Trainings & Workshops Early October

OCTOBER 2nd, 2019 | 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m: Careers in Natural Resources Training Workshop. Join the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education in Salida, CO, to explore tools to help you support youth and young adults interested in natural resource careers! Workshop Highlights: Get to know the How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources - an in-depth career development tool for young adults - and how you can use it. Participate in activities you can use to engage your audiences in natural resource career exploration. Plan future training opportunities for your audiences using the tools provided. Register HERE.

OCTOBER 28th, 2019: Water Law in a Nutshell. This seminar will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, interstate compacts and more. Don’t miss this rare and unique opportunity with Aaron Clay in Durango! From his 26 years as a water referee at the Colorado Water Court, Clay brings his wealth of knowledge that earned him a reputation as one of the top experts in water law to this eight hour “Water in a Nutshell” course. Registration is $125. For more information, click 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.

Conferences & Events Early October

OCTOBER 2nd, 2019: History, Culture and Poetry of Colorado Water | 7:00 p.m. Alamosa, CO. The community is invited to explore Colorado’s rich water heritage in an evening with Greg Hobbs, former Justice of the Colorado Supreme Court. The event is free and open to the public. The Adams State University Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center is hosting the presentation as part of its new Water Education Initiative. They aim to bring relevant and useful information to Adams State’s students and faculty and the local community about critical issues related to water in the San Luis Valley, its past and current management, and community-based approaches to sustainable water use for the future. For more information read the press release HERE.

OCTOBER 4th-6th, 2019: Backpacking & Transplanting. Join NMHU Students and volunteers on a 20 mile hike to transplant willows in riparian zones in the Porvenir Creek Trailhead. Please bring your own phone and items you will need to camp. For more information and to sign up, contact Richard Pratt via phone at 435.669.4052 or email at rpratt@hermitspeakwatersheds.org

OCTOBER 5th, 2019: 50/50 On The Water Film Tour at Headwaters Center. Join them in inspiring, empowering, and celebrating women in the sport of fly fishing through a family-friendly night of film and fellowship. You’ll leave the event energized by the 90+ minutes of storytelling. All ages welcome | Ticket required | Cash bar available. Popcorn and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Come and be inspired to get out on the water! For more information click HERE.

OCTOBER 5th, 2019: 2019 Purgatoire River Fall Cleanup Day. Learn about your river, walk the River Walk trail, and help make the river clean in healthy in Trinidad, CO. All ages are welcome, free lunch will be provided, and educational speakers will be present! For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

OCTOBER 8th, 2019: Stakeholder Convening. This is an opportunity for partners and friends to get together and network, learn, and co-create collaborative projects. This gathering hosted by the University of Denver will focus on: Offering an Equity in Action training, setting a precedent for future meetings and workshop offerings for the purpose of building shared understanding and capacity around Metro DNA's Equity Principles & Commitments. Celebrating progress and working on the Regional Conservation Assessment, a collaborative project that will form the ecological backbone of the Regional Vision for People + Nature. For full agenda and RSPV 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. For more information visit our SCW CONFERENCE webpage.

OCTOBER 10th, 2019: Poudre Pub Talks: Paying the River Back. For this Pub Talk at Odell Brewing, Kate Ryan from the Colorado Water Trust will be discussing how Poudre water users are collaborating to improve stream flow from Fort Collins to Greeley through the Cache la Poudre River In-stream Flow Augmentation Plan. This on-going project stems from a group of Cache la Poudre River water users in conjunction with the Poudre Runs Through It working group, various state agencies, and the Colorado Water Trust. These organizations are investigating strategies to build a market for adding water to the Cache la Poudre River to sustain flows and improve habitat. For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

OCTOBER 17th, 2019: Energy as a Locally Desirable Land Use. Please join the 12th Annual Schultz Lecture in Energy featuring Professor Hannah Wiseman, Florida State University College of Law. For more information and registration, click HERE.

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- NOVEMBER 2nd, 2019: National Summit 2019. The theme this year is Allyship & a More Inclusive Outdoors. In addition to Full Summit tickets, Outdoors Empowered Network (OEN) is offering a limited number of one day tickets for sessions on Friday, November 1, inviting the Colorado outdoor recreation and education community to share and learn how we can -together- get more young people outdoors in culturally relevant ways, both near and far from home. For more information and to purchase one-day tickets click 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. Session topics include will include; Water Budget panel, Land use program overview, Water management plan enforcement, ALCC’s sustainable landscape management initiative and more! Early bird registration ends September 21st. For more information and registration, click HERE.

NOVEMBER 1st, 2019: SWCD's Annual Water Seminar. This year's event will be kicked off by SWCD’s new executive director, Frank Kugel, and include speakers such as KKTV meteorologist Brian Bledsoe, Colorado Water Conservation Board Director Becky Mitchell, and Colorado River District General Manager Andy Mueller. Watch your inbox for updates on speakers and the draft program. To RSVP click HERE.

