Conferences & Events Late February

FEBRUARY 19th, 2019: Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership Quarterly Meeting. 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse (100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden CO, 80419) in room 1552AB/1565AB Quad Combined. Parking is available on either your right or left as you drive toward the courthouse building. There will be presentations from John McCray, Colorado School of Mines, about his research on green infrastructure for urban stream restoration and urban stormwater enhancement, and Randi Brazeau, Metro State University, about her research on water quality analysis and education efforts on the Platte River.   

FEBRUARY 21st & 23rd, 2019: Wild & Scenic Film Festival hosted by The Middle Colorado Watershed Council. At the Vaudeville in Glenwood Springs on Thursday, February 21st and at the Ute in Rifle on Saturday, February 23rd. Festival-goers can expect to see award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, water, energy and climate change, wildlife, environmental justice, agriculture, Native American and indigenous cultures. Buy your tickets today! These shows are historic sell outs. Buy tickets for the Glenwood Springs showing HERE and for the Rifle showing HERE.

FEBRUARY 23rd, 2019: First Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium at the Adams State University Richardson Hall & McDaniel Hall from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Learn about water challenges and opportunities in the Rio Grande Basin. Hosted by the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center at Adams State University and the Rio Grande Water Conservation District. Secretary Ken Salazar will be presenting “The Past and Future Fights to Protect the Water of the San Luis Valley” with Keynote Speaker Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. This symposium is free. Register at: https://tinyurl.com/StateoftheBasin. For more information, contact the Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center at: riodelavista@adams.edu or 719-850-2255.

FEBRUARY 28th & MARCH 1st, 2019: 6th Annual Clyde O. Martz Winter Symposium. The Getches-Wilkinson Center is hosting in collaboration with the Colorado Law Review and the Colorado Natural Resources, Energy & Environmental Law Review. Dan Gibbs, the new Director of DNR, will discuss "The State of State Public Lands."  Thursday's event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception. Friday's Symposium (7 CLEs) will feature former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell’s keynote address about the current state of public lands management. Find out more HERE.  

FEBRUARY 28th & March TBD, 2019: Roaring Fork Conservancy invites you to The River Center for a NEW three-part winter speaker series whose topics address our most precious resource, water. They’ll discuss the most current water-related issues at the local, state and national level, and provide opportunities for one-on-one dialogue with these water leaders. Additional details can be found HERE.
February 28 - Plant a Seed, Grow a Snowpack: A Discussion of Cloud Seeding in the Upper Colorado River Basin with Dave Kanzer, Chief Engineer with the Colorado River Water Conservation District
March TBD - Restoring Critial Riparian Habitat in an Age of Invasives with Cara Kukuraitis, Outreach and Education Coordinator with RiversEdge West
SEATING IS LIMITED. Please RSVP by calling Mercedes at (970) 927-1290.

MARCH 7th, 2019: Longmont Public Meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. The City of Longmont is undertaking an update to the 2006 Wildlife Management Plan and they want your input at the first public meeting. Learn about recent updates to the City Development Code related to prairie dog management and get an overview of the City’s flood control project called the Resilient St. Vrain Project. Followed by an open house discussion of the City’s riparian setback regulations. Food and drinks will be available. Sunset Campus – 7 S. Sunset St, Longmont 80501 

MARCH 7th, 2019: Colorado TU River Stewardship Gala. Join them at Mile High Station in Denver for this must-attend event for anyone who cares about rivers and trout! Enjoy a delicious meal, beer and wine, and your chance to participate in the auction and live program. They’ll be highlighting Colorado TU’s 50th anniversary throughout the evening and honoring William Reilly with their 2019 River Stewardship Award. Purchase your tickets HERE or sponsor a table and bring your favorite fishy friends.

MARCH 8th, 2019: The Fork Not Taken: A Two Forks Retrospective from 7:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. at History Colorado Center. Following a continental breakfast, the AGENDA will feature two panel discussions. Discounted pricing and a limited number of scholarships are available for students—email nshipman@msudenver.edu. Discounts are also available for members of Water Education Colorado, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and the History Colorado Center. SPONSORSHIP opportunities available. Don't wait to REGISTER.

