Funding Opportunities Early February

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.

The Geospatial Experience Center (GeoEx) at Front Range Community College was created to give students the opportunity to take on GIS projects and gain experience to prepare them for the workforce. GeoEx is funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF), Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grant. GeoEx can take on various project types, from digitizing to lidar analysis. Projects GeoEx can take are only limited by the experience of students and their availability. Projects can be completed at your location, the students’ home, or at school. For all projects GeoEx will ensure students can use their experience to further their careers. Students must be able to use what they work on with you in their portfolio. If sensitive data is involved, the student can create mock data to represent the original.  If you would like to ensure your project is a good fit for our students, become involved in FRCC activities, or have other questions, email GeoEx at skye.lewis@geoexcenter.org. Initiate a project HERE.

Service Objects, a company specializing in contact validation services, offers an in-kind grant program for organizations working to encourage environmental leadership and conservation. The goal for creating this unique program is to inspire and assist non-profit organizations that are working to promote environmental health, economic vitality, informed land-use decisions and sound management of our planet's natural resources.Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded on an individual basis. Programs that may qualify for the grant include those that aim to reduce waste or assist in the aftermath of natural disasters. More information about the grant 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. The program is currently accepting applications. Full details, including requirements and guidance, can be found HERE. 

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) 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 February

FEBRUARY 6th, 2020: Community Resource Center is offering 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: Community Resource Center is offering 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 12th, 2020: Hemp - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly | Adams County Fairgrounds. Free to the public! Lunch provided. Coffee and donuts at 8:30 a.m. Speakers begin at 9:00 a.m. Agenda coming soon! This workshop will cover everything from how to grow it, problems producers are facing, seed certification, regulations from the state and USDA, and Q&A panels with producers, industry professionals, and regulatory professionals. Please RSVP to Tiffani.Walker@USDA.gov.

February 14th, 2020: Deadline to apply to the Growing Water Smart Workshop | The Lincoln Institute’s Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy and Sonoran Institute | Breckenridge, CO. May 6th-8th, 2020. Click HERE!

FEBRUARY 19th, 2020: Colorado River District Webinar—Know Your Snow: understanding the importance of Colorado’s snowpack to water availability in the American Southwest | 12:00 noon. Join the “Know Your Snow,” free educational webinar with presentations from Colorado River District Deputy Chief Engineer Dave Kanzer and Dr. Jeffrey Deems, a research scientist at the National Snow and Ice Data Center. "Know Your Snow” will highlight the importance of snowpack, snowpack monitoring and the latest associated science that defines our water supplies on Colorado’s Western Slope. Participants will come away with a better understanding of our snow hydrology and its impact upon our water supplies in the face of our warming climate. Hear updates on current snowpack and snow monitoring. Click HERE to register.

MARCH 24th & 25th, 2020: Water Education Colorado’s Water Educator Symposium & Project WET Workshop. The annual symposium includes training and professional development as well as a time for educators around the state to gather, share best practices, learn from each other and problem-solve to overcome challenges in water education. Educators, water professionals and decision-makers are encouraged to attend. In the workshop, facilitators will model four activities and participants plan and teach a lesson to peers and receive feedback from workshop facilitators.  Participants who successfully complete the training receive a Project WET Educator certification and Project WET Curriculum Guide 2.0. Find out details and register 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.

MAY 6th-8th, 2020: Growing Water Smart Workshop | The Lincoln Institute’s Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy and Sonoran Institute | Breckenridge, CO. The workshop brings together community teams comprised of land use planners, water providers, and elected officials to learn strategies for reducing water demand and other water-related challenges in their community. Most costs (lodging and food) are covered for selected teams. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2020, and the application can be found 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 Early February

The Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Natural Resources team is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for two limited-term Natural Resources Technicians to support our forest management program. The ideal candidate will have an educational background in natural resource management, some previous forest management experience that includes chainsaw operation,  and a willingness to work safely as part of a team. The position closes on February 5th, 2020. Click HERE for the announcement.