NOVEMBER 6th, 2019: Cherry Creek Watershed 21st Annual Conference | Parker, CO. Presented by the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners, the Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority (CCBWQA), & the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA). Celebrate active stewardship in the Cherry Creek watershed! This years topics include: a "Bubble Plume" model for the reservoir, Reuter-Hess reservoir update, Piney Creek stream reclamation efforts; 17-Mile Barn update, Denver Water's "One Water" collaboration with MHFD, the NRCS's Farm Bill Environmental Quality Initiative, and Celebrating Audubon. Early Bird registration ends October 25th. Register HERE.

Job Announcements Early October

The CDPHE is hiring a Stormwater Discharge Permits Unit Manager. This position leads the Permits Unit 1 in the Clean Water Program of the Water Quality Control Division. The Permits Unit 1 develops and issues state discharge permits for construction stormwater, industrial stormwater, municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4), dewatering activities, and all domestic wastewater discharges to groundwater. The application period closes October 6th, 2019. For more information click HERE.

Aurora Water is looking to hire a GIS Intern. Aurora Water is responsible for the operation and maintenance of drinking water, sewer and storm drainage systems, treatment and non-potable reclaimed wastewater for irrigation, and water conservation, acquisition and development. Primary responsibilities will include: Compile information for data requests, reports, summaries, etc, assist with updating utility extension agreement records and documentation, execute Map Requests, assist with field data collection, create new GIS data from plans, field information, research, or other various sources. No Closing Date. For more information contact Doug Rulison at drulison@auroragov.org and visit HERE.

ICON Engineering is one of Denver’s most reputable planning, design, and project management civil engineering firms. They are seeking an entry level water resource engineer. Among a few other tasks, this job will assist in the planning, design, and production of engineering documents for a variety of projects to include stormwater management, stream restoration, flood mitigation, drainage, parks and trails. For a detailed description and how to apply click HERE.

Farnsworth Group, Inc. is seeking a Professional Land Surveyor in Colorado Springs, CO. Qualified candidates will conduct and perform Boundary and Topographical Surveys, Construction Layouts, Subdivision Plats, Right of Way Plans and ALTA/ACSM Land Title Surveys. This position will include a combination of office and field work if needed and may require some travel. Please apply HERE.

Eagle River Watershed Council seeks a Development & Communications Coordinator to work collaboratively with our staff and board to raise funds and community awareness for our mission-driven programs. This is a newly created position for our growing nonprofit. The ideal candidate will be able to persuasively communicate our impact to a wide variety of audiences using various resources, including our website, social media, printed materials, grants, donor letters, ads, and more. The coordinator will guide, develop and implement a communications and fundraising strategy. The coordinator will report directly to the Executive Director and will work closely with the rest of the team. For more information click HERE.

Highlands Ranch Metro District is currently accepting applications for a Forestry Technician I position. Principal duties include; pruning large and small trees using rope and saddle/aerial lift truck; tree planting; integrated pest management; tree removal; hazard tree evaluations; maintaining tree inventories; supervision of temporary staff; snow removal; flexibility to assist other Park and Open Space crews as needed. Applicants must have the ability to work in a strong team environment. For more information and how to apply click HERE.

Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc. is currently seeking applicants for a Senior-Level Water Resources Engineer, specializing in Water Rights. The successful candidate will be responsible for completing tasks including water resources data collection, water use demand forecasting and planning, water rights analysis, and river basin modeling. For more information and how to apply click HERE.

Leonard Rice Engineers, Inc. is also seeking applicants for a Water Resources Permitting Senior Project Manager. If you thrive on understanding and implementing complex water-related projects, applying watershed science, navigating environmental regulations, and developing dynamic partnerships, this is the position for you! The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in watershed science, engineering, natural resources, or a similar field of study. A Bachelor’s degree is required. Highly-qualified candidates will have 10-15 or more years of experience. For more information, click HERE.

Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) is seeking an Executive Director. CUSP is a non-profit organization dedicated to the health of the Upper South Platte Watershed. The selected candidate will work with our current Executive Director for several years, to ultimately transition into Executive Director position. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Dedicated and passionate candidates are encouraged to apply HERE.

Funding Opportunities Early October

Colorado Watershed Assembly announces a Request for Applications for the Colorado Healthy Rivers (HRF) Fund Grant Program. This fund grants money to on-the-ground projects that contribute to cleaner water, healthier wildlife habitat, improved recreation and vibrant local economies throughout our state. The HRF program targets two categories of grants: project grants and planning grants. Interested parties can find grant guidance information, the grant online submission form and learn more about the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund Grant Program by visiting the Colorado Watershed Assembly website HERE. The deadline to submit applications is November 8th, 2019. The Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund grant program was established jointly by the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the Water Quality Control Commission, in cooperation with the Colorado Watershed Assembly. For more information and for the full press release click HERE.