March 12, 2019: Colorado E. coli Symposium. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the Colorado Stormwater Council, Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, and the Big Dry Creek Watershed Association are co-sponsoring a one-day symposium focused on approaches to address water quality impairments in Colorado due to elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli).  Their planning committee has lined up an excellent group of knowledgeable speakers, including representatives from the Colorado Water Quality Control Division, EPA Region 8, local governments, and consultants. The symposium will provide practical information for local governments and others working to identify and reduce E. coli sources as a result of existing or future Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The conference will be held at the Arvada Center. Thanks to the support from CDPHE, the conference cost is only $30 ($10 for students). Register HERE.

March 12, 2019: Join the Trout Tank H2O Cohort! Any business with a focus in water, new or old, can participate in the program.Trout Tank H2O: Pitch Accelerator is about highlighting entrepreneurs and businesses with a water nexus and giving them opportunities to sharpen their pitching skills, connect with mentors, gain exposure, secure funding, and build connections with lenders, investors, decision-makers, and key stakeholders within the Colorado business and water community. Pitch for a feedback committee at the Initial Pitches 2:00-5:00 p.m. Interested? Apply HERE.

MARCH 12th-14th, 2019: HAR-CERSER 2019 Conference. Jointly hosted by High Altitude Revegetation Committee (HAR) and Central Rockies chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration (CeRSER), the goal of the 2019 Conference is to enhance our understanding of ecological restoration and revegetation in diverse ecosystems using a variety of methods. For more information click HERE.

MARCH 13th-14th, 2019: Water in the West Symposium. Join leaders from diverse disciplines to dive deep into water issues affecting the region and to explore innovative solutions to water challenges. The Symposium will feature nationally renowned speakers, and showcase the efforts of various sectors in leveraging research, innovation, education, and creative policies to address the most pressing global water issues. For more information, click HERE.

MARCH 16th, 2019: Boulder County Nature Association 2019 Ecosystem Symposium - The Changing Baseline for Front Range Ecosystems: Implications for Management and Restoration. This symposium will explore what we know from recent research and monitoring studies about change over decades to Front Range plant, animal and microbial communities. We will consider the implications for managing these communities for resilience, not with the goal of returning them to some idealized and static past, but by bolstering their ability to adapt to the challenges of the future. Registration is not required. There is no charge for the ecosymposium, and all are welcome to attend. Find the details HERE.

MARCH 17th-23rd, 2019: Sustainable Trails Conference - Grand Junction, CO. Don't miss this convening of international trail experts in Grand Junction, CO. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, concurrent and plenary sessions, and networking opportunities throughout the event. For more information, click HERE.

MARCH 25th-29th, 2019: 11th National Monitoring Conference - Working Together for Clean Water in Denver, CO, is hosted by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council and North American Lake Management Society. Attendees will have opportunities to network and create new relationships, exchange information on topics relevant to all water resources, as well as to develop new skills and learn about the latest technologies and techniques. All water resources will be represented. Early bird registration is extended to March 1, and the regular registration deadline is March 15. See more HERE.

APRIL 1st-3rd, 2019: After the Flames Workshop and Conference.  Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire is invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. For more information click HERE.

APRIL 5th, 2019: Southwestern Water Conservation District’s Annual Water Seminar from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Durango. For more than 35 years in southwestern Colorado, water managers, irrigators, municipal representatives, tribal members, environmental advocates, recreation enthusiasts, and interested citizens have come together each year for the Annual Water Seminar. It’s a unique opportunity to interact with other individuals who are passionate about water resources, and hear expert speakers from around the state and region. Find out more HERE.

APRIL 11th & 12th, 2019: Rocky Mountain Green (RMG) Conference with The Alliance Center. RMG is the largest conference in the Rockies that convenes building professionals, sustainability leaders and change makers from across the Rocky Mountain region for a full day of educational sessions, networking opportunities in the expo hall and discussions around today’s most critical sustainability and green building issues. REGISTER by Wednesday, February 27, 2019 for early bird pricing!

APRIL 14th, 2019: Walk for Freshwater. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. CU South Denver-Globeology Exhibit. Walk with them and EXPERIENCE the global water crisis first-hand! GRAB YOUR WATER JUG and find yourself among elephants, giraffes, and howler monkeys. Find out practical ways that YOU can be part of raising awareness and funds to change the water crisis in Malawi. All event proceeds go to fund water and sanitation projects at schools in Malawi, Africa, through Freshwater Project International. See pictures and register HERE.