On behalf of NoCoPLACES 2050, Clear Creek County has posted an RFP for facilitation services in 2020 and 2021. NoCoPLACES 2050 is a convening of eight land management agencies and other stakeholders in the northern front range of Colorado that collaborates to protect and conserve natural and cultural resources while providing equitable access and a quality recreation experience for current and future generations. The eight land managers are the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the counties of Gilpin, Clear Creek, Jefferson, Boulder, and Larimer. The deadline for submitting a response is 4:00 p.m. local time on February 7th, 2020. Find the entire RFP, with instructions HERE.

The City of Fort Collins is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for a full-time Environmental Planner position in the Community, Development and Neighborhood Services Department. The Environmental Planner reviews development proposals and conducts inspections of development sites to ensure adherence of local, state and federal environmental protection standards and assists in the development and implementation of new environmental policies and regulations. The application deadline is February 7th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. The direct link to the job posting is HERE.

The Yampa-White-Green Basin Roundtable is currently accepting proposals for technical services to assist with assessment of environmental and physical conditions. The basin roundtable (BRT) is interested in characterizing trends in ecosystem variables such as fisheries health, hydrology, geomorphology, and riparian condition. It also seeks to document the delivery of community goods and services such as adequate irrigation water, flood attenuation, and irrigation structure integrity. Additionally, the BRT values how these trends fit into the context of population growth, land use changes in the river corridor, and present and future climate conditions. Work covered through this RFP will consist of a desktop assessment of four planning segments, with an emphasis on developing geomorphic, hydrologic, and ecological context for the planning effort. Once the data conditions assessment is completed, the contractor will also be responsible for highlighting data gaps evident through the assessment, recommending methods to fill those data gaps, and helping the Integrated Watershed Managemewnt Plan (IWMP) Committee prioritize future work. The deadline for submittals is February 10th, 2020. Read the full request for proposals HERE.

Water Education Colorado (WEco) is hiring a new Membership and Engagement Officer! Are you passionate about water? Do you love connecting with Coloradans, informed on water issues and equipped to make decisions that guide our state to a sustainable water future? The Membership and Engagement Officer will play a key supporting role in Water Education Colorado’s overall membership program and resource development. This position’s primary responsibilities include communicating with, engaging and growing the organization’s membership base, recruiting and expanding participation and financial support for programs, and increasing the organization’s visibility in the community. Now accepting applications through Feb. 12th, 2020, or until the position is filled. Learn more and find out how to apply HERE.

The Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is hiring a full-time Volunteer & Partnership Coordinator to work in its Colorado Springs office. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining an exemplary volunteer program that engages community volunteers in environmental stewardship activities. The VPC recruits and retains volunteers, develops meaningful relationships with community volunteers and groups, and provides professional staff support to RMFI’s 2,200 annual volunteers (20,000 volunteer hours annually). The VPC works under the supervision of the Program Director and plays a critical role in implementing the mission and strategic goals of the organization. This is a rewarding, community-focused position that will serve as the primary liaison between RMFI and our volunteer base as well as lead community outreach initiatives and events for the purposes of raising awareness of RMFI’s volunteer projects and programs. Application deadline: February 17th, 2020. View the full job announcement HERE. More information available HERE.

The City of Lakewood is now accepting applications for Natural Resource Technicians. This position is based out of Bear Creek Lake Park and will cover all open space parks in Lakewood. This position will create a unique opportunity to gain experience in noxious weed management, soft surface trail management, wildlife management, restoration/reclamation, and aquatic nuisance species inspections. This position closes February 21st, 2020. The job posting can be found HERE.

Jefferson County is looking for a Project Manager to work with their Open Space Division. This person will be collaborating with other team members. The Project Manager is someone who has experience in engineering, construction, and architecture. We are looking for someone who is dynamic, independent, mission oriented, and a team player. The ideal candidate will be someone who has experience in civil design, construction and someone who has proven prior experience handling complex projects. The closing date is February 23rd, 2020. Click HERE to apply.

