Funding Opportunities Early December

Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Trails Program, a statewide program within CPW, administers grants for trail-related projects on an annual basis. Local, county, and state governments, federal agencies, special recreation districts, and non-profit organizations with management responsibilities over public lands may apply for and are eligible to receive non-motorized and motorized trail grants. The Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV) Program seeks to improve and enhance motorized recreation opportunities in Colorado while promoting safe, responsible use of OHVs. OHV Grants are available for projects related to recreational use of OHVs on lands open to the public. The 2020-2021 grant period is open, and applications are accepted through December 2nd. For additional information on how to apply, see the OHV Trail Grants press release HERE or visit cpw.state.co.us.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) offers new opportunities for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (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 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. See a list of priority research topics in the announcement below. 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 by 5:30 p.m. on January 13, 2020 to OSSRgrants@jeffco.us. Please see the announcement HERE for additional details.

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 Non-Point Source (NPS) Program funds projects that help restore and protect waterbodies from nonpoint source pollution impacts. The CDPHE Water Quality Control Division is now accepting applications for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients OR protect waterbodies currently meeting water quality standards from further degradation due to nonpoint sources of pollution. For application and reference materials, click HERE. The application deadline is February 3rd, 2020. Please direct questions regarding the Request for Applications to Estella Moore at estella.moore@state.co.us by January 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Answers to those questions will be posted on npscolorado.com on January 15, 2020.

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.

Colorado River Network offers funding from the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank. 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% 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 Early December

DECEMBER 5th, 2019: Strategic Planning | Denver, CO. Provide Executive Directors and Board Members the tools and resources necessary to craft a compelling and relevant strategic plan that is practical, measurable, and can be implemented without the cost of hiring an outside consultant. Join the Community Resource Center for a comprehensive, 1-day strategic planning workshop and learn the various processes that will engage board and staff in identifying the priorities of your organization and providing a roadmap for successfully meeting mission. Participants will learn about a streamlined strategic thinking and planning process and walk away with greater clarity on mission, goals, opportunities, and specific actions and next steps to move forward. See a list of training topics and register HERE.

DECEMBER 9th-12th, 2019: Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course. The City of Fort Collins, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites. For more information and registration 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.

DECEMBER 12th, 2019: Get Grants Workshop | Denver. Join the Community Resource Center for a comprehensive, one-day grant writing workshop and learn best practices in grant writing and tips for success when writing the Colorado Common Grant Application. Participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal and how to craft a compelling case for support through interactive exercises. A review of grant terminology, sources of grant funding, and research tools including the Colorado Grants Guide™ will be discussed. This course will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Click HERE for more information and registration.

JANUARY 17th, 2020: Finding Funding on the Web. Participants of this training will learn the steps necessary to develop an organized, focused approach to research and how to optimize their search efforts, using the Colorado Grants Guide®. Research is the first step for success in grant-writing. Developed by the Community Resource Center, the Colorado Grants Guide® is Colorado’s leading tool for grant funding research. This comprehensive, online database profiles over 750 local foundations and trusts, corporations, national funders, government agencies and religious organizations that support Colorado nonprofit organizations. For more information and registration click HERE.

FEBRUARY 6th, 2020: Strategic Planning | Colorado Springs, CO. Provide Executive Directors and Board Members the tools and resources necessary to craft a compelling and relevant strategic plan that is practical, measurable, and can be implemented without the cost of hiring an outside consultant. Join the Community Resource Center for a comprehensive, 1-day strategic planning workshop and learn the various processes that will engage board and staff in identifying the priorities of your organization and providing a roadmap for successfully meeting mission. Participants will learn about a streamlined strategic thinking and planning process and walk away with greater clarity on mission, goals, opportunities, and specific actions and next steps to move forward. See a list of training topics and register HERE.

FEBRUARY 11th, 2020: Strategic Planning | Durango, CO. Provide Executive Directors and Board Members the tools and resources necessary to craft a compelling and relevant strategic plan that is practical, measurable, and can be implemented without the cost of hiring an outside consultant. Join the Community Resource Center for a comprehensive, 1-day strategic planning workshop and learn the various processes that will engage board and staff in identifying the priorities of your organization and providing a roadmap for successfully meeting mission. Participants will learn about a streamlined strategic thinking and planning process and walk away with greater clarity on mission, goals, opportunities, and specific actions and next steps to move forward. See a list of training topics and register HERE.

