Announcements Early November

The July 2019 Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and InterBasin Compact Committee (IBCC) joint meeting marked the preliminary release of the Technical Update to Colorado’s Water Plan, which includes state of the art approaches to analyzing state water needs and includes impacts from climate change. The full July presentation was recorded and remains available for viewing on the CWCB YouTube channel. The final report was presented at the September C-9 Summit, which provided a forum for sharing Technical Update findings and highlighting key goals for the upcoming Basin Implementation Plans (BIPs).

Call for Session Proposals for After the Flames Conference & Workshop | Proposals due December 31st, 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 6th – 8th, 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.

Friends of the Lower Blue River is proud to announce the launch of their online guide to the history of the Lower Blue River Valley. With a click on the website or a swipe with your thumb on your device, you will be transported to key points of interest and their historical relevance from Summit to Grand County. This project was made possible by grant support from the Summit Foundation. To check out the LBR history guide, click HERE.

The Dolores River Restoration Partnership released their 2018 Annual Report. The DRRP is a public-private collaboration of local, state, and federal agencies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, landowners, foundations, and citizen volunteers that share a common set of goals and principles for restoring the riparian habitat of the Dolores River.

The Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District recently celebrated the opening of the James Broderick Hydropower Plant at the Pueblo Dam, which was completed in May. The Plant will use water from the Pueblo Reservoir to create energy for the City of Fountain and Fort Carson. Water flows used in the hydro-generation will be returned to the Arkansas River without any flow reduction, creating a long-term, renewable energy solution.

A 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 September 2019 Drought Update, a summary of the drought information presented at the September 25th, 2019 Flood & Water Availability Task Force Meeting has been posted on the CWCB website.  All of the presentations from the meeting can also be found on the CWCB website.

Colorado River District named the special district of the year in September 2019. Read the full PDF 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.

Funding Opportunities Early November

Colorado Watershed Assembly announces a Request for Applications for the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund (HRF) 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. Please visit the HRF webpage to apply!

The Bureau of Reclamation released a grant funding opportunity for communities to establish a new watershed group, expand an existing group and complete restoration planning efforts. The Cooperative Watershed Management Program (part of the WaterSMART Program) encourages diverse stakeholders to form local solutions to address their water management needs. The application deadline for 2019 funding is Nov. 13th, 2019. Read the Bureau of Reclamation’s announcement HERE. Apply HERE.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) offers new opportunities for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, 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 RCPP Partner Portal is now open and accepting RCPP applications through December 3rd. More details about this fund can be found HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as part of its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) program, aims to promote scientific progress towards preventing and controlling harmful algal blooms (HABs) by seeking applications proposing research to: (1) determine the effectiveness of existing nutrient treatment technologies; (2) evaluate the scale-up of emerging nutrient treatment technologies and develop new technologies; and (3) develop best management practices to help both rural and urban communities control nutrients in their watersheds. The closing date is December 10th, 2019. For more information and how to apply click 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. Basin Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Basin Account to ensure the Threshold Criteria are met. Due December 31st, 2019.

The Gates Family Foundation's Natural Resource initiative will partner strategically with groups to support land conservation, water resource protection and management, increased land trust capacity, citizen stewardship and ecosystem services demonstration opportunities. Please note that Gates initiative grant funding is not an opportunity for ongoing operating or program support, nor does the Foundation accept unsolicited proposals for funding in these areas. Deadline is December 31st, 2019. For more information to apply click HERE.

ESRI Nonprofit Organizations Program. The Environmental Systems Research Institute provides many resources and avenues for non-profit organizations interested in developing GIS capacity but who lack the funds to pay retail costs. Deadline to apply is December 31st, 2019. 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.

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. The next grant application deadline is February 1st, 2020. 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. *Applications are accepted year-round.

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. *Statewide applications are brought before the board in March and September.

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.

Job Announcements Early November

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is excited to post a new career opportunity for a Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator! This position is responsible for engaging with the public to promote VOC's outdoor stewardship opportunities. This includes managing volunteer project rosters, assisting volunteers with questions via phone and email, and conducting data entry and ensuring data integrity. This is a position with the opportunity to learn about nonprofit volunteer engagement and management in a well-established charitable organization. Click HERE for more information. All applications are due by midnight on November 10th.