Animas Watershed Partnership (AWP) is hiring a new Watershed Coordinator. The Vision of the organization is that the communities of the Animas watershed are united to keep the river healthy, productive and fun. The Coordinator serves as the public face of the partnership. The role of the coordinator is to work collaboratively with partner organizations, local governments, citizens and landowners to identify and pursue strategies, policies and projects that contribute to improving water quality and overall health for the Animas River and tributaries. Such strategies, policies and projects include working with willing landowners to support implementation of BMPs, conducting community engagement and outreach to increase citizen awareness and action for watershed health, helping to keep state and local leaders updated and aware of river health issues, and other creative ways of supporting and advancing watershed stewardship. Apply by February 26th, 2020. View the full Request for Qualifications (RFQ) HERE.

River Network seeks a Science and Policy Program Associate to support its efforts in Colorado and the West to educate and improve the practice of river conservation planning, expand engagement on environmental water transactions, and grow curiosity regarding how to achieve healthy rivers in agricultural landscapes. The position will support on-going peer learning initiatives that aim to improve the practice of environmental water transactions in the Colorado River Basin, and river health planning in the state of Colorado. Additionally, the position will support outreach efforts within rural and agricultural communities in Colorado to highlight examples of multi-purpose conservation projects (i.e. those that provide a benefit to both the water user and the natural environment) and communicate the benefits of agricultural-environmental partnerships and projects. Finally, the position will support a newly established process to define River Network’s niche at the intersection of healthy rivers, clean water, and agricultural production. Apply by February 28th, 2020. Visit their Careers page HERE.

Colorado Water Plan & Basin Implementation Plan Updates Request for Qualifications (RFQ), issued by Brown and Caldwell in conjunction with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) and basin roundtables. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. February 28th, 2020.

As the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District moves to implement new and strategic programs and projects, it is seeking a Water Resources professional (engineer, scientist, project manager) as an integral part of a three person team. As a team member, you will work with a group of committed professionals who are dedicated to continuing and enhancing the District’s leadership role in the Colorado water community. With no geographical or internal political constraints, throughout its history, the St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District has led, facilitated, and implemented water programs, services, and projects with an emphasis on the overall “big picture” for water use optimization. With a vision for the future, the District is positioned to continue and expand upon its proven track record and lead the way in adapting to new water supply realities and ensuring a secure water future for the District’s residents and the environment.Candidates must submit information by March 10th, 2020. Read more about this unique job opportunity HERE.

TeamWorks is a conservation-based youth employment program that brings together a mix of young people (ages 16-20) from urban and rural areas to work side by side on crews. As an organization, their goal is to attract and hire underrepresented youth who would not ordinarily have the opportunity to work on a conservation crew.  Crews collaborate with a variety of project partners in the Front Range of Colorado, and have the chance to work with both public land managers as well as non-profit organizations. Teamworks fosters a work environment that is equally fun and supportive, and many of our youth return to work for the program year after year, building solid relationships with one another, their crew leaders, our organization, and the lands they work on. The season runs May through August. To learn more information, click HERE.

Denver Parks and Recreation’s Planning, Design and Construction Division is excited to announce the launch of its new Resiliency Program and is looking to hire a Senior Natural Resources Planner. This position will assist in leading exciting  changes for Denver Parks and Recreation through advancing the goals of The Game Plan for a Healthy City and leading projects that benefit local communities. Click HERE to apply.

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.

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.

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 February

FEBRUARY 4th-6th, 2020: 18th Annual Riparian Restoration Conference | RiversEdge West & Ruth Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO. The RRC will feature concurrent sessions that cover both research and management topics related to riparian restoration and ecosystem health, with ample opportunities for networking with professionals in the riparian restoration field. This conference helps RiversEdge West and their partners protect the quality and ecological integrity of riparian lands as an important means to promote economic, social and cultural well-being of communities in the American West.  This conference hosts over 200 people from around the West who will meet to learn about addressing the multitude of challenges facing our rivers. Find out more and register HERE. 

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

FEBRUARY 20th & 21st, 2020: The 10th Annual Western Colorado Soil Health Conference | Delta, CO. RSVP HERE. This year’s conference features Dr. Kris Nichols, internationally recognized Soil Microbiologist, and will include a host of topics including:

• Conservation Tillage Implements
• Composting
• Forest Fires & Soil Health
• Hemp & Healthy Soils
• Garden Soil Health
• Carbon & Nutrient Cycling

FEBRUARY 26th, 2020: Rocky Mountain PBS Water Week | Rocky Mountain Public Media | Grand Junction, CO. Come enjoy whiskey and beer from Peach Street Distillers and Ska Brewing, while exploring more about water. For example, making your own water filter, or hanging out with Ute Water and Colorado River District. RSVP HERE.