FEBRUARY 18th, 2020: Get Grants Workshop | Boulder. Join the Community Resource Center for a comprehensive, one-day grant writing workshop and learn best practices in grant writing and tips for success when writing the Colorado Common Grant Application. Participants will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal and how to craft a compelling case for support through interactive exercises. A review of grant terminology, sources of grant funding, and research tools including the Colorado Grants Guide™ will be discussed. This course will be offered at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Click HERE for more information and registration.

APRIL 6th-9th, 2020: After the Flames Workshop and Conference. Granlibakken Tahoe, California. Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire are invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. Click HERE 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 December

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 Colorado Water Conservation Board, Watershed and Flood Protection Section is seeking applicants to assist in activities related to watershed protection, stream restoration, and flood hazard mitigation. This position is part of the Watershed and Flood Protection Section of the CWCB which exists to prevent flood damages and reduce Colorado's vulnerability to property damage and loss of life, and to create feasible funding packages for flood control and drainage projects for Colorado communities. Applications are due on December 9th, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. MT. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

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 20th, 2019. Read the job announcement HERE.

Colorado Water Conservation Board is seeking a Physical Science Researcher/Scientist II, Hydrologist/Hydrographer in Denver, CO. The purpose of this position is to provide the Colorado Water Conservation Board with the scientific hydrographic information required for the 1) appropriation and protection of instream flow and natural lake level water rights and 2) protection of interstate compact entitlements, decision support system development, and floodplain management and water conservation activities. The position also exists to educate, coordinate, and collaborate with the Colorado Division of Water Resources, United States Geological Survey and other stakeholders regarding the CWCB's various programs and hydrographic activities. This position functions as an expert in the science of hydrography as it relates to the CWCB's mission critical areas of stream and lake protection, compact protection, and floodplain management. The application deadline is December 23rd at 5:00 p.m. Apply and find the full job description HERE.

The Rocky Mountain Conservancy seeks applicants for three Field Coordinator opportunities. The Field Coordinator plays in essential role in the implementation of the Conservancy’s on-the-ground conservation programs, including the Conservation Corps, High School Leadership Corps, and Volunteer Stewardship programs. The Field Coordinator will help plan, implement, and oversee the programs during the 2020 season (mid-May through September). Compensation: $500/week with housing provided. Applications are due by January 5th, 2020. For more information click HERE.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics seeks dynamic, tech savvy, extroverted teams of educators for Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer positions for the contract period mid-April 2020 through mid-April 2021. The Traveling Trainer program is the organization’s mobile education arm, delivering Leave No Trace education, programs, and outreach to local communities across the country. Click HERE for the complete job announcement and application instructions. The application deadline is January 5th, 2020.

Dominion Water & Sanitation District needs a Water Resource Analyst in Greenwood Village, CO. Under direction of the General Manager, this position is responsible for providing engineering support and analysis for Dominion Water & Sanitation District focusing on planning and operational modeling, water resources planning, and water quality modeling and analysis. Current registration as a professional engineer in the State of Colorado is desired. Learn more HERE.

The City of Aurora is seeking a Water Resources Principal Engineer. The Principal Engineer - Water Resources is the most advanced professional/technical level in the engineering class providing high-level subject matter expertise in Water Resource related projects including raw water reservoirs, dams, and complex water resource master planning and near- and long-range capital improvement program (CIP) development. This position is responsible for taking the lead on project delivery and project delivery oversight for complex water resource-related projects including reservoirs, dams, pipelines and other major infrastructure work. This position develops and implements solutions by planning, organizing, and directing complex engineering analysis and management of complex projects for the Water Department under the supervision of the Aurora Water Deputy Director in Planning and Engineering. Find out more HERE.