APRIL 19th, 2019: 2019 AWRA-CGWA Annual Symposium: Colorado Water Stories – Learning from our past, reimagining our future at the Mount Vernon Canyon Country Club, 24933 Club House Circle, Golden, CO 80401 from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. This year's conference will cover a range of topics from both a technical and policy perspective, including a deep-drill into ASR, geophysical applications, and how Coloradans are reimagining the river. For more details, check out THIS LINK.

APRIL 24th-25th, 2019: 25th Anniversary Arkansas River Basin Water Forum - A River of Dreams and Realities, at the Pueblo Convention Center. As one of the most important natural resources in our state, the water future of the Arkansas River Basin depends on education, dialog, and a deeper understanding of all sides of water issues. The Arkansas River Basin Water Forum has been at the forefront of this conversation for 25 years. Please join them to celebrate their 25th anniversary as they continue to work together to find common ground. For more information: arbwf.org

APRIL 24th-26th, 2019: 2019 Partners in the Outdoors Conference. Be a part of the solution as we shift from Planning to Action. Based on the Colorado Outdoor Principles and after months of collaborative work across the state from hundreds of partners, stakeholders and citizens, Colorado has drafted one of the finest Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plans (SCORP) in the nation. For more information, click HERE.

APRIL 27th, 2019: Fryingpan River Cleanup at 8:30 a.m. in Lyons Park, Basalt, CO
Help clean up one of the most beautiful stretches of river in the country! Volunteers of all ages welcome! Join us for a free breakfast before cleaning up a 1-mile section of the river. Prizes for: Best of Trash, Most Toxic, Most Useful, Most Unusual Trash, and Best Photo. Event Details | Register

JUNE 18th-20th, 2019: The 4th Rocky Mountain Stream Restoration Conference will provide an opportunity for professionals to share ideas and lessons learned in stream restoration assessment, planning, design, construction, and evaluation, as well as other topical stream issues. The conference will explore stream restoration challenges and solutions, with a focus on the Intermountain West. For agenda click HERE.

Funding Opportunities Late February

The Bureau of Reclamation has extended the deadline to submit an application for the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase II Funding Opportunity. Applications are now due on February 20th, 2019 at 4 p.m. MST. This funding opportunity is for watershed groups to seek funding to implement on-the-ground watershed management projects for their communities. The funding provided through the Cooperative Watershed Management Program helps local stakeholders develop local solutions that will improve water reliability while reducing conflict, addressing complex water issues and stretching limited water supplies. View the funding opportunity HERE. Learn more about the Cooperative Watershed Management Program HERE.

The Community First Foundation announced their 2019 Collaborating for Community Health in Jeffco grant. The purpose of this grant is to support coalitions and collaborations working together to improve conditions of community health of the Jefferson County community. This can include anything from access to neighborhood health and built environment including environmental conditions. This is an open, competitive, one-time grant that lasts 12 months, from July 2019 through July 2020. The deadline to apply is Thursday, March 7, 2019. LEARN MORE.

The EPA has extended the submission deadline for the Environmental Justice Small Grants to Friday, March 8th. These grants are for one-year projects that address emergency preparedness and increase resiliency, as well as projects that include the needs of US military veterans and homeless populations. You can find more HERE.

The Colorado Water Quality Control Division has extended the application deadline for the 2019 NPS RFA (#12390). The funding is for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients OR protect waterbodies from degradation caused by nonpoint source pollution. Applications must be submitted by March 11, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. (MST) to christa.trendle@state.co.us. Find the updated application and reference materials HERE. 

Diane Hoppe Scholarship: The Colorado Water Conservation Board is pleased to administer a $2,000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student interested in western water issues planning to attend a public institution of higher education in Colorado. Students who will be graduating from high school in the spring of 2019 are eligible to apply. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2019 to be considered by the Selection Committee. Learn more about Diane Hoppe and apply HERE.

The DOI Bureau of Reclamation offers a grant to 15 Drought Resiliency Projects. States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, or other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States or United States Territories. Apply by March 27th HERE.

Get Your 2019 Project Funded Are you planning, designing, or implementing on-the-ground restoration projects that will restore river flows and/or recharge ground water? Would you like the opportunity to share your projects with businesses who may be interested in providing support for your projects? If the answer is “Yes!” be sure to check out the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank, a new opportunity for paid members of River Network to use a national platform to attract funding.