FEBRUARY 28th, 2020: The Poudre River Forum, an initiative of the Poudre Runs Through It Study/Action Work Group (PRTI), brings together those on the Poudre who farm, deliver clean potable water, drink beer, recreate, and advocate for river health to learn from one another and to explore how we can move from conflict to collaboration. Join them for this year’s event to engage with other Poudre River enthusiasts. Click HERE to register!

FEBRUARY 28th, 2020: CoorsTek Denver Metro Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Since 1963, DMRSEF has provided area middle school and high school students an outlet to engage their scientific interests and an opportunity to share their work with local STEM professionals. Volunteer to support the next generation of scientists and engineers! Partial and full-day shifts are available February 27th - March 1st, 2020. Click HERE to be a judge, or click HERE to register as a volunteer. 

MARCH 2nd-4th, 2020: Public-Private Partnership (P3) Conference & Expo | Dallas, TX. Connect with new partners and discover new projects. Learn how owners are effectively leveraging private sector resources and expertise. Attendees will participate in workshops, seminars, project showcases, and panel conversations tailored to the needs of those evaluating P3s for their upcoming developments and upgrades. The 2020 program is focused on P3 education and networking. The program is designed for all levels in the market including those beginning to explore P3s and seeking to understand where alternative and accelerated project delivery methods can be applicable. Learn more HERE.

MARCH 5th, 2020: Colorado Trout Unlimited’s 2020 Stewardship Gala. This annual gathering at Mile High Station in Denver is a fun evening of food and drink and raising funds for Colorado TU’s conservation work around our beautiful state! Celebrate Colorado’s rivers and fisheries and honor Jeff Shoemaker as CTU’s 2020 River Stewardship Award winner! Learn more HERE.

MARCH 5th & 6th, 2020: Annual Western Places/Western Spaces Conference—Hot, Dry & Crowded: Planning for the Future | Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute | Denver, CO. RMLUI’s 29th Western Places/Western Spaces conference will look at the ways to use design, planning tools, and creative approaches to better plan for a future that will be different from the known past. The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy is partnering with us to develop a track focused on integrating land use and water planning. Consider how built environments, using mixed use design, transportation infrastructure, and even building codes, can help reduce our impact on climate change and create a more comfortable and sustainable living environment. Explore how our natural systems and outdoor spaces can be designed for greater resilience, cooler micro-climates, and more water-wise landscaping. Focus on rural resilience and how to adapt sustainability innovations and new technologies to small towns and rural communities. Finally, consider how climate change is likely to affect our natural resources—from recreational playgrounds to economic engines—and discuss ways in which land use strategies can or should adapt in anticipation of changes across Western landscapes. Click HERE to register!    

MARCH 10th & 11th, 2020: Emerging Contaminants Summit | Westminster, CO. The Emerging Contaminants Summit will draw leaders and key stakeholders from academia, government, regulatory community as well as site owners, private consulting agencies and various other environmental professionals. Vista GeoScience will be exhibiting at this event. To get 20% off your registration to this event, e-mail info@vistageoscience.com. Visit the website HERE.

MARCH 10th-12th, 2020: Western Collaborative Conservation Network’s (WCCN’s) Inaugural Confluence 2020 | Ft. Collins, CO. Members of community-based collaborative conservation groups will gather from across the west to connect, convene, and catalyze. Consider a vendor table and/or a sponsorship. You may want to fund CBCC leader travel and speaker travel. Regular Registration $100 through March 12th, 2020. Student Registration $25. Schedule & exciting plenary speakers now available HERE. Register online HERE.

