Funding Opportunities Late June

Colorado’s State Revolving Fund drinking water and wastewater programs provide affordable financial assistance for water and sewer infrastructure design and construction projects throughout the State of Colorado. Eligibility to secure this funding begins with the annual eligibility survey. Complete survey in the Colorado Environmental Online Services (CEOS) system by June 30th, 2020. Learn more HERE.

The Women in Water Scholarship is an annual $5,000 gift awarded to a woman pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in any facet of Western water resources. Scholarship applications for the 2020-21 academic year will be accepted through July 1st, 2020. For more information and how to apply, click HERE.

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced the availability of up to $5 million for their Wetland Mitigation Banking Program. This funding through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program is available to help conservation partners develop or establish mitigation banks to help agricultural producers maintain eligibility for USDA programs. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 6th, 2020. For more information, click HERE.

USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced that it is investing over $2.27 million in Colorado for partner-driven conservation projects through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will leverage nearly $2.9 million in partner contributions in Colorado. The 2020 deadline has passed. For the full press release, click HERE. For more information about NRCS in Colorado and its programs and opportunities, please visit HERE.

USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and private landowners through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to create, restore, and enhance wetlands. Click HERE for more information.

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 Late June

JUNE 8th-21st, 2020: Resilient Colorado: Natural Hazards Education | Hazard Education Awareness & Resilience Task (HEART) Force. A course on teaching wildfire, floods, and drought is offered through the virtual WCU Summer Teacher Institute. Three 90-minute synchronous virtual meetings will be held during these dates. If participants cannot make a meeting, meetings will be recorded. Participation and course credit (EDUC 510, 1 credit) are free! For more information please click HERE.

JUNE 9th-29th, 2020: Western Rivers Ecology and Geography Course | Western Colorado University. Learn how to utilize rivers and riparian habitat as the context to meet the Colorado 2020 Science standards (NGSS) through observations, explorations, discussions, and journaling to create three-dimensional, phenomenon and problem-driven science learning experiences. During this hybrid course, participants will explore the three major components of a river ecosystem: aquatic life, water quality, and riparian habitat as well as watershed geography. Interdisciplinary experiences include self-directed field explorations at your home, engaging with free data visualization tools and labs, and mapping explorations. The workshop is designed for 3rd-10th grade educators. Register HERE.

JUNE 23rd & 24th / SEPT. 2nd & 3rd, 2020: Water Fluency Program | Water Education Colorado | Durango, CO. A professional development course to help you understand water and lead with confidence. The Water Fluency Program offers immersion in the language of water as well as tools for navigating the culture, complexity, and future of water management and policy issues. There is potential for the first session to be virtual. Registration is closed. To learn more click HERE.

JUNE 26th, 2020: Citizen Science Programs Q/A | Mountain Studies Institute | 6:00-6:30 p.m. Get any questions answered and to try out iNaturalist with an MSI staffer on the line to help with any troubleshooting. Download the free iNaturalist App, make a free account, and try making an observation. This Q/A is to help with any troubles you may have along the way, or questions about citizen science monitoring programs. For more information click HERE.

JUNE 29th-30th / JULY 22nd / JULY 30th-31st / SEPT. 9th, 2020: Online Qualified MS4 Stormwater Permit Compliance Professional | American Stormwater Institute, LLC. The MS4-SCP is a two-day course that addresses everything you must do to be in compliance with your MS4 permit. For more information and to register, click HERE.

JULY 7th-AUGUST 4th, 2020: Geo-Hydro Teen Tuesdays - Summer Program | Wild Rose Education. Explore the science and geography of your watershed through engaging activities, simulations, citizen science projects, geography experts, deliberations, and more. Meet weekly with fellow teens to learn, discuss, and explore current watershed science and geography topics.  Session topics include: watersheds, mapping, Colorado River issues, snow and mountain water supply, water law, and watershed management. The cost of the session is $375. Register by June 23rd HERE.

JULY 20th-31st, 2020: Leave No Trace Trainer Course | Western Colorado University. This LNT Trainer Course will give participants LNT skills and ethics as well as techniques for effectively sharing these low impact practices with students of all ages. This course is specifically for educators who take youth outdoors for single or multi-day courses. Research has shown that this course significantly improves participant knowledge and understanding of how Leave No Trace protects the outdoor places we love. Register HERE.

