Announcements Early July

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the final Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) rule – replacing the prior administration’s overreaching Clean Power Plan (CPP) with a rule that restores the rule of law and empowers states to continue to reduce emissions while providing affordable and reliable energy for all Americans. For the full press release, click HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) today announced that Sinclair Wyoming Refining Company (Sinclair) will pay $1.6 million in penalties and install additional pollution controls to resolve violations of air emissions limits and monitoring requirements at its refinery in Sinclair, Wyoming. The settlement follows actions by Sinclair to install approximately $20 million in pollution controls at the refinery and requires the company to take additional measures to reduce harmful emissions of sulfur dioxide. Read the full press release HERE.

WEco staff, friends, and supporters will be volunteering in Breckenridge at the Triple Bypass on July 13, cheering riders along. If you join them, all volunteers will receive tickets to the finish line festivities in Avon with a catered meal and cold beer, PLUS you'll get a free ticket to the Rockies game on July 16. Interested in volunteering? Contact Meg Meyer at meg@wateredco.org

Regulation 84 stakeholder meeting notes and an updated draft Reg. 84 proposal from the Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) are posted HERE.

The June 2019 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the May 14 Water Availability Task Force Meeting is posted on the CWCB website.  All of the presentations from the meeting can also be found on the CWCB website.

The Colorado River just got a boost that’s likely to prevent its depleted reservoirs from bottoming out, at least for the next several years. For the full AZ Central article and a video about this update, head 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.

Call for Abstracts and Symposia Riparian Restoration Conference | Abstracts due October 31, 2019. RiversEdge West invites you to share your work or session proposals with the riparian restoration community at the 18th Annual Riparian Restoration Conference (RRC)—one of the leading riparian restoration conferences in the West—to be held February 4-6, 2020 in Grand Junction, CO. View the call for abstracts flyer HERE.

Funding Opportunities Early July

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. Letters of interest are due July 26th, 2019. Grant guidelines can be found HERE, and the online application can be found HERE.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) offers new opportunities for the NRCS, conservation partners, and agricultural producers to work together to harness innovation, expand the conservation mission, and demonstrate the value and efficacy of voluntary, private lands conservation. The next RCPP funding announcement is under development and will be posted later in 2019. More details about this fund can be found HERE.

With funding from U.S. Forest Service, River Network is working to provide Wild and Scenic River Partnership Funding for stewardship activities on USFS administered Wild & Scenic Rivers (you can find a list of these rivers HERE. Grants of $5,000-$10,000 are available for work starting this summer. For more information, click HERE.

Alliance for Community Trees Open Request for Projects. 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. No deadline, but earlier is better. More information on this funding opportunity can be found HERE.

The National Forest Foundation is pleased to announce the that it is currently soliciting proposals for its Matching Awards Program (MAP). MAP is a national, competitive grant program that provides federal funds for on-the-ground projects benefiting America's National Forests and Grasslands. The program supports action-oriented projects that enhance outdoor experiences, forest and ecosystem health, and engage local communities in caring for their public lands. For more information, click 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. 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. For more information click HERE.

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.

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.

Conferences & Events Early July

Keep It Colorado has announced 4 summer regional meetings that will be held throughout the state. Click the dates and locations below for more information. The regional meetings are free!

July 10th - Edwards             July 18th - Salida

July 29th - Golden August 6th - Telluride

JULY 11th-12th, 2019: Paleontology Rafting Field Experience in Grand Junction, CO. Join the Colorado Canyons Association and Museums of Western Colorado to search for fossils in the previously unexplored depths of the Colorado River’s Ruby-Horsethief Canyons in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. You'll join a crew of expert paleontologists and spend two days hiking side canyons looking for fossils, learning about the geological and paleontological history of the region. Participants will enjoy a night at Colorado Canyons Association’s private Catalpa Camp with expertly prepared meals featuring local ingredients and wine. Hiking and some light paddling involved. Learn more and register HERE or call 970-263-7902.

JULY 13th, 2019: A Night at the Park in Alderfer Three Sisters Open Space Park, Evergreen CO. Former Denver Bronco and author Reggie Rivers will emcee the evening, Dakota Blonde will bring their special brand of music and Fresh Tracks Catering will provide their delicious dinner! And of course, fabulous auction items add to the merriment! Find more information HERE.

JULY 15th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.: The State’s Role in the Rio Grande Basin: Our Shared Water Future. Kevin G. Rein, State Engineer and Director of the Colorado Division of Water Resources will be discussing water at Adam’s State University in the McDaniel Hall Room 101. The discussion is free and open to the public. For information: 719-850-2255, riodelavista@adams.edu.

AUGUST 4th, 2019: Friends of the Lower Blue River Annual Gathering. Join FOLBR for a great event to discuss issues as a group facing the Blue River Valley. They will have and auction with great prizes. And this year, they will have a BBQ lunch provided by the Rocky Mountain BBQ Association Grand Reserve Champion Backdraft BBQ. Because the Annual Meeting is their main fundraiser for the year, they ask all members to pay $25/person for what promises to be a great lunch with drinks and all the fixin’s. For more information, head HERE.