MARCH 24th & 25th, 2020: Water Education Colorado’s Water Educator Network Symposium: Equipping Learners for Action in a Climate of Uncertainty | Keystone Science School. The annual symposium includes training and professional development as well as a time for educators around the state to gather, share best practices, learn from each other and problem-solve to overcome challenges in water education. Educators, water professionals and decision-makers are encouraged to attend. In the workshop, facilitators will model four activities and participants plan and teach a lesson to peers and receive feedback from workshop facilitators. Project Wet Workshop: The Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) workshop provides a hands-on immersion in a water education curriculum recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. In the workshop, facilitators will model four activities and participants plan and teach a lesson to peers and receive feedback from workshop facilitators. Participants who successfully complete the training receive a Project WET Educator certification and Project WET Curriculum Guide 2.0. Find out details and register HERE.

APRIL 3rd & 4th, 2020: Colorado's 2020 Advancing Environmental Education Conference | Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) | Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, CO. Colorado’s Advancing Environmental Education Conference is annually hosted by the CAEE, a statewide leader in environmental education since 1989. CAEE facilitates communication, coordination, resource sharing and professional development to advance environmental education among over 900 members across the state among various sectors. CAEE also advocates for increased access to environmental learning opportunities for all Colorado residents in order to increase environmental literacy in Colorado. Regular Conference Registration: February 2 - March 31, 2020. Click HERE to read all about it.

APRIL 6th-9th, 2020: After the Flames Workshop and Conference | Granlibakken Tahoe, CA. 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 14th-17th, 2020: National Watershed and Stormwater Conference | Center for Watershed Protection | Austin, TX. This annual conference serves as an important forum for watershed and stormwater professionals to learn about innovative restoration approaches from experts, to build partnerships, and to share best practices.  Here are the top five reasons why you should attend: Hot topics and networking, Real-world solutions, A trip to Austin, Pre-conference workshops, & Field trips. Pre-conference workshops will take place on April 14th, 2020. Find out more about the conference HERE.

APRIL 17th, 2020: Water Law Review Symposium | Denver, CO. The 2020 Water Law Review Symposium will discuss how water law and policy can be created and implemented to ensure all people have a meaningful contribution to the decision-making process regarding where water  is sourced from, how it is allocated, and how it is used, while maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the process. To register for the event, click HERE.

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. Registration is open HERE!

MAY 15th-18th, 2020: River Rally | River Network | San Antonio, Texas. Early Bird pricing until April 1st, 2020. Scholarship applications are due Friday, February 28. Don't miss out! Hosted annually by River Network, River Rally provides an inspiring and energy-infused touchpoint for nonprofit groups from across the U.S. and beyond, as well as for agency and foundation representatives, industry innovators, philanthropists, academics, students, and community leaders. It includes over 90 learning opportunities including keynotes and plenaries, workshops, field trips, an awards ceremony, movies, social events and live music. We bring thought leaders and practitioners together to accelerate progress towards an equitable and sustainable water future. Click HERE for River Rally’s homepage.

JUNE 2nd & 3rd, 2020: Lower Arkansas River Basin Tour. You and 50-60 other water professionals, agricultural producers, educators, and interested community members will have the opportunity to ride on our coach bus to tour the Lower Arkansas River up close. Members of the Colorado State Legislature's Interim Water Resources Review Committee will be participating in the tour. Along the way, you will meet the people striving toward a sound water future for the economies and habitats of southeastern Colorado. You will visit a diversity of sites and discuss these topics and others:
-New Pueblo Dam Hydroelectric Plant
-John Martin Reservoir 
-Water quality projects
-Agricultural operations
-Planned Arkansas Valley Conduit sites 
Topics will include the Arkansas Basin Roundtable Basin Implementation Plan, water quality, water storage and water-sharing to meet an anticipated supply gap, alternative water transfers, the agricultural economy of the southeastern Colorado, Kansas-Colorado Arkansas River Compact compliance, and much more. Sponsorships Available.Registration will open in March. More details and registration are coming soon HERE!

SEPTEMBER 8th-11th, 2020: ESRI Water GIS Conference | Chicago, IL.  The 2020 Esri Water GIS Conference is scheduled, and planning has begun! Join them for all-new updates in GIS technology and a conference experience designed just for water industry professionals. You'll learn about new GIS solutions for water organizations, get hands-on training from Esri experts, network with other water professionals, and leave with the tools you need to enable digital transformation at your business. Find out more information, HERE.

