Job Announcements Early May

The City of Fort Collins is seeking a Senior Environmental Planner to lead the Nature in the City team. This interdisciplinary position is housed in the Natural Areas Department and is best suited for a passionate urban conservation advocate with a proven capacity to:

  • catalyze productive partnerships through deep engagement;

  • manage unique capital projects, teams, grants and initiatives; and,

  • inspire diverse community actors to explore creative ways to connect with nature at a variety of scales (from the backyard and beyond).

Learn more about Nature in the City HERE and apply online HERE by May 8th, 2019 at 3:00 p.m.

ERO Resources Corporation, an environmental consulting firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is seeking a full-time Biologist, with Botany expertise, for our Durango office. This position is for a biologist/botanist and will support new and existing natural resource projects based out of our Durango and/or Hotchkiss office.  Primary duties will include delineating wetlands, identifying vegetation communities, and conducting Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting. Depending on experience, other duties could include Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act compliance, restoration planning, rare plant surveys, and other environmental planning and management services. If you are qualified for this position, apply by May 13, 2019. See the job posting HERE.

River Network is hiring a full time Marketing and Communications Manager. This position will be responsible for maintaining River Network’s inclusive and diverse visual identity, expanding our brand identity, integrating our program work into regular outreach and marketing, overseeing the content management for and production of a number of our regular publications, and promoting our learning opportunities for greater reach and influence. Deadline to apply is 9:59 p.m. MST Friday, May 17, 2019. For more information and how to apply head HERE.

The Southwestern Water Conservation District is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. The District was created by Colorado statute in 1941 to promote the conservation, use and development of the water of the San Juan and Dolores River basins in Southwestern Colorado. The Executive Director works collaboratively to bring together groups of diverse interests on complicated matters. Applications are due on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. The job description and required application materials can be obtained from the District HERE.

The Greenway Foundation's SPREE program is hiring a Summer Educator to help facilitate Denver-based environmental education programs. Summer Camp Educators will lead campers, ages 6-14, through daily activities, crafts and games about the environment along the South Platte River or Cherry Creek. This 3-month position runs from May 28- August 16. Learn more HERE.

Sheridan Inspire is a GOCO-funded coalition of education and outdoor activity providers. They are looking for a part-time park interpreter at South Platte Park. This position is responsible for preparing materials, marketing, and conducting public nature interpretation programs and camps for audiences of all ages for the Sheridan Colorado Inspire programs offered by South Suburban. Applications accepted continuously. Find more information HERE.

The Teens Inc, TeamWorks program still has 2 open positions for Crew Leaders based in Denver!  TeamWorks provides an educational work experience and the opportunity for youth ages 16 - 20 to develop collaborative skills within a diverse group. Through various types of conservation, community-based, and trail projects, TeamWorks exposes youth to potential career paths, positive role models, a variety of perspectives on the environment and conservation, and how it relates to their community. See the full job description HERE, and apply directly to be a Crew Leader HERE.

Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. (COCO) is seeking a Professional Water Resources Engineer for a wide range of projects, such as wetland and stream restoration; aquatic species passage projects; forest road and trail closures, reroutes, or development; post-fire/flood emergency response; water quality BMP projects; etc. The location is Lake George, CO, though the individual may telecommute a significant portion of the time. See the full job description HERE.  

Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. (COCO) is seeking a Wildfire Mitigation Program Manager. The Mitigation Program Manager is responsible for implementing Coalitions and Collaboratives, Inc wildfire risk reduction mitigation programs and associated wildfire risk reduction/mitigation projects and activities across the United States. The position works directly with COCO leadership staff on wildfire risk reduction initiatives. The Mitigation Specialist will act as a liaison between federal, state, county and local representatives to encourage information exchange, on-the-ground program implementation, provide mentoring and training, and work to strengthen collaborative partnerships between agencies and communities. This position requires acceptance and active participation in the Community Mitigation Assistance Team. **This is not an entry-level position** Incumbent is expected to have significant professional knowledge and ability related to the following tasks. Find out more HERE.

City of Aurora seeks a Park Ranger. The Park Ranger provides for public safety, natural resource management, and community outreach primarily at sites and facilities assigned to the Open Space and Natural Resources Division of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Department. This posting will remain open until a sufficient pool of qualified applicants are obtained; however, it is subject to close at any time without prior notice. Learn more HERE.