Denver’s Parks Planning, Design and Construction team has an opportunity for a part time Parks Resiliency Program Coordinator! This position will serve as an integral part of advancing Denver Parks and Recreations’ resiliency goals and vision as outlined in the Game Plan for a Healthy City. This position will have the unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in resiliency planning and implementation, project management, and program coordination - all while making a meaningful impact Denver’s natural resources. For more information and to apply click 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. Visit their website HERE. 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.

Conferences & Events Early December

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 5th, 2019: Fly Fishing Colorado's Best Trout Streams: a luncheon with Pat Dorsey. Join Colorado Trout Unlimited’s Denver Angling Society for a special lunch and presentation with Pat Dorsey of Blue Quill Angler. Colorado has a wide array of angling possibilities, from technical, gin-clear tailwaters to large, untamed freestones. Learn more at the luncheon. To RSVP click HERE.

DECEMBER 10th, 2019: Beer for Water Happy Hour. Grab a beer & test your knowledge in a game of water trivia while supporting WEco's water news. Join Water Education Colorado on December 10 for a drink, a game of trivia, and a celebration! For more information and to RSVP click HERE.

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.

DECEMBER 21, 2019: Holiday Hours at Catto Center at Toklat. Between December 21st and January 4th, the Catto Center at Toklat will be open every day from noon until 5pm. Stop by to celebrate the legacy of Toklat with warm drinks and bites, plus featured artists and artwork. For more information click HERE.

DECEMBER 26th, 2019: Family Bird of Prey Apres. Join ACES for a special gathering during the holiday season at our Hallam Lake visitor center, featuring warm drinks, s’mores by the fire, winter-themed crafts for children, and a Bird of Prey program with ACES’ resident raptors. Guests are also invited to explore the Hallam Lake nature preserve and enjoy this winter wonderland! For more information and registration click HERE.

FEBRUARY 6th-7th: APWA Colorado Chapter 2020 Construction Inspection Conference. Please join the APWA Colorado Chapter for the Annual Construction Inspection Conference on February 6 & 7, 2020 at the University of Colorado South Denver (formerly The Wildlife Experience) at 10035 S. Peoria Street, Parker, Colorado 80134. Details can be obtained on the attached registration summary. The cost for the conference is $225 for two days and includes breakfast, lunch and snacks. Conference Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 30, 2020. For more information click HERE.

MARCH 10th-12th: WCCN’s Inaugural “Confluence 2020”. Members of community-based collaborative conservation groups will gather from across the west to connect, convene and catalyze. Early bird registration ends on December 1st, 2019. We hope you will consider a vendor table and or a sponsorship. We are raising funding to support CBCC leaders travel and speaker travel. For more information click HERE. Register online HERE.

APRIL 6th-9th, 2020: After the Flames Workshop and Conference. Granlibakken Tahoe, California. Experts warn that year-round fire season is the new normal. Wildfire is no longer "if" it will occur, but rather "when." The impacts of a wildfire last long after the flames are extinguished. Community leaders, agency representatives, property owners, and anyone impacted by wildfire are invited to join this interactive workshop and conference featuring recovery experts and agencies engaging After The Flames. Click HERE for more information.

APRIL 23rd-24th, 2020: Arkansas River Basin Water Forum: “The Vision of Water 20/20” | ​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 Early December

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).

There's still time to apply for the 2020 Colorado Environmental Film Festival Eco-Expo and bring your ideas, projects and products to the film festival attendees! Potential vendors can fill out a short application about their organization and how they believe that their booth will align with the larger Festival event. Check out what's new with the Eco Expo for 2020 and apply HERE before all the spaces are gone. Applications are due by December 15th, 2019.

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.

Headline: “Monitoring will make sure Aspen snowmaking doesn’t harm creeks”. Read the full Aspen Journalism article 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 City of Durango has been engaged in the development of a Drought Management Plan over the past year. The goal is to remove the “crisis” from the City’s drought response efforts, reduce the hardship caused by water shortages, and raise public confidence in the actions taken to address short and long term water shortages, as stated in the plan. A brief fact sheet is also available to explain the basics of the plan. Click HERE to view the City of Durango’s Drought Management Plan.

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.

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.