Announcements Early February

FEBRUARY 5th, 2020: Please contact CDSN to participate for REG85, REG93, and REG31 data calls in 2020. Colorado Data Sharing Network (CDSN) Data Calls are in Progress! Make it easy. Use CDSN to submit your data. It takes dedication, innovation, time, and money to sustain a resilient data sharing network for data managers and for all of Colorado. See the data call flyer HERE.

FEBRUARY 7th, 2020: Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) Annual Membership Meeting | 6:00 p.m. | Edesia Community Kitchen, Paonia, CO. Come for dinner and drinks, stay to connect with the Conservation Center board, staff, and fellow members to provide input on the direction of the organization! Recap of 2019 highlights and accomplishments, look ahead to plans for 2020, and conduct official WSCC business. A "lug your mug," or "pack your plate" style event. Read more details HERE.

FEBRUARY 12th, 2020: Come Celebrate Nature's Wonder and the Lower Blue River Valley | FOLBR | Silverthorne Pavilion | 5:30-8:00 p.m. Friends of the Lower Blue River welcomes you to join an inspiring evening showcasing the might and beauty of the Lower Blue River and the surrounding valley. The evening includes a Special Presentation “Summit County’s World of White” with beautiful music and commentary by John Fielder. John Fielder is a renowned photographer of Colorado’s landscapes for over 40 years. He will share his work and his ideas on preserving our natural world. An inspiring Short Film Festival, showcasing Water and Wildlife films that capture the unique character of this region along with a global perspective, will also be presented. Advanced tickets are $15/person through Eventbrite (link below) and $20 at the door. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres provided by Food Hedz Catering. There will also be a Cash Bar & Silent Auction. Volunteers are needed to help set up for this event! Please contact Tom Koehler if you can lend a hand. His phone number is:‭ (970) 409-9391‬. Thank you! Click HERE for the EventBrite.

FEBRUARY 12th, 2020: Big River Committee Meeting will be 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. concluding with lunch. The meeting will be held at the O.P. Bar and Grill in Craig.

FEBRUARY 25th, 2020: Next Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) Board Meeting | Eagle's Nest Community Center | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

River Rally Scholarship Support Available! River Network offers a limited number of scholarships for those who need financial assistance to attend River Rally. The application is part of the registration process. To apply, complete your registration online and pay a $20 application fee. We also offer volunteer opportunities in exchange for registration discounts. Scholarship applications are due Friday, February 28. Don't miss out!

Are You River Network’s 2020 Emerging Leader? In 2019, River Network established the Emerging Leader award, inspired by former River Network board member Leslie Lowe, whose generous spirit and encouragement of emerging leaders provided a vision for how River Network’s efforts could extend into a wider array of communities. The award provides early-career recognition and acknowledgement to an individual who shows promise and a path to expand the community of people who work on water issues by recognizing and lifting up those individuals who are working at the juncture of water and justice. Meet Kevin Jeffery, the 2019 Emerging Leader, and learn more about how to self-nominate today! Self-nominations are due Friday, February 28. Click HERE.

Colorado Water Trust and the Colorado Water Conservation Board have launched the annual Request for Water Process. This process offers a streamlined approach to water transactions to benefit the environment on streams throughout the state. In 2020, again water rights owners are invited to explore options to use their water rights for streamflow restoration purposes. Voluntary water sharing arrangements or voluntary acquisitions of senior water rights, on a temporary or permanent basis, can help restore flows to rivers in need, sustain agriculture, and maximize beneficial uses of Colorado’s water. This Process is confidential, completely voluntary and open to all water right owners, including agricultural, municipal, industrial, or other users. Offers will be accepted through June 30, 2020. Colorado Water Trust expects to host informational webinars in spring of 2020. For more information, click HERE.