US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Full details, including requirements and registration, can be found HERE. 

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 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.

What type of Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants are available?

Basin Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Basin Account to ensure the Threshold Criteria are met.

Statewide Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable on a competitive basis. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Statewide Account to ensure each application meets the Threshold Criteria in addition to being evaluated using the Evaluation Criteria.

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:

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

Trainings & Workshops Late February

Dream Lake Sunrise. Flickr.com. Bryce Bradford. Photo taken: 3/7/2015

Dream Lake Sunrise. Flickr.com. Bryce Bradford. Photo taken: 3/7/2015

FEBRUARY 6th - MARCH 21st, 2019: Spatial Analysis Training online with ArcGIS online exercises through ESRI - the Science of Where. This free course is for people who know something about data analysis and want to learn how the special capabilities of spatial data analysis provides deeper understanding. Registration closes on February 21, 2019. Register HERE.

FEBRUARY 18th, & 25th, 2019: 2019 Water Course. Join Colorado Mesa University for this these evening seminars on water in our region! February 18: Impacts of Drought & Aridification. February 25: Colorado River Drought Contingency Planning. CMU students can earn 1 credit for attending this series plus additional session on March 4 and completing an assignment. K-12 Teachers can also participate in this expanded series. For more information, including registration, click HERE.

FEBRUARY 19th, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis Overview, Methodology, Population by Colorado Water Conservation Board. 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register HERE. The Colorado Water Plan Analysis (formerly, SWSI) serves as the technical backbone to the Water Plan. Leading up to the study's full release in July 2019, select data insights and tools will be released gradually for early stakeholder review. Check HERE for general information on the project. See all monthly technical webinars HERE.

FEBRUARY 20th & 21st: Crafting a Strategic Plan that Works with San Juan Rural Philanthropy Days. February 20 in Gunnison, CO, and February 21 in Ridgway, CO. Cut to the Chase with a Usable Strategic Plan! A plan must reflect the wisdom and needs of stakeholders and collaborators. It must inspire and guide the board and staff. It must provide for measurable outcomes and its deliverables must include a document that is helpful, meaningful and frequently used.What are the elements of a planning process? How can we craft plans and a plan document that help us be our best? Learn more & register HERE.

FEBRUARY 20th-22nd, 2019: Snow School for Water Managers, Silverton, CO. A 2½ Day Professional Development Opportunity for Water Professionals, conducted by Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies director Jeff Derry. Using a mixture of classroom discussion and hands-on field sessions, this workshop will enhance participant understanding of snowpack processes, snowpack monitoring, and snowpack data. Find out more HERE.

FEBRUARY 21st, 2019: Water Workshop. Join Western Slope Conservation Center & Delta Conservation District at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall, Hotchkiss, where Dr. Klaus Wolter at University of Colorado-CIRES will attempt to answer two of our biggest questions: "Is the drought over? And what can we expect in the next few months after one of the weakest El Niño events on record?" RSVP’s are requested by email (deltaconservationd@gmail.com) or phone (970-399-8194).

FEBRUARY 27th, 2019: Proactive Communication and Conflict Resolution for Redevelopment Webinar from the Center for Creative Land Recycling. 12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. MST. Conflict is part of human existence, and we have to work through conflict to get to a better outcome, whether that’s a vision for a site or area, an agreement about remediation plans, or anything else. How can you improve your conflict management and mitigation practices? Come away from this webinar with the skills to plan for and productively manage disagreement. This webinar builds on a popular panel that was presented at the California Land Recycling Conference in 2018. Register HERE.

MARCH 4th-5th, 2019: QUALIFIED MS4 STORMWATER TRAINING. In this two-day course they will cover all the topics to ensure that you meet the regulatory requirement to conduct Stormwater Inspections. They will review the requirements of your state MS4, Construction, and Industrial General Permits; we will discuss what it takes for you to be in compliance with the permits; they will discuss inspection techniques that will help you better evaluate whether or not other permittees are in compliance with their permits – and how that influences your permit compliance; and they will discuss BMPs – which are best, when to use them, how to use them, and how to know if BMPs are correctly installed and maintained. For details, including registration, click HERE.