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is hiring an Associate Director. They are seeking collaborative, enthusiastic team players with experience that could range from minimal-with-exceptional-talent to extensive-relevant-experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting March 15, 2019. Visit MSI’s career page HERE.

Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is hiring a Development and Engagement Director. They are seeking collaborative, enthusiastic team players with experience that could range from minimal-with-exceptional-talent to extensive-relevant-experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting March 15, 2019. Visit MSI’s career page HERE.

Work for nature this summer. USDA has various positions available. Browse Colorado summer job openings HERE.

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. They also seek Summer of Service Corps Members in Denver and Colorado Springs. Position descriptions can be found HERE. Please send a resume and cover letter to staffjobs@mhyc.net if you are interested in applying.

Parker Water and Sanitation District is accepting applications for a full-time Water Efficiency Specialist. Find out more 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 Suburban Park and Recreation District (Centennial, CO) is seeking a FT Park Ranger. The Park Ranger is responsible for enforcement of District park rules and regulations as well as work in wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections and routine patrol. Additional responsibilities are to assist with District user permits and special events and South Platte Park maintenance and resource projects. For details and to apply, click HERE.  

South Platte Park is seeking an Environmental Education/Interpretation Intern (student). Applications are accepted continuously. Details are HERE.

The WCCC BLM Internship Program is a unique opportunity to work directly with the Bureau of Land Management. The WCCC has opportunities to serve directly with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), through the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) and other assistance agreements. Positions range from hydrology work, cadastral surveying, travel management, botany and others. Positions are available throughout the state of Colorado. For more information, click HERE.

Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Education & Volunteer Specialist. This position assists with developing education programs and coordinating of volunteers for the Natural Resources Department. This position is open until filled. For more information, head HERE.

Announcements Early May

MAY 14th, 2019: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to honor an amazing story unfolding right now in the Middle South Platte River Alliance community. It's all about how a huge, $3.5 flood-recovery project came to happen despite all odds. It's about great progress for Colorado's river environment. And about a win-win in an agricultural community. With an unusual collection of players who don't often collaborate, the largest ditch company working with the feds, the state, and a local river coalition to build a new structure that accommodates fish and boats too. Click HERE for more details about government & agriculture collaborating on river project.

MAY 21st, 2019: Reg. 84 Stakeholder meeting (9:00 - 11:00 a.m.) | CDPHE Main Campus, Room C1A. Attend a stakeholder process regarding the use of reclaimed water to irrigate commercial and noncommercial crops. The stakeholder process runs from October 2018 through May 2019. During the process several work groups have been formed. Work groups collaborate to develop information to present to the commission during the rulemaking in October 2019. Your participation and input is encouraged. Visit the Regulation 84 stakeholder website HERE.

2019 Request for Water Process. In January, the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Colorado Water Trust opened up the second year of their Request for Water Process. The Request for Water Process streamlines and enhances an existing CWCB program that provides benefits to water right owners for using their water rights to help keep rivers and watersheds healthy. The Request for Water Process website has the details and resources to answer your questions HERE. Contact the Water Trust at (720) 570-2897 or send an email to RFW@ColoradoWaterTrust.org with specific questions. The deadline for submitting preliminary water right offers is June 30th, 2019.

The April 2019 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the April 25, 2019 Joint Water Availability & Flood 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.

MAY 2019 WATER QUALITY CONTROL COMMISSION - HEARING NOTICES
The following Notices of public triennial informational hearings have been posted on the commission’s website HERE.

  • "The Basic Standards for Groundwater" Regulation #41 (5 CCR 1002-41);

  • "Site-Specific Water Quality Classifications and Standards for Ground Water" Regulation #42 (5 CCR 1002-42);

  • "Dillon Reservoir Control Regulation" Regulation #71 (5 CCR 1002-71). 

  • FY2019 Section 319 nonpoint source project funding

Colorado Drought Plan Visualization Story Map - The Colorado Water Conservation Board has launched an interactive dashboard displaying drought vulnerability at the state and county level based on Colorado's 2018 Drought Plan. The platform is an Esri Story Map that provides visual summaries of Colorado drought risk by sectors, using images and graphs to allow users to interact and engage with data. Find it HERE.