Salinity Workshop Includes Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) Commissioned Study. Full Study Being Published Spring 2020. A recent workshop about the increasing salinity of the South Platte river was organized by the Centennial, Morgan and Sedgwick County Conservation Districts with help from Sterling, Morgan and Julesburg offices of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Information included a study commissioned by Colorado Corn Administrative Council. Topics included Regulation 85 & Watershed Planning, the effects of salinity on soil and agriculture, salinity on the South Platte, and the future of water storage on the South Platte. Speakers were Phil Brink from Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Ag NetWORK; Mike Peterson, retired soil scientist & agronomist; Mark Sponsler of Colorado Corn; Grady O’Brien of NEIRBO Hydrogeology; and Joe Frank of Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District. The full salinity study commissioned by Colorado Corn will be published Spring 2020.

Colorado Small Acreage Management Newsletter. Inside this edition:Where do Bees go in Winter?, Soil Health, USDA Rural Development Value Added Grant, Which Trees to Transplant in Spring and Fall, Bird Migration Timing, Payson Lupine and Silvery Lupine. Click HERE to read!

Perhaps read this scientific paper: “Irrigation institutions typology and water governance through horizontal agreements.” Abstract: An argument is made for a typology of the diversity of self-governance. On the one hand, decentralized or centralized governance, and bureaucratic or non-bureaucratic water management. On the other hand the existence of networks of horizontal agreements with no overarching institutions.

Perhaps read this report: The Sustainable Water Management Profile: An Assessment Tool to Advance Water  Supply Sustainability. Summary: The Sustainable Water Management (SWM) Profile is an assessment tool to advance long‐term water supply resilience and water resource stewardship at a regional scale. The Water Foundation completed extensive research within and outside the water supply community while designing this evaluation framework. The tool focuses on management actions that water supply agencies can take internally, with agency partners, and across their regions to improve the sustainability of water supplies. The profile provides standards for assessing stressors that cause water supply vulnerability, and for evaluating the responses of water supply agencies to these vulnerabilities. This article explains how the SWM Profile was designed by the Water Foundation to meet the needs of the water community and makes recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the profile and similar assessment tools. As the challenges facing water supply managers grow, standards that track progress toward sustainability become more important. The Water Foundation provides this article to share the lessons learned from the SWM Profile, in hopes that it will contribute to the work of other professionals in the field of water supply management.

AquaSPE in Zurich, Switzerland, invites you to join the largest knowledge sharing platform and business exchange for global water professionals—The Water Network, where you will find more than 113,000 water professionals. Check out the benefits - it is free and easy to join! Help solve the world's water crisis one answer at a time.

Watershed Wildlife Protection Group has posted their 2020 group meetings dates. To find the dates, times and location click HERE.

It Could Be Your Rooftop! Is your facility struggling with zinc in its stormwater discharge even after implementing BMPs? A hidden source of zinc could be your roofing materials or galvanized roof equipment. Learn more about StormwateRx’s Zinc-B-Gone® line of stormwater filteders HERE.

Egret Marsh Stormwater Park in Florida overlaps Municipal & Industrial (city & factory) filtration of water with Environmental habitat rebuilding. These multi-use structures are all the rage. Bioengineering with algae?! Watch the video HERE! Alexis Peralta notes, Colorado has harsher winters than this brackish ecosystem.

Colorado River District works every day to secure water supplies for agricultural, industrial, and municipal uses on the Western Slope. From the jagged peaks of the Continental Divide to the red rock canyons of the Colorado Plateau, and from the twists of the Uncompahgre River to the turns of the Yampa River, the Colorado River District contains the headwaters of one of our nation’s most important watersheds: the Colorado River. Watch and Share their video to spread the word.

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.

Learn About Methods for Stream Management Planning with CWCB’s and River Network’s New Resource Library! Just like individuals, each Stream Management Plan (SMP) is unique. The people and the location greatly influence their goals and activities.  But there is also a common blueprint, documented at CWCB and River Network’s SMP Resource Library. For each step in the planning process, it presents examples, best practices, online resources, and methods to consider.  The goal of the SMP Resource Library is to enlarge the pipeline of local coalitions that are interested, ready, and capable of undertaking Stream Management Plans, as well as advance the state of knowledge around how to craft effective and implementable SMPs. Resource Library case studies will be updated annually as SMPs progress.  Experts in the different assessment areas (hydrology, water quality, recreation, riparian habitat, etc.) are encouraged to submit their ideas and feedback so it can continue to grow and improve. Click HERE to visit.