MARCH 4th-6th, 2019: Irrigation Association Classes hosted by Northern Water. Learn the basics of hydraulics and irrigation system installation and maintenance. This full-day learning session covers an overview of irrigation system components and how they operate. Learn about gluing and repairing PVC pipe, installing nozzles and adjusting heads, setting and repairing electric valves, and field and controller wiring techniques. Recommended review for the certified irrigation technician exam. REGISTER by Wednesday, Feb. 27. See the flyer HERE.

MARCH 5th, 2019: Landscape Professional Lunch & Learn will unpack the City of Aspen's new landscaping standards and learn about other important local water management programs and strategies. This presentation is applicable to local landscape professionals, developers, and other interested community members. QWEL-certified professionals are eligible to receive 2 CEU credits for this program. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Register HERE.

MARCH 5th-8th, 2019: Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) Training Class. South Platte Park has opened registration for their next training course at South Platte Park in Littleton. Successful students will receive nationally-recognized certification in interpretation and resource communication. If you have been considering this course for your incoming seasonals, front-line staff, extraordinary volunteers, new hires, or old hands, now is the time to register! For more information and how to register, click HERE.

MARCH 19th, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis, Municipal & Industrial by Colorado Water Conservation Board. 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Register HERE. The Colorado Water Plan Analysis (formerly, SWSI) serves as the technical backbone to the Water Plan. Leading up to the study's full release in July 2019, select data insights and tools will be released gradually for early stakeholder review. Check in HERE for general information on the project. See all monthly technical webinars HERE.

MARCH 21st-22nd, 2019. Certified Stormwater Inspector Training. Denver, CO. This course was developed by former Federal and State stormwater enforcement officials for the express purpose of training municipal stormwater personnel to conduct stormwater inspections of municipal, commercial, industrial, and construction activities. It includes instruction in the law (federal, state, local), illicit discharge detection and elimination, pollution prevention, post construction, public involvement and education, inspector protocols, and much more! For more information, including registration, click HERE.

EPA Alliance Training Group offers an Intro to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act through online training. The course will walk you through the requirements, the management of Universal Wastes, and common hazardous waste violations that could occur at your facility. Furthermore, fill out a quick form and perform some action items, provided in the course, to meet your annual RCRA training requirements! The RCRA 102 Advanced course will be ready this March! Check out their complete list of training topics HERE.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is offering a new Water Studies Online Certificate to provide training and skills relevant to careers in water studies, conservation, agriculture, construction, engineering, and law. From lifelong learners who want to know more about water preservation to those working in green and sustainable professions, this unique certificate provides introductory level training and skills relevant to a wide range of fields in the nonprofit, corporate, and public sectors, including water industries, conservation, agriculture, construction, engineering, and law. Find out more HERE.

APRIL 1st-3rd, 2019: After the Flames Workshop and Conference.  Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire is invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. For more information click HERE.

APRIL 9th, 2019: The Color of Law: A Conversation about Segregation and Environmental Racism Webinar. 12:00 p.m. - 1:15p.m. MDT. The Center for Creative Land Recycling will welcome Richard Rothstein, author of the 2017 book The Color of Law, to frame the history of segregation in the United States, and help us understand how racial segregation shapes redevelopment decisions today. Join CCLR for this first in a series of webinars that explore what different local jurisdictions are doing to mitigate the risk of displacement as a result of land recycling. Note: It is highly recommended that you read the Color of Law, available at local libraries and from book sellers, prior to this webinar. Register HERE.

APRIL 23rd, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis, Agriculture by Colorado Water Conservation Board. 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Register HERE. The Colorado Water Plan Analysis (formerly, SWSI) serves as the technical backbone to the Water Plan. Leading up to the study's full release in July 2019, select data insights and tools will be released gradually for early stakeholder review. Check in HERE for general information on the project. See all monthly technical webinars HERE.

JUNE 10th-14th, 2019: Western Rivers Teacher Workshop,Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, Colorado. Utilize western rivers to meet interdisciplinary academic standards creating relevant place based context for your students. Registration opens February 2019 through the Extended Studies program.

Announcements Late February

Looking for more opportunities to drink beer and save rivers? Look no further than Ale House Denver! For the month of February, they're teaming up with River North Brewery to donate $2 to Colorado Water Trust per every RN Barrel Aged Nightmare Fuel Stout sold, so go get your stout on!

