Funding Opportunities Late November

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. The next deadline to submit an application is December 1st, 2019 for the January CWCB meeting.

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 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.

Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) is pleased to once again offer Small Research Grants to individuals or groups to conduct applied studies on JCOS lands. The goal of this program is to fund research that will inform the management of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. A list of priority research topics is available in the attached announcement. Applicants can also suggest original topics that have significance to resource management or visitor experience in JCOS parks and open spaces. Researchers can also propose interagency projects between JCOS, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), and Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS). The maximum award amount for JCOS proposals is $10,000. Proposals must be submitted electronically to OSSRgrants@jeffco.us by 5:30pm on January 13, 2020. Please see the attached announcement for additional details, or contact HKing@jeffco.us.

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.

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.

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.

Trainings & Workshops Late November

NOVEMBER 20th, 2019: Ag Water Workshop: Preserving Irrigated Ag and Groundwater. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. | Sargent Junior High School, Monte Vista, CO. How can we continue irrigated ag with pressure to preserve the aquifer? What strategies are working? Dinner will be provided. Agenda coming soon! For more information and registration, click HERE.

NOVEMBER 21st, 2019: The Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Cybersecurity. 12:00 noon MST. Nonprofits can’t afford to have donor and client data compromised. Nonprofits can’t afford to be hacked and phished for organizational financial information. Insurance can cover the initial losses but an organization might not ever recover the trust placed in it by supporters and those served. That’s why The NonProfit Times and Tech Impact, two organizations dedicated to the nonprofit sector, have together developed this digital publication and webinar. To register click HERE.

DECEMBER 12th, 2019: Nonprofit Board Leadership by the Community Resource Center. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Glenwood Springs, CO. Participants will come away from this one-day workshop with practical tips on how to recruit and engage board members in strategic planning and fundraising. For more information and registration click 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.

Job Announcements Late November

The City of Westminster is hiring an Open Space Supervisor to lead a dynamic work group responsible for delivery of high quality nature-based program curriculum that promotes an awareness for natural resources, outdoor recreation, environmental education, trail use, sustainability and stewardship. In addition to supervision of staff with responsibilities for volunteer management, GIS support and outdoor recreation, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing projects, budgets and planning in support of the Westminster Open Space Stewardship Plan. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate interested in making a significant contribution to an amazing Open Space program. This job opportunity closes November 18th, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Job Description and application can be found HERE.

Eagle County Government is looking for an Open Space Manager who will be responsible for leading a team of three employees to acquire and manage open space within Eagle County and educate residents about the program. This position will identify potential open space acquisitions for preliminary consideration by the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and preserve the open space once approved. Serves as a liaison between the BoCC, Open Space Advisory Committee and other involved conservation agencies. Coordinates site development, management and maintenance of County open space. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Friday, November 22. Click HERE to see the full job posting and to apply. Click HERE for information on culture and benefits of Eagle County Government.

Fourmile Watershed Coalition seeks a Program Assistant in Boulder County. This is a part-time, temporary position for 20 hours per week through June 2020. Should the position become a full time in the future, health care benefits and vacation will be offered. Primary Duties include: Project Management, Education and Engagement,Volunteer Management, Marketing and Outreach, Event Planning. All applications must be received by December 6th, 2019. Read the job announcement HERE.

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 offer engineering services for stormwater management, stream restoration, flood mitigation, drainage, parks and trails. ICON Engineering is currently looking for:

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, and visit ERWC’s job page 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.

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) in Lake George, CO, 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 Late November

NOVEMBER 19th, 2019: White River Partnership Meetings. The White River Partnership (WRP) is comprised of public, private, and non-profit entities committed to healthy riparian areas along the White River in northwest Colorado and northeast Utah. RiversEdge West coordinates the WRP with support from partners in Utah and Colorado who value the White River's importance for wildlife and local communities. Colorado partners and interested parties are encouraged to attend the November 19th meeting at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The partnership's timeline and goals for restoration planning will be discussed. To register or learn more, please email John Leary at jleary@riversedgewest.org.

