Funding Opportunities Early March

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. Basin Account applications are accepted year-round. Statewide Account applications are brought before the board in March and September. For more information click HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board offers numerous loans and grants to water providers and other entities statewide for a variety of water-related projects, studies, planning documents, awareness campaigns and other activities. Click HERE to find out more about the CWCB’s funding programs.

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

Trainings & Workshops Early March

MARCH 11th & 12th, 2020: San Luis Valley 2020 Annual Meeting & Educated Livestock Eat Weeds Workshop | Mosca-Hooper Conservation District | Alamosa County Meeting Room. Attend One or Both Days. Day One (9:00 a.m. - noon) Annual Meeting of the MHCD Board of Supervisors, catered by Sweet Peas. Day Two (9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.) Workshop with Kathy Voth - Educated Livestock Eat Weeds! Lunch catered by Sweet Peas. Learn how to use your livestock to manage brush, the benefits of making peace with weeds and how to think outside the box to develop unusual solutions to old problems.  Leave with an individual livestock training plan so that when the weeds start coming up, you will know what to do! Registration ends on March 6th. No Cost but Registration is Required - To register, email moscahoopercd1@gmail.com.

MARCH 12th, 2020: Lunch & Learn | Colorado WaterWise | 12:30 - 1:30 p.m | Thornton, CO. Kevin Hartley, from the City of Greeley, designed a landscape irrigation auditor app primarily to streamline his own auditing processes. He will be sharing the inner workings of the application, how he uses it to perform his audits and the possibilities to expand the app for use along the front range. Register HERE.

MARCH 22nd, 2020: Rain Barrel Workshop on World Water Day | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Fort Collins, CO. Headwaters Institute is excited to partner with friends from the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed and Odell Brewing Company for this special workshop! Join a fun afternoon learning all about rainwater harvesting and how to install a rain barrel at your home. Afterward, enjoy the scenery (and beer!) at Odell Brewing Company while converting your barrel to a rain barrel. Maximum of 2 barrels per household. Children can attend for free with a family member registered for the workshop. Click HERE to register.

MARCH 24th & 25th, 2020: Water Educator Symposium & Project WET Workshop | Water Education Colorado | 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.  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-8th, 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 was February 14, 2020. Check out the Resilient Comunities and Watersheds website HERE. 

JULY 23rd & 24th, 2020: Certified Stormwater Inspector (Municipal) Training | National Stormwater Center | 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Denver, CO. Designed specifically for municipal personnel, this course offers training and certification to demonstrate, for the record, that inspectors are qualified. Inspectors will learn: how to inspect construction, commercial, and industrial, and municipal activities; what to inspect; the limits of their authority; appropriate demeanor; appropriate discretion. They also learn about the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the six Minimum Control Measures, and how to better implement and support their MS4 stormwater program. All course instructors have stormwater enforcement experience at the Federal or State level. You will receive a discount of $50.00 for registration forms submitted 30 days or more prior to the training date. Payment is not due at the time of registration. Please download the announcement HERE with course details and registration information. Graduates of the Certified Stormwater Inspector course receive certification for 5 years and continuing education units, and ongoing, unlimited support of the National Stormwater Center. Register HERE. 

Water & Wastewater Online Training. With TargetSolutions, water agencies can cost-effectively deliver quality courses to employees designed to increase safety comprehension, achieve compliance and decrease claims. Staying compliant with mandated training and continuing education requirements is critical. TargetSolutions comprehensive catalog offers online, state-approved water and wastewater continuing education. See the course catalog 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 March

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.

Grand County Water Information Network seeks a Water Quality Program Coordinator. The Water Quality Program Coordinator will need to be an energetic and independent worker, excited about water quality monitoring, data collection and management. He/She will develop, implement, and manage the water quality monitoring programs for GCWIN in coordination with the Executive Director.  The Program Coordinator will ensure field equipment is in top operating condition and that data downloading and collection meets quality control standards. The application deadline is March 20th, 2020. Click HERE for more information.

Stillwater Sciences seeks a highly-motivated

  • entry-level Restoration Engineer or Geomorphologist,

  • mid-level Restoration Engineer or Geomorphologist, and

  • senior-level Restoration Engineer

to serve as members of an interdisciplinary team working on process-based river restoration design and implementation projects, watershed assessment and planning studies, fluvial geomorphic investigations and general water resources management projects, throughout the west and Pacific Northwest. Positions will remain open until filled. Read more HERE.

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Natural Lands work group is hiring a six month temporary position.  Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  & Conservation Technician. The IPM and Conservation Technician position is a dynamic role that is part of a team of professionals who manage the natural areas of the Parks and Recreation system. He/She will work across multiple disciplines including IPM/restoration, wildlife management, community engagement and natural lands maintenance. This job posting is open until filled. To learn more information and to apply, please click HERE.