The Innovative Finance for National Forests program is a new partnership that provides grants to engage private investment capital to support the health of the National Forest System and meet the mission of the USDA Forest Service. It is funded by and administered by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) National Partnership Office (NPO), the National Forest Foundation (NFF), and U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities (Endowment). October 21st, 2019 is the Preproposal Deadline. Full information is available HERE.

The Colorado State Forest Service is now accepting applications for the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grant program. Two types of applications exist for Fuels and Forest Health projects or Capacity Building projects. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the local CSFS field offices for assistance. The application deadline to local CSFS field offices is Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019. Find more information and apply HERE.

The 2020 Nonpoint Source Funding Cycle- This process begins with the development of a concept or idea focused on water quality problems or protection opportunities associated with nonpoint sources of pollution. This concept will be developed into a full proposal later in the process. For those project sponsors interested in receiving feedback on an NPS project idea, the NPS Program requests submittal of a concept paper. This is not a mandatory step in the funding process but we strongly suggest that you take advantage of this opportunity because it will help you develop a proposal that is better aligned with the Nonpoint Source Program's priorities and eligibility requirements to secure NPS funds. The concept paper submittal deadline is October 25, 2019 and feedback on the ideas shared through concept papers will be provided on October 30, 2019 during a telephone conference in the morning or afternoon (more details to follow). For guidance in developing your conceptpaper, please go HERE. Once you have developed the project conceptpaper, please submit it to: cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us

The Bureau of Reclamation has released an Applied Science Grant funding opportunity for non-federal entities to cost-share on projects to develop hydrologic information and water management tools and improve modeling and forecasting capabilities. Applications are due on October 30th, 2019. For full information click HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board offers Colorado Watershed Restoration Grants. Organizations interested in developing watershed/stream restoration and flood mitigation studies and projects can apply. Submit applications by November 1, 2019. Find details HERE.

2020 Nonpoint Source Funding Concept Paper- Every year the Water Quality Control Division, Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program sends out a request for applications for NPS funding. Prior to requesting applications, the NPS Program, in collaboration with its NPS Alliance partners, provides an opportunity for project sponsors to solicit feedback about NPS project concepts. The purpose of the feedback is to help project sponsors clearly define and develop their nonpoint source water quality problem or protection opportunity and receive technical advice about their project idea in advance of the application process. Click HERE for more information.

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.

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.

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 Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) 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:

The Environmental Protection Agency Water Finance Clearinghouse has access to hundreds of water funding opportunities that can be found HERE.

Announcements Early October

Riparian Restoration Conference Call for Abstracts and Symposia | 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.

Call for Session Proposals for After the Flames Conference & Workshop | Proposals due October 31, 2019. Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. invites you to submit session proposals featuring actionable best practices for communities and agencies impacted by wildfire. The 2020 After the Flames will feature two tracks for 1) technical subject matter experts and 2) practicable solutions for community leaders. April 6 – 8, 2020 in Granlibakken Tahoe, CA. View the call for proposals HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regions 7 and 8 announced the launch of the “See a Bloom, Give It Room” High School Video Challenge. The competition, supported by EPA’s Office of Research and Development, is calling for videos from high school students (grades 9-12) that promote public awareness of harmful algal blooms through creative filmmaking. Submissions are due January 3rd, 2019. For more information and how to submit click HERE.

This survey is being administered as part of a graduate capstone project within the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University. The results of this survey will be used to inform the development of new volunteer monitoring opportunities with the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC), a nonprofit with the mission "to protect and restore the ecological health of the Big Thompson watershed for the use and enjoyment of our community today and for future generations. Click HERE to participate in the survey.


The Colorado School of Public Health will receive at least $1 million to begin studying the health effects that toxic “forever chemicals” have had on 1,300 children and adults living in Security, Widefield and Fountain. Click HERE to read the full article.

The Business for Water Stewardship Bank supports growing business interest in projects that restore river flows and recharge ground water, and expands funding opportunities for dues-paying River Network member organizations and their restoration projects. Get 20% off a membership HERE.

EPA has published its July 2019 Fish and Shellfish Program Newsletter.

The August 2019 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the August 27, 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.

Colorado’s water utilities, seeking environmental street cred and pushed by citizens, are slashing energy use and carbon emissions. Click HERE to read Water Education Colorado’s full article.

First-ever mandatory water cutbacks will kick in next year along the Colorado River. Click HERE for AZCentral’s full article.

Mountain Studies Institute released a detailed article on their water sampling in the Weminuche Wilderness. Read the full article HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board will hold upcoming workgroup meetings about a potential water-demand management effort in public. To read the full Aspen Times article, click HERE.

Denver Water is asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a rare exemption to the Safe Drinking Water Act over how best to keep lead out of its customers’ tap water. For Water Education Colorado’s full article, click HERE.

An engineer and a new plan is allowing Aurora to buy reclaimed mine water. Click HERE for the Colorado Sun’s full article.

Ruedi Reservoir and other Colorado waterways are facing an increased threat of infestation by invasive mussels that could interfere with the function of dams and irrigation systems and harm native fish, according to state and local authorities. For the full Post Independent article, click 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. 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.