NOVEMBER 19th, 2019: Guest Speaker Joel Gratz with Down River Equipment. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. After such an EPIC Snow/Water year, what's going to happen next year!? Joel Gratz, the Founding Meteorologist & CEO of OpenSnow will join Down River Equipment to discuss what happened during last year's snow season, the outlook for this season, and how snow is forecasted! Come on out, drink some beer, and geek out on snowpack! For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

NOVEMBER 20th-21st, 2019: Colorado Groundwater Issues Conference with the American Groundwater Trust. Denver, CO. A "must attend" program for all professionals involved with Colorado's groundwater and Water Resources Management. If your business is dependent on an assured water supply - then you need to attend! A 2-day conference for state legislators, local government officials, water managers, regulators, environmental organizations, agriculture, industry and water utility end users and their scientific, engineering and legal advisors. Register HERE.

DECEMBER 2nd-3rd, 2019: The Ag Water Summit “Phase 2: Implementing the Colorado Water Plan” by Colorado Ag Water Alliance. 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 3rd, 2019: Rio Grande Watershed Quarterly Meeting. Alamosa, CO | 6:00 p.m. Join the Rio Grande Watershed and the Colorado Collaborative for Healthy Soils for pizza, craft beer and conversation. Farmers' and Ranchers' input welcome! The event is hosted by Mosca Hooper Conservation District, sponsored by Colorado Collaborative for Healthy Soils and includes pizza, salad and wings from SLV Pizza Company and soft beverages. Craft Brews by Square Peg available - Cash Bar. Farmers and Ranchers are encouraged to attend and offer feedback. Register by November 25th to the following email address: moscahoopercd1@gmail.com. For more information, call 719-582-9353.

DECEMBER 12, 2019: “Predicting Powder and the Science of Snow” with meteorologist Joel Gratz. Join Joel for a fun and entertaining evening full of snow and science at Bristlecone Mountain Sports in Basalt,CO! Joel will present what the latest research says about how far in advance we can predict powder, he’ll pinpoint which weather patterns bring the most snow to central Colorado, and he will also take you through a live forecast by showing the same satellite, radar, and weather model maps that he uses to make his daily predictions. Proceeds benefit Roaring Fork Conservancy Snow Science education programs. For more information and registration click HERE.

DECEMBER 12th, 2019: Permit Party. It's that time of year again! Join #TeamDownRiver in Wheat Ridge, CO, for an evening of River Permit Logistics... plus food & beer! Topics include snow-pack, flows, and how/when to apply for permits. Applying for your seasonal permits shouldn't be stressful. It should be the time of the year to get stoked!! Don't waste your permit money, come and learn how to maximize your permit application potential. For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

DECEMBER 12th, 2019: Lunch n’ Learn. Diversity in the Water Workforce. Join Colorado WaterWise for a Lunch 'n Learn event at the City of Aurora Municipal Center. There will be a short presentation and then a panel discussion on the topic of diversity and inclusion in the Colorado water industry with an eye on water conservation professionals. For more information click HERE.

DECEMBER 19th, 2019: Soil Revolution Conferences. 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. 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.

APRIL 23rd-24th, 2020: Arkansas River Basin Water Forum: “The Vision of Water”. ​Salida, CO. To know water is to better understand our state. Since 1995, the Arkansas River Basin Water Forum has provided a friendly, constructive medium where individuals and organizations are able to explain their views and engage in open dialogue with other water users. To stay informed about the forum click HERE.

Announcements Late 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.

Request for Proposals, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Funded Research Program. The Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) of the City of Boulder has funding available through its funded research program for scientific inquiry on OSMP lands. Preference is given to original proposals that address priority research topics identified by the department. However, all proposals will be considered based on their merits. For research that crosses the boundaries of OSMP and the neighboring Boulder County Parks and Open Space and Jefferson County Open Space, interagency grant proposals for joint funding will also be considered. The maximum award amount for OSMP proposals is $10,000. Proposal deadline is Jan 10, 2020. Full details are available 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.

Consider supporting one of the leading Riparian Restoration Conferences in the West by becoming an RRC sponsor. Your contribution will provide registration and travel scholarships to students as well as support conference expenses. Complimentary registration is included in the Willow Sponsor level ($1,000) and above. View sponsor benefits HERE.

The Center for Environmental Justice at CSU is launching this academic year. Starting out five years ago as a working group in the School of Global Environmental Sustainability, the Center is building capacity and community connections.

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.