MSI continues to work with the EPA and the Colorado DRMS to assess the type and extent of mining contamination within the Cement Creek and Animas River drainages. MSI field staff monitor draining mine sites within the Bonita Peaks Mining District on a monthly basis. Understanding the snow pack, maintaining local weather stations, monitoring stream gauges, and sampling seeps and springs in the area all contribute to understanding the interaction between groundwater, the region's complex geology, and the mining legacy of the BPMD. Learn more HERE.

Clean Water Act regulation requires wastewater utilities across the state and the country to reduce the temperature of any wastewater they discharge to a threatened stream. The idea is to protect fish and aquatic habitats that are in danger of overheating due to a combination of the warm discharges and shrinking streamflows related to climate change and drought. Read more HERE.

Help Middle Colorado Watershed Council’s project with a 5 minute survey! The Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) is an on-going project-identifying plan that needs your support! Do you recreate on the river at all? Fish? Swim? Boat? Riverside picnic? Take their river users survey to begin to help quantify just how much waterways are used for recreation and enjoyment. Want to learn more about the IWMP? Visit this quick Post Independent column HERE.

Center for Health & Environmental Justice is exploring the possibility of working on a national campaign around water contamination.  Several bills related to clean water have been introduced last year. These relate to testing school pipes, testing and repairing pipes within HUD housing, and testing and repairing older pipes in cities and towns that need new infrastructures. They are monitoring water related legislation that will be reintroduced this year. CHEJ would like to understand better where and what water concerns people in the network have in terms of drinking water, infrastructure and contaminated water sources. Please let them know whether or not there is a water related issue in your community, even if you are not working on it at this time.

Colorado Water Trust thanks their RiverBank Sponsors! Their Annual RiverBank Celebration is on June 11th at the Denver Botanic Gardens this year - check out all the cool benefits sponsors receive HERE! Would your company like to get your name out as supporter of healthy Colorado rivers, too? Click HERE to learn about sponsoring RiverBank.

Trainings & Workshops Early May

Lone Tree. Flickr.com. Michael Levine-Clark. Photo taken: 4/21/2019

MAY 8th, 2019, 11:00 a.m. MST: Webinar: How Trees Influence Urban Stormwater Management in Green Infrastructure Practices. Urban Forest Connections has rescheduled this webinar from January following the government shutdown. Join experts Andrew Tirpak (University of Tennessee) as he discusses characterization of tree health in bioretention practices and the benefits they provide to urban stormwater management; and Lyn Rutherford (City of Chattanooga, TN) as she discusses her experience managing bioretention and detention ponds to improve tree health and water quality. Learn more and register HERE.

MAY 9th, 2019  8 am - 3 pm: Trenching & Shoring Safety Certification – Pagosa Springs. Colorado Rural Water Association hosts a training, taught by Kris Graham from United Rentals.  Throughout the class, attendees will learn the ins and outs of trench shoring and the importance of safety.  Following the lunch break attendees will receive competent person training. At the end of the workshop attendees will receive a certification in trenching and shoring safety. Learn more HERE.

MAY 11th-12th, 2019: Crew Leadership for Trails Training with OSI, VOC. Buena Vista
Learn the fundamentals of crew leadership and sustainable trail methods! All trainees will receive a Crew Leader manual and a set of quick reference cards to take home and immediately apply to outdoor stewardship projects. Campsites are provided. Register now HERE.

MAY 15th-16th, 2019: Common Higher Ground Workshop. Join the Keystone Policy Center for this workshop that helps professionals in all sectors develop strategies and build skills for effective decision making and problem solving within and beyond their organizations. It features learning and practice for each crucial stage of collaborative decision making, and guides participants in building a toolkit of responses to difficult or sensitive situations. Learn more and register HERE.

MAY 16th, 2019  8 am - 3 pm: Improving Filtration Efficiency. Calvin Kaemmerling with Nalco will be on-site to help educate attendees on ways to improve filtration efficiency. The training, hosted by Colorado Rural Water Association in Montrose, CO, will cover conventional and direct filtration operations. Attendees will learn how to improve filtration efficiency using chemicals. The day will come to a close with a regulatory update. Find more information HERE.