Healthy Headwaters is looking for a Western Water Project Manager that will be working at National Wildlife Federation. Along with coordinating Healthy Headwaters program activities (together with Sarah and the Healthy Headwaters Leadership Team), the Project Manager will lead implementation of a two-year riparian corridors project focused on the Upper Rio Grande. This is a remote position and candidates may work from a home office based in New Mexico. Applications will be reviewed upon submission on a rolling basis. Click HERE for more information.

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.

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 currently looking for a Stormwater Project Engineer / Manager & Engineer Intern. 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. The engineer will assist in and/or manage the planning, design, and production of engineering documents for a variety of projects to include stormwater and drainage design, stream restoration, floodplain analysis, detention and water quality, roadways, parks and trails.Visit the Careers page HERE.

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

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 Quality Regulatory & 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 March

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, 2020: Annual Water Seminar: Wading into Watershed Health | Southwestern Water Conservation District | DoubleTree Hotel in Durango. Water supply and water quality are inextricably linked to the health of our watersheds--from forest to valley floor. Irrigators, municipalities, tribes, and fish populations are among those impacted by recent wildfires. Efforts to bring significant financial support to southwest Colorado for forest management and wildfire mitigation have been successful. Also, the regional forest products industry is gaining momentum as economic incentives shift. Click HERE to register.

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 through March 31st, 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 15th, 2020: The Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter | American Mountaineering Center in Golden, CO. This meeting is expected to bring together more than 150 research­ers, students, government scientists, private-sector consultants, and other wetland practitioners.  It will cultivate scientific exchanges between diverse groups of professionals involved in wetland stewardship around the region. Click HERE to access the registration link.

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 8th, 2020: President’s Reception | Water Education Colorado | 6:00-10:00 p.m. | Balistreri Vineyards. Join a night of celebration, networking, and awards to honor water leadership and raise money for Water Education Colorado at one of the best events of the year. Enjoy a cocktail hour, seated dinner, awards presentation, and lively auction at a beautiful indoor/outdoor venue. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year's award recipients! Click HERE to get tickets.

MAY 15th-18th, 2020: River Rally | River Network | San Antonio, Texas. Early Bird pricing until April 1st, 2020. 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 are 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 March

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is pleased to announce that the Public Review Draft of the Colorado Fluvial Hazard Zone (FHZ) Delineation Protocol along with a comment sheet has been posted for review HERE. Please submit by March 16th, 2020, comments, constructive recommendations, points of concern, areas that could use clarification, questions, additional references or studies for consideration and/or positive feedback recorded on the comment sheet found on the google drive folder and emailed to Chris Sturm (chris.sturm@state.co.us), Katie Jagt (katiejagt@watershedscienceanddesign.com), and Michael Blazewicz (michael@roundriverdesign.com). Additionally, if you have the opportunity to use this draft protocol for any mapping efforts in the coming months, the FHZ team is asking that you to fill out a short survey--the link is provided on the disclaimer page of the document. 

Submit your Session Abstracts for the Colorado WaterWise Annual Symposium! Have a topic that you think would appeal to the Symposium audience? Colorado WaterWise is planning the 2020 event and welcome your session ideas. Please complete the online form by April 3rd, 2020. If you have questions or issues completing the form, please email admin@coloradowaterwise.org. Click HERE for the submission form.

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 30th, 2020. Colorado Water Trust expects to host informational webinars in spring of 2020. For more information, click HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is pleased to announce the release of a new handbook Colorado Disaster Recovery, Lessons Learned: A Guide to Plan, React, Adapt, Evolve, and Achieve the Best Possible Outcomes for Our Communities and Stream Corridors. This book covers a conceptual model of recovery that includes: Disaster Response, Recovery Planning, Design and Permitting, Implementation, Monitoring and Adaptive Management, Pre-Disaster Planning. All of these are wrapped around a Centralized Recovery Program that also fully considers The Human Element that plays so heavily into recovery. The lessons learned pertain to each and every one of the recovery elements with each section providing action items or guiding principles for recovery managers to consider, including recommendations for: Changes to State and Federal Disaster Response, Disaster Recovery Actions, and Pre-Disaster Actions.

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.

There's an update to Water Education Colorado's high-quality reference series! The Citizen's Guide to Colorado Water Quality Protection, third edition provides an overview of water quality issues important to Colorado. It also tackles the complex water quality protection framework, including laws and regulations on a national, state and local level, which help ensure the protection, restoration and maintenance the quality of this natural resource. Click HERE to order your guide.

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.

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

Visit the remodeled Colorado Emergency Watershed Protection website from CWCB. Now, many of the resources developed during flood recovery in Colorado available to the public for use on future efforts.