FEBRUARY 19th & 22nd, 2019: Is Your River Wild & Scenic? On February 19th, the GMUG Forest Plan Revision Team will release its Draft Wild & Scenic Eligibility Report, and is requesting that public comment be received by March 22. Eligibility is the first of the three-step Wild and Scenic River process, each step of which includes opportunities for public engagement. You can learn more by joining one of the two webinars the GMUG is hosting to walk through this process (February 19 from 3:30 – 5:00 and February 22nd from 9:00 – 10:30).

FEBRUARY 19th, 2019: Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Availability Task Force meeting will be 9:30 a.m. -11:15 a.m. at the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Headquarters, 6060 Broadway, Denver in the Red Fox Room. For the agenda or to call in remotely, click HERE.

FEBRUARY 21st, 2019: Reg. 84 Stakeholder meeting on Non-commercial Crops. The Colorado Water Quality Control Division is in the middle of hosting a stakeholder process regarding the use of reclaimed water to irrigate edible crops and hemp. Your participation and input is encouraged.
(9-11 a.m.) Lab - Rosalind Franklin Room, 8100 Lowry Blvd, Denver, CO 80203

FEBRUARY 25th, 2019: Reg. 84 Stakeholder meeting on Hemp. The Colorado Water Quality Control Division is in the middle of hosting a stakeholder process regarding the use of reclaimed water to irrigate edible crops and hemp. Your participation and input is encouraged.
(1-3 p.m.) CDPHE Main Campus, Room B2E, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246

MARCH 6th, 2019: Reg. 84 Stakeholder meeting on Commercially Processed Crops. The Colorado Water Quality Control Division is in the middle of hosting a stakeholder process regarding the use of reclaimed water to irrigate edible crops and hemp. Your participation and input is encouraged.
(1-3 p.m.) CDPHE Main Campus, Room B2B, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO 80246

Applications Now Being Accepted for K-12 Student and Teacher Awards. Applications are now being accepted for the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) and the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Award (PIAEE). Applications are due March 8, 2019. The application and eligibility information are available HERE.

EPA proposes to delete residential areas in north Denver from Superfund list. Historically, the affected north-Denver neighborhoods were a major smelting center. As a result, heavy metals were deposited in area soils, and groundwater was impacted at the former smelter locations. The EPA and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have determined that all required cleanup activities are complete in the area proposed for deletion. EPA is accepting public comments on the proposed action through March 8, 2019. For more information and to comment on the proposed deletion, visit HERE.

Submit your Lottery-funded projects for a 2019 Starburst Award. Starburst Awards recognize excellence in the use of Lottery funds for community and conservation projects. Winners are chosen based on the creativity of the project, economic and social impact on the community, and whether the project achieved its goal. To be eligible for the award, projects must have been completed in the last five years and include funding through Lottery proceeds (GOCO, CTF, CPW, BEST). The deadline to submit your nominations is March 15, 2019. Find the application HERE.

Calling all college students! 21-Day Earth Corps 2019 Field Studies Course. Earth Corps is run by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) in partnership with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to provide motivated, environmentally conscious students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Colorado wilderness. The application deadline is April 12, 2019. Find the full course description and register HERE.

The Water Quality Control Division (division) is requesting surface water quality data for the triennial review of water quality classifications and standards for the South Platte River basin. This effort requires the compilation of recent water quality parameters including biological, physical, chemical, and other related data. These data will be assessed by the division to develop recommendations to the Water Quality Control Commission for maintaining or modifying water quality classifications and standards for the South Platte basin. These data will also be used in the development of the 2020 303(d) List of Impaired Waters. Please submit data to the division by April 15, 2019.  Additional information is available at the division website HERE.

Speak Out for Clean Water and Responsible Mining: The Colorado Senate will soon be taking up legislation to ensure that new mining activities in Colorado operate so as to protect our state's water quality. HB-1113, which passed the House earlier this month, is now on its way to the Senate for action and you can help by asking your Senator to vote "yes". For more information, visit Colorado Trout Unlimited’s website HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board Member Heather Dutton goes into detail about Stream Management Plans (SMPs) and how they are utilized in the Rio Grande Basin under the Colorado Water Plan in her article HERE.

The Platte River Recovery Implementation Program is an innovative and successful approach to endangered species recovery and water development in Colorado. For almost 13 years, this program has been running smoothly in the background allowing for economic growth in the North and South Platte Basins, as well as species conservation in the Central Platte. Now, Colorado and other partners are taking steps to extend the program for another 13 years. Program partners are confident that the success of the program will speak for itself during the process of seeking congressional re-authorization. Learn more about what the CWCB and program partners are doing to reauthorize the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program in this article.