MAY 21st, 2019: TECH WEBINAR - Water Plan Analysis, Environment & Recreation 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.

MAY 23rd, 2019  8 am - 3 pm: Workshop in a Box: Small Wastewater Treatment Systems – Trinidad. Attendees will be presented with the EPA Workshop in a Box. The class will include information relating to the efficient operation of Small Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Systems. The class will cover the operation of small mechanical systems, lagoons, and non-centralized systems. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in several activities. Participation in these activities is strongly encouraged. More info can be find HERE.

MAY 30th, 2019  8 am - 3 pm Water Treatment Operations – Grand Junction. The team from Filter Tech Systems will be on-site to educate attendees in multiple areas of water treatment operations. The day will begin with an overview of disinfection byproducts, treatment, and mitigation. Attendees will learn the basics of UV disinfection. Following the provided lunch, the class will focus on chemical feed systems and closing out the day with demonstrations on installation as well as proper operation and maintenance. Click HERE for more information.

JUNE 10th-22nd, 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.

JUNE 15th-16th, 2019: Crew Leadership for Trails Training with OSI, VOC. Golden
Learn the fundamentals of crew leadership and sustainable trail methods! All trainees will receive a Crew Leader manual and a set of quick reference cards to take home and immediately apply to outdoor stewardship projects. Campsites are provided. Register now HERE.

Online Courses Available Through Colorado Rural Water Association. Industry studies have shown employee-training budgets for most water and wastewater utilities are tighter than ever. Web-based operator certification and license renewal training provides employers and their employees the flexibility of taking training courses at their own pace without the hassle and cost of attending live classes. Check them out HERE.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is offering a 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.

Conferences & Events Early May

Reflecting on Winter. Flickr.com. Cathy McCray. Photo taken: 2/13/2019

MAY 3rd, 2019:  President’s Reception from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm at Balistreri Vineyards. Join Water Education Colorado for their annual awards dinner and fundraiser. Enjoy a sit-down dinner and fun-filled evening in celebration of water education and leadership. For more information, click HERE.

MAY 3rd-5th, 2019:  Birding on the Colorado River. Journey down Ruby-Horsethief Canyon on the Colorado River for a 3-day rafting and camping trip and discover the amazing avian diversity along the way. This fully outfitted adventure is a three-day/two-night river trip with an overnight at Colorado Canyons Association Catalpa Camp and includes a freshly prepared dinner, local wines, and fireside stories about area. Some hiking and light paddling. For more information, head HERE.

MAY 9th, 2019: Party on the Poudre. Colorado Water Trust is throwing a barn burning fundraiser on the banks of the Cache la Poudre River! Local resident, Craig Harrison, is generously opening up his barn at H Lazy T Bar Ranch to invite you to a Party on the Poudre! Join them for an evening of drinks, appetizers, and discussions about Colorado’s water challenges as well as solutions to protect our rivers and the communities around them. Colorado Water Trust's innovative thinking is coming to the Fort Collins area, as they build a coalition of partners to help put water back in stressed reaches of the Cache la Poudre River. They believe that our water challenges in Colorado are fixable by working within the current system and all Coloradans are needed to get engaged. For more information and registration, click HERE.

MAY 9th, 2019: Boulder Social with Institute for Environmental Solutions and Ocean First Institute. The Ocean First Dive Shop in Boulder will host the IES Chemical Footprint Project team for an evening social. IES is partnering with their sister nonprofit, Ocean First Institute, to present a workshop on Reducing Your Chemical Footprint. It will be a great opportunity for the local Boulder and diving communities to connect with both organizations. IES will demonstrate how trace concentrations of toxic chemicals in personal care and household products affect you and your environment, how to avoid them, and how simple it is to reduce your footprint. Everyone will get a chance to make their own safe products to take home: all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, and hand sanitizer. Make a commitment to reduce chemical footprints on your own terms and take home recipes and safe DIY products to share. Shrinking your chemical footprint is easy, healthy, and proactive, all in one hour. For details email Helen McGrath, Helen@i4es.org.

