity S18AS00003, 2018. Funding is available to assist local 501(c)(3) status organizations and groups that undertake local acid mine drainage (AMD) reclamation projects to improve the water quality of AMD-affected streams. The priorities and technical focus for this announcement are to restore streams affected by AMD to a level that will support a diverse biological community and provide recreational opportunities for the public. WCAP is designed to be partnered with other funding sources to assist groups such as small watershed organizations to complete local AMD reclamation projects. Estimated total program funding is $1.5M, and about 25 awards are anticipated. The closing date for applications is August 31, 2018. http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=300194

Great Outdoors Colorado has posted the application for Local Parks and Outdoor Recreation grant, along with other mini grants. For all the information regarding applications and submissions, click HERE. Deadline to apply is November 2nd. 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Planning Design and Engineering Grants. These grants provide money to small communities to help cover costs associated with the State Revolving Fund pre-application requirements. Grants require a 20 percent match from the applicant. Planning grant applicants must complete the prequalification form and attend a pre-application meeting. Design and engineering grant applicants will be considered by project needs assessment submissions by approved disadvantaged communities. For more information 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 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:

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

Announcements Late July

AUGUST 6th, 2018: Reclaimed Water - Regulation 84 Hearing Hosted by Colorado Water Quality Control Division. A public hearing is being held to review proposed regulatory changes to Reclaimed Water Control Regulation 84. For more details about other WQCC Rule-making Proceeding, click HERE.

The Interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network (iRON) is an Aspen Global Change Institute (AGCI) project to collect and share data on climate and environmental conditions in the Roaring Fork Valley. The iRON features live and archived data from AGCI’s growing network of soil moisture sensors, supported by Pitkin County, City of Aspen, the John Denver Aspenglow Fund at Aspen Community Foundation and the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. The site also includes links to other environmental data and a blog on weather and soil observations in the valley. iRON was featured on an Aspen Public Radio piece highlighting ecosystem monitoring efforts on protected lands in Aspen, CO. Listen in to the five-minute piece here. 

MEETING NOTICE: Colorado Water Quality Forum 10-year water quality roadmap Workgroup involvement opportunity. The mission of the workgroup is to achieve solutions to Colorado water quality issues through communication and understanding, balancing use, and protection of the resource. Water Quality Members and Participants: The 10-year water quality roadmap is their plan to develop or revise water quality standards from 2017 to 2027. They'll hold quarterly workgroup meetings to discuss progress and encourage participation. Learn more about all the topics involved on the roadmap webpage, ROAD WEBPAGE.

  • Meeting 1: Completed
  • Meeting two: Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018 (1-4 p.m.)
  • Meeting three: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 (1-4 p.m.)
  • Meeting four: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 (1-4 p.m.)

Anyone can participate! If you would like to receive future emails about the workgroup, use this online sign-up form to join the mailing list so they can stay in touch.