The Rocky Mountain Conservancy is excited to share their Cartographer Technician opening. The Cartographer Technician will be a full-time, temporary employee. The selected candidate will serve for 6-months. Housing options are available. The position will be paid $25/hour. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to Amelie.Harris@RMConservancy.org. For more details 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 in Gypsum, CO, to work collaboratively with 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 ERWC’s 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 Lead Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator. The employee performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks, which result in the efficient and effective operation of water and wastewater treatment facilities and systems. Supervises the operations staff to ensure compliance with State and Federal Regulations. Interfaces with other departments and sections to assure coordination of activities. Find out more details 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.

Highlands Ranch Metro District is currently accepting applications for an Irrigation Park Technician I, who will perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks in the maintenance and operations of buildings, grounds, parks, open space, and forestry. Technician I is expected to have basic working knowledge, or exhibit appropriate development, of essential duties and responsibilities within six months of job attainment. Potential exists to work 4 day, 10 hour shifts. Find out more information 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.

Conferences & Events Early November

NOVEMBER 1st, 2019: Southwestern Water Conservation District’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 3rd, 2019: Big Snow Bash and Silent Auction Week. The year’s biggest fundraiser for Friends of the Yampa, the Silent Auction starts at noon Sunday, Nov. 3rd and ends at noon Sunday, Nov. 10th, with the rip-roaring party slated for Saturday, Nov. 9th at Old Town Pub (doors open at 6:00 p.m.). The party features Best of the Boat band Buffalo Commons at 7:30 p.m., with great door prizes, onsite silent auction items, and more — all for a $10 donation at the door, which includes a ticket for door prizes. For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

NOVEMBER 6th, 2019: November Confluence - Fort Collins. Colorado Water Trust staff are going on tour! First stop: Horse and Dragon Brewing in Fort Collins! Join the crew for a beer to discuss work and debate the cutest fish in Colorado (go Humpback Chub!). RSVP now 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 ended October 25th. Register HERE.

NOVEMBER 10th, 2019: Wildlands Restoration Volunteers Dinner in Fort Collins. Gather to celebrate the community you have helped build, and WRV's 20th birthday! Dine with fellow land stewards, take a look back at the past twenty years, and enjoy the annual Awards ceremony! All are welcome, new and old friends alike. Please note that there will be a separate Appreciation Dinner in the Fort Collins area on November 16th. You may attend either (or both!) events to celebrate with our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners. For more information to the Fort Collins event click HERE. For more information to the Boulder event click HERE.

NOVEMBER 13th-14th, 2019: Upper Colorado River Basin Water Forum: Tools for Adaptation. The Forum will be held in the ballroom on the second floor of the University Center on the main campus of Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado. Parking passes will be provided to all registrants. For more information click HERE.

NOVEMBER 14th, 2019: RiversEdge Gives Day. Kick-off the giving season at RiversEdge West's fundraiser with a wine tasting, food, and prize giveaways. Plus, receive 15% off wine purchases. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information and to volunteer, click HERE.

NOVEMBER 14th, 2019: Southern Colorado Urban Renewal Summit at 4:00 p.m. In 2019, Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) is pleased to convene delegates from communities across southern Colorado for DCI’s Third Annual Southern Colorado Urban Renewal Summit to discuss how URAs can attract investment to Southern Colorado to drive the vision set by their community. In 2019, DCI is pleased to add the Colorado Brownfield Summit, a dynamic networking and problem solving event to move redevelopment from planning to action. Click HERE for more information and to register.

DECEMBER 2nd-3rd, 2019: The Ag Water Summit “Phase 2: Implementing the Colorado Water Plan”. Larimer County Fairgrounds in Loveland, CO. Storage, the Colorado River compact, water quality, healthy rivers, and implementing ATMs will be discussed. Please head HERE for a full list of speakers and details.

DECEMBER 19th, 2019: Soil Revolution Conferences. This event is hosted by Boulder County Parks & Open Space, CSU Extension, the City of Boulder, USDA-NRCS, and the Boulder Valley and Longmont Conservation districts. Sponsor and exhibitor opportunities are available. Topics will cover on-the-ground solutions from producers spanning a variety of climate and soil conditions across the county. For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.

Trainings & Workshops Early November

NOVEMBER 12th, 2019: Land Use in Water Efficiency Plans in Grand Junction, CO. 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Are you a water provider, a consultant, or someone in a position to write, guide, or approve Water Efficiency Plans? Water Education Colorado and the Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy invite you to join us for a workshop. This free workshop will focus on opportunities, requirements, and new guidance for incorporating land use practices into Water Efficiency Plans. This workshop will be available at different locations throughout the state, each with a different speaker from a municipality and a special district. Register today – the workshop is FREE, but space is limited to 30 participants. This event is currently full. However you can register now and get added to a waiting list. Register 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.