MAY 11th, 2019, 9a.m.-4 p.m: Rifle Creek Spring Planting Day. The Middle Colorado Watershed Council is partnering with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and NRCS to plant native vegetation along the banks of Rifle Creek. This is an effort that will improve water quality, benefit fish and wildlife, and restore ecosystem function. They have already planted over 800 willow and cottonwood cuttings! They will continue this effort by planting a wide variety of different native rooted plants that will hopefully get t his stretch of Rifle Creek back towards what it should be. This event includes lunch, snacks, and camaraderie! To sign up send an email to ReviveRifleCreek@gmail.com. You can also RSVP on Facebook. Click HERE to view the pamphlet.

MAY 11th, 2019: Art on the River at Confluence Park from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Art on the River is a chance for families to explore the different ways art can be inspired by nature. There will be nature-based art stations set up throughout the park and interactive ways to explore the South Platte River. This event is FREE to attend, and lunch is provided! Prior registration is required to ensure we purchase enough craft supplies and lunch! Register HERE.

MAY 15th, 2019: The Denver Metro Water Festival at Red Rocks Community College, Lakewood Campus. Volunteers are needed for a variety of positions. All volunteers receive a festival t-shirt, lunch and the opportunity to share their enthusiasm for water with 6th grade students from across the Denver Metro area. Learn more HERE.

MAY 18th, 2019: Free Birding Tour - Come see a variety of birds at one of RiGHT's conserved river ranch properties on May 18th! RiGHT board member and master birder Doug Clark will lead their annual bird watching tour on the ranch. The River Ranch is in Alamosa County, just northwest of Alamosa. Please call the office at (719) 657-0800 or email danig@riograndelandtrust.org to RSVP and get your directions to the property. Spots are limited because they want to ensure a unique, quality experience and there are only a few spots left, so act fast!

MAY 29th-31st, 2019:  Western Water Future Games in Gunnison Colorado, presented by The Colorado Water Workshop. The Western Water Future Games includes three intensive days of brainstorming and collaborating over evolving water issues in serious need of new thinking and new ideas. There will also be campfires, music and food. Head HERE for more information.

JUNE 6th-7th, 2019: 40th Annual Getches-Wilkenson Center Summer Conference. This year, the conference is titled, Charting a Better Course for the Colorado River: Identifying the Data and Concepts to Shape the Interim Guidelines Renegotiation. You can find the Conference Agenda HERE and the Registration HERE.

JUNE 8th – 11th, 2019: San Juan River Trip. Glen Canyon Institute (GCI) is proud to partner with Holiday River Expeditions for a special trip down the San Juan River to benefit Glen Canyon Institute. This four-day expedition into the Lower stretch of the San Juan River finishes at Clay Hills—above its confluence with the Colorado River—offering some of the most scenic beauty in the entire Colorado Plateau as well as a firsthand glimpse at the San Juan’s restoration as it enters Glen Canyon. Register HERE.

JUNE 12th – 14th, 2019: Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days | North Fork Valley, Colorado
This opportunity only occurs once every four years in the Western Slope region, so mark your calendars for the unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with funders, participate in professional development opportunities and network with other community leaders in the region. Western Slope RPD serves Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties. Register now HERE.

  • Grantseekers: $150 Early Bird (March 25 – April 21) | $175 Regular Price (April 21 – June 2)

  • Thursday Only: $100 Regular Price (March 25 – June 2)

  • Grantmakers: $195 Regular Price (March 25 – June 2)

  • Scholarships: to cover half of the registration fee (received by April 21)

JUNE 17th-18th, 2019:  South Platte River Basin Tour with Water Education Colorado. Come see this hard-working prairie river up close and meet the people striving toward a water future for the local economies and habitats in Colorado’s northeastern corner. Tour topics will include the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan progress and priorities, Republican River Compact compliance, collaborative water storage and exchanges to meet an anticipated supply gap, alternative water transfers (ATM) benefiting multiple stakeholders, agricultural economy of the Eastern Plains, energy development, water quality, partnerships for endangered species recovery, and much much more. For more information, click HERE.

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 the agenda click HERE.

JUNE 24th-26th, 2019: Great Plains Low Impact Development (LID) Research & Innovation Symposium, hosted by Colorado Stormwater Center at Colorado State University. This 3-day symposium is organized to provide stormwater practitioners in the great plains region the tools and information necessary to successfully use low impact development (LID).  Many conferences on this topic are geared toward the West and East coast implementation of LID, but this conference focuses on how to use LID in the middle of the country including all of challenges and barriers. For more information, check out the website HERE.