Check out U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Colorado Water Supply Outlook Report HERE.

The River Network 2018 Annual Report is here. They are extremely proud of this year’s impacts—and the progress made throughout their network. Read River Network’s 2018 highlights.

In 2015, countries adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Check out Goal #6 on The United Nations website.

Western Resource Advocates teamed up with Pace University’s Land Use Law Center to develop a comprehensive Guidebook that provides land use planners with the resources necessary to fully integrate water efficiency into their land use planning efforts.

A bill to make clean water in Colorado a priority passed the Rural Affairs and Agricultural committee and is headed to the House floor. The bill would end self-bonding for hardrock mines in Colorado and would explicitly include water quality protection. It would also require mining license applications to set an end date for the cleanup of their operation. Read more HERE.

A community engagement research project from River Network has the goal to compile resources helpful to community-based organizations around the country who are advocating for solutions to local urban flooding problems. They are looking for examples, tools, methods, and stories of community members with experience in community-based research. If you have used approaches such as community mapping, community walks, door-to-door surveys, or other means to collect information from community members about specific local threats or assets, Mia Colloredo-Mansfeld would love to connect with you: miacm@live.unc.edu.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Food & Water Watch today filed a notice of intent to sue JBS USA and the Swift Beef Company for illegally dumping slaughterhouse pollution into Colorado waterways, putting people and wildlife in danger and violating the Clean Water Act. Read the Press Release HERE.

Call for Abstracts: The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists will partner with the Colorado Riparian Association for their annual meeting on April 10, 2019. They are now accepting abstracts for 15 to 20-minute oral presentations on any wetland or riparian related projects, research, management, education, or other similar work. Presentations related to topics that affect wetlands and riparian habitat within the Rocky Mountain Chapter are preferred. Please go the WEBSITE and submit your abstract by February 22, 2019. 

The January 2019 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the January 22, 2019 Water Availability Task Force Meeting, will be posted on the CWCB website.  All of the presentations from the meeting can also be found on the CWCB website. If you have questions regarding the Drought Update, please contact Taryn Finnessey at taryn.finnessey@state.co.us.

U.S. Drought Monitor released a snapshot MAP of broad-scale conditions.

Job Announcements Late February

Southern Rockies Seed Network is hiring a Program Director in Fort Collins, CO. This position will oversee the plant materials collection program, manage all fundraising activities, assist with the ecological restoration training program, develop and expand their growers’ network, manage diverse mapping and data management needs, enhance and manage their marketing and outreach program, and manage the plant materials program coordinator in order to address goals and strategies outlined in the SRSN Operations Plan. Submit Application Materials by Feb  28, 2019 (or until filled). Request the full job description or send a cover letter, resume, and three references via email to:  John Giordanengo, john@synergy3.org. 

Ark Ecological Services is recruiting for ecological technician positions and seasonals that will work in various open space lands in Colorado Front Range ecosystems for a varied array of clients. Duties include native land management focused on ecological restoration including integrated weed management, native plant revegetation, and erosion control. Education in the natural sciences, natural resource management, or related fields preferred. The Ecological Technician Positions work mostly from March through November and seasonal opportunities are available from May to August. The application deadline is February 28, 2019. Request more information from or send a brief letter of interest and a resume to Raymond H. Sperger, Principal Ecologist and Business Manager: ersperger@gmail.com.

Does a job educating others in the outdoors sound exciting to you? Consider applying to become Boulder County Parks and Open Space's Education and Outreach Seasonal! Duties will include such activities as: leading outdoor volunteer work projects and educational hikes; staffing special events, local festivals, and trailhead displays; and performing park patrol. Deadline to apply is February 22nd, 2019. Apply HERE.

Denver’s Parks and Recreation Department has an opportunity with the Denver Park Ranger Program for a Fishing Program Coordinator to organize and implement programming aimed at Denver’s youth that will focus on teaching fishing techniques and land stewardship. The job posting will close when enough qualified applicants have applied so apply now! Submit an application HERE.