AUGUST 6th-7th, 2019: Denver Watershed Tour. 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.

AUGUST 24th, 2019: Raft the River from 3:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in Fruita, CO. During Raft the River, you’ll enjoy and informative, fun float down the Colorado river complete with dinner, drinks, live music, and prizes. Seats are limited to the first 50 people. $85 to attend, $72 for RiversEdge West members. All proceeds will support river restoration and education in the Grand Valley. Learn more HERE or register HERE.

AUGUST 24th, 2019: Gunnison River Festival. The Gunnison River Festival (GRF) strives to educate water users throughout the watershed about the Gunnison River and put on a wide variety of events from concerts to whitewater races that appeal to all. Due to this amazing water year, the main festival event with whitewater races, educational booths, food, and more was rescheduled to Saturday, August 24th, 2019. Visit the website HERE for more information.

AUGUST 24th, 2019: RiversEdge West hosts Raft the River. Join them and local river experts for their 5th Annual Raft the River fundraiser, a one-day float trip and dinner along the Colorado River in Fruita, Colorado from 3:00 p.m. -7:30 p.m. They'll be floating from Rimrock Adventures to the Loma Boat Ramp. Registration ends August 15th! For more information, click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 17th-19th, 2019: San Luis Valley Rural Philanthropy Days. RPD conferences include many opportunities to increase your understanding of nonprofit best practices, collaborate with other community leaders, and connect with Front Range and local funders. The funder roundtables are a signature of the RPD program and provide a unique opportunity to meet with grant-makers in a rural setting. The goal of RPD is to bring increased access to resources to support sustainable rural nonprofits, increase the engagement of funders in rural communities, and encourage effective collaboration on a regional scale. For more information head 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. For more information visit our SCW CONFERENCE webpage. Early Bird registration begins July 1st!

OCTOBER 23rd & 24th, 2019: The 30th Annual South Platte Forum. The annual conference will be full of expert speakers, relevant exhibitions, and informative topics, all set in, The Westin Westminster. There will also be an off-site networking event for attendees on Wednesday, the 24th. To claim your spot, head HERE.

OCTOBER 30th, 2019 from 8:15 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.: 11th Annual Water Conservation Symposium hosted by Colorado WaterWise at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The event will cover water, climate, drought, and planning for the future. For more information and registration, click HERE.

Trainings & Workshops Early July

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. Register soon—open enrollment closes July 15th. Find out more HERE.

Qualified MS4 Stormwater Compliance Professional (MS4-SCP). Topics covered in this training include: review of MS4 permit requirements, best management practices (BMPs) for MS4s, compliance with six minimum control measures, identifying common illicit discharges to the MS4, construction inspection techniques for MS4 inspectors, green infrastructure and LID techniques, and stormwater permit compliance assistance. Click location and date below for more information.

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.

Job Announcements Early July

The Larimer County Department of Natural Resources is hiring a Resource Specialist II position to manage capital improvement projects on County Parks and Open Spaces. The Resource Specialist II - Project Management Specialist will lead the Departments capital construction planning and development projects within open spaces and reservoir parks and other facilities managed by the Department of Natural Resources. The posting closes on July 10th. For the job application requirements and more information, click HERE.

Big Thompson Watershed Coalition is seeking a temporary, part-time Project Coordinator. The ideal start date is August 12th, 2019. Apply by 11:59 p.m. on July 21st. See the details and application instructions HERE.

Arapahoe County Open Spaces is seeking a Parks and Turf Supervisor to lead a dynamic team of staff in the operations, maintenance, and stewardship of the County’s parks, athletic fields, urban forest, and recreational facilities. Find the job announcement HERE.

City of Denver’s Parks and Recreation Department has openings for part-time Urban Trails Utility Workers who will perform maintenance operations on off-street urban trails, parkways and paths, and nearby areas including Denver’s prized riparian and natural areas.  These positions are critical to ensure the safety and beauty of Denver's off-street urban trails system which widely used by bicyclists, walkers, and joggers for recreation as well as commuting and transportation.  These are seasonal positions with starting pay at $15.38. Apply now HERE.

Tax Credit Connection, Inc, is seeking a Vice President of Conservation in the Berthoud, Colorado office. They are looking for an attorney to help them manage the landowner (seller) side of their business. Their company brokers conservation easement, environmental remediation and historic preservation tax credits that are used against Colorado income tax. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Find more information HERE.

The Southwest Conservation Corps, in collaboration with the Dolores River Restoration Partnership (DRRP), is advertising for two invasive species Strike Team Crew Members in Durango, CO.  The DRRP is in year 10 of a large scale effort to treat invasive plant species along 175 miles of the river corridor, with strike teams playing an essential role in helping sites reach restoration success. The primary tasks of this crew are to treat noxious weeds, maintain and participate in re-vegetation activities such as seeding and planting, and perform general restoration activities as needed by the partnership. For more information, click HERE.

Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. (COCO) is seeking a seasonal Program Assistant in Montrose, CO. Find the job description 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.

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.