JUNE 29th, 2019: 12th Annual Ridgway RiverFest. Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership is excited to bring another family-friendly, lively community festival to you at Rollans Park in Ridgway. With no admission fee for festival goers, this event would not be possible without donations from sponsors. UWP is now seeking sponsorships from $100 to $2,500. To find out more, please go to their RiverFest Sponsor Resources webpage, or email Tanya at ridgwayriverfest@gmail.com.

AUGUST 6th-7th, 2019: Join Denver’s Public Works and Denver Water on a two-day tour of Denver’s watershed to explore how water moves from source to faucet and storm drain. The Denver Watershed Tour is designed for classroom and informal educators to learn more about how water gets to and moves through our communities. Throughout the tour, participants will engage in interdisciplinary activities to bring back to the classroom. For more information, click HERE.

OCTOBER 8th - 10th, 2019: 2019 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference "The Human Element" at the Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO. The 2019 conference will explore the influence of The Human Element on water and watersheds in Colorado and the West. Our growing human presence and resulting impacts on watersheds is undeniable. At the same time, our human experiences and social/emotional connections to watersheds are integral components to be considered in the work to preserve, protect and restore our watersheds. Together we will delve into our impacts and connections. We will look for ways our influence can be fostered and mitigated to avoid loving our home to death. Early Bird registration begins in July. For more information visit our SCW CONFERENCE webpage.

Funding Opportunities Early May

Rifle Falls State Park . Flickr.com. Michael Levine-Clark. Photo taken: 9/28/2013

Center for Health, Environment & Justice (CHEJ) has a Small Grants Program for grassroots groups working on environmental health and justice issues. Grassroots communities of color, low wealth, rural and urban groups are encouraged to apply. A priority of CHEJ’s Small Grants Program is to help grassroots community groups to build their capacity. The program is designed to especially reach people from low wealth communities and communities of color who are impacted by environmental harms. Proposals are due May 6, 2019 and the project must be completed and a final report submitted by February 15, 2020. The grant application is different for different sized organizations. CLICK HERE for more information.

MAY 15th, 2019: ESPN RePlay Program RePlay is a national effort led by ESPN and Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) to revitalize vacant spaces into places for sports, recreation, and play. With support from ESPN to provide grants for planning and implementation, along with LISC’s technical assistance to local, community-based groups and other qualified organizations, awardees can bring vitality back to local neighborhoods by creating courts, playgrounds, and other safe spaces for youth to play and communities to thrive. More information available HERE.

Great Outdoors Colorado offers Conservation Excellence Grants. Applications are due May 30th, 2019. Conservation Excellence grants foster exploration of pressing needs in today’s conservation community, including engaging local communities to support land conservation, the stewardship of orphaned conservation easements, collaboration among land trusts, and more. Find this funding opportunity HERE and see their full grant calendar HERE.

FY20 Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training Request for Proposals has been posted HERE. The deadline for proposals is 11:59 pm ET on June 10, 2019.  EPA will host an outreach webinar for those interested in applying for an Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training grant. The webinar will be held on May 1, 2019 at 12:00 noon MST and can be accessed HERE.

PeopleForBikes Community Grant Application—Letters of interest due July 26, 2019 — The PeopleForBikes Community Grant Program provides funding for projects that build momentum for bicycling in communities across the U.S. Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations, city or county agencies or departments, and from state or federal agencies working locally. Grant guidelines can be found HERE, and the online application can be found HERE.

The 2020 Drinking Water Revolving Fund and Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund eligibility survey process will open on May 1st, 2019 with a submittal deadline of June 30th, 2019. Surveys will be completed and submitted through the Colorado Environmental Online Services (CEOS) system.

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. Look for the next opportunity in August 2019. 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 the list, click HERE.

Alliance for Community Trees—Request for Projects, no deadline— The Arbor Day Foundation is actively seeking proposals to fund planting projects around the country. Funding is limited to $15,000 per project, and budget information is required in the application. Applications should also focus on the issues the planting project will address, such as: urban heat island effect, natural disaster restoration, low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, water quality, air pollution, etc. More information on this funding opportunity can be found HERE.