Education Program Manager & Event Coordinator of the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership (SCRGP) This position shall be responsible for Next Generation Partner programming and office management, volunteer and event coordination, and communications/outreach associated with the operation of a not-for-profit corporation 501 (c)(3). Deadline for application: February 25th, 2019. Request full job description from and send resumes to Beth Nobles at bnobles@sandcreekgreenway.org

The City of Longmont is excited to hire a new FTE position for a Natural Resources Technician. Apply by March 1st, 2019. Interested applicants must apply through the City’s website HERE.  

The City of Louisville, CO, is announced a Senior Natural Resource Specialist position, full time with benefits. The application deadline is March 3rd, 2019. Find details HERE.

South Platte Park is launching a new youth volunteer experience, NatureTeens. NatureTeen Tryouts will be held at South Platte Park on Sunday, March 3rd, 2019 from 1-3pm. They will have activities and shift information for all NatureTeen applicants. This program is designed to foster leadership and job skills for youth ages 14-18. Details are HERE. 

The Colorado Wastewater Utility Council (CWWUC) has announced a Request for Proposal for Management and Administrative Services. The CWWUC is a longstanding nonprofit organization whose membership includes forty four different wastewater utilities from around the state. The purpose of the Request for Proposal (RFP) is to obtain proposals from qualified consultants for a Coordinator to provide management and administrative services to the Colorado Wastewater Utility Council. Click on the Request for Proposal for information regarding preparation and submittal of proposals, Deadline for proposal submittal is March 15, 2019.

The City of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource division is hiring two Seasonal Naturalist positions. Join their team of enthusiastic, adventurous and educated natural resource professionals for a fun spring, summer, and fall season in their over 8,000 acres of open space and in their three award-winning nature centers. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

The city of Aurora’s Open Space and Natural Resource division is hiring one Go Wild Summer Program Assistant. Go WILD Summer Program Assistant works with the Go WILD Program Coordinator to provide logistic and administrative requirements in order to carry out the programs for this grant funded effort. Programs will be offered for groups of up to 50 students and their guardians, in open space and nature based outdoor recreation / education guided programs. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

A new season of Land Conservation is only a few months away! Mile High Youth Corps is now hiring Crew Leaders for their Denver and Colorado Springs programs. Both sites are hiring an early start Crew Leader to begin March 29th as well as several others to begin on May 6th. Position descriptions can be found HERE. Please send a resume and cover letter to staffjobs@mhyc.net if you are interested in applying.

The Boulder County Youth Corps is now hiring!

  • Corpsmembers must be Boulder County residents between the ages of 14-17 as of the first day of work (June 10) and they will start at $11.10/hour. Application deadline is April 3 at 4:30 p.m.

  • Assistant Team Leaders must be 18 or older and will start at $15.75/hour. Positions are open until filled.

  • Team Leaders must be 21 or older and will start at $17.75/hour. Positions are open until filled.

Teams will work on a variety of community services projects including trail construction and maintenance, historic preservation, forest thinning, construction and repair of fencing, landscaping and removal of noxious weeds. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

The City of Louisville is excited to announce two Open Space/Natural Resource Seasonal positions! Pay Range: $13-$15 hourly, 40 hours per week starting as early as April 15th, 2019 and ending no later than October 11th, 2019. Applications accepted continuously. Find the full description HERE.

South Platte Park (Littleton) is hiring a Park Interpreter for the summer season.  This position is responsible for planning, researching, preparing, and conducting interpretive programs and summer camps for mainly groups of children, with some family programs and events.  Also assists with Nature Center exhibits, animal care, volunteers, marketing and communication.  This is a 40-hour position May 29-August 15 with part time hours in May and September.  Position details and application HERE.

South Platte Park is seeking an environmental education/interpretation intern (student). Details are HERE.

Biological Science Technician Position - Summer 2019 through The Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit with USDA-ARS. It is based in Fort Collins, CO and involves day trips to the Central Plains Experimental Range in eastern Colorado and overnight trips to the Thunder Basin National Grassland in northeastern Wyoming to collect experimental data. The technician will be working to understand how rangeland management and climate variability/extremes interact to influence water and plant dynamics in semi-arid rangelands. Dates: Mid-May to mid-August flexibly. Request the full job description or submit a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and 3 references as soon as possible to David Hoover: David.Hoover@usda.gov and Lauren Poresnsky: Lauren.Porensky@usda.gov. Please include in resume: Major/Minor, Relevant Experience, Relevant Coursework, Technical Skills. Submissions will be reviewed as received until positions are filled.