JULY 22nd-24th, 2020: Virtual Stay-In-stitute for Climate Change Education | Wild Rose Education. Co-hosted by Climate Generation, NOAA’s Climate Program Office and The Wild Center’s Youth Climate Program! The Youth Water Leadership Program is building a cohort for the Institute from the Upper Colorado River Basin. Join the cohort and bring your unique perspective to a group of educators from across the basin. For more information and to register click HERE.

JULY 23rd & 24th, 2020: Certified Stormwater Inspector (Municipal) Training WEBINAR | National Stormwater Center | 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Denver, CO. All classes are being conducted as live, interactive webinars. 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. 

JULY 27th-AUGUST 7th, 2020: Youth Community Civic Action Process Educator Course. Join the Youth Water Leadership Program for a hybrid virtual educator professional development course! Participants will learn how to guide their learners in community-focused civic action projects. Register HERE.

AUGUST 3rd-5th, 2020: “Public Lands of the United States: Designations, History, and Today” | Wild Rose Education. During this 3-day virtual professional development workshop, expand your knowledge of public lands in America and how you might teach others about federal public land. For more information and to register, click HERE.

AUGUST 20th & 21st, 2020: Water Educator Symposium—"Equipping Learners for Action in a Climate of Uncertainty” & Project WET Workshop—"Activities for Hydrology, Climate & Colorado’s Water Future” | 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.

Webinar: History, Release, and Spread of the Tamarisk Beetle | Rivers Edge West. Hear from Ben Bloodworth, the Tamarisk Beetle Program Coordinator for RiversEdge West, as he discusses the history, release, and spread of the tamarisk beetle. Click HERE to watch the full video now.

The Society of Outdoor Recreational Professionals opened recent, relevant past webinars and made those available to all for free during this challenging time. Some of the recent topics include inclusivity in the outdoor recreation community, strategies to influence visitor behavior, visitor use management, partnerships, effects of climate change on outdoor recreation, monitoring, and many more. This is an opportunity to keep your skills sharp and view a webinar that you may not have had time for previously. Access recent, free SORP webinars 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 Late June

Colorado Trout Unlimited seeks a Youth Education Coordinator. The successful candidate will work with 24 local chapters and other education partners to engage young people from elementary school through college-age groups with watershed education, conservation, and angling. The position benefits greatly from experience in managing volunteers. Apply by June 19th, 2020. For more information and how to apply click HERE.

Ark Ecological Services is recruiting for permanent and seasonal Ecological Technician Positions that will work in various open space lands in Colorado Front Range ecosystems for a varied array of clients. Duties include native land management focused on ecological restoration and integrated weed management. The application deadline is June 19th, 2020. For more information click HERE.

CSU Extension in the Longmont office is seeking a Extension Regional Specialist. This position provides leadership for small acreage management programming and research, coordination of effort, and communication and facilitation among Colorado State University Extension, the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service, and conservation districts in the Front Range region. For full consideration, all materials must be RECEIVED no later than 11:59 p.m. MST June 30th, 2020. For more information please click HERE.

Denver Audubon is looking for Education Interns—dedicated, energetic, and enthusiastic individuals—to join the team of talented and experienced staff and volunteers for the winter/spring 2021! This internship will constantly adapt to meet COVID-19 guidelines per the CDC and CDPHE. Environmental education interns will be responsible for assisting with the preparation of and teaching environmental educational programs (about birds, habitats, watersheds, water quality, and conservation) for school-aged and/or high school students. The application deadline is December 11th, 2020. Please click HERE for more information.

Larimer County is seeking a Ranger. This position performs as a peace officer; enforces Colorado Revised Statutes and park rules and regulations; contacts violators and issues warning or citation; conducts investigations and arrests; performs a variety of professional work in providing ranger services to the public, including ranger natural resource management and interpretation, ranger and volunteer operations, enforcement of park regulations, supervision of Ranger I employees, seasonal, and assigned staff and minor maintenance tasks. This position is full time, year round, and is eligible for benefits. See the job posting HERE.

Tax Credit Connection is hiring a Contract Review and Document Specialist. This person will likely have a legal or similar background and love the details of the various tax credit programs – conservation, historic rehabilitation, and environmental remediation. Lots of attention to detail needed as you’ll be reviewing the documents for all three programs and ensuring that all projects will pass the state regulatory process. For more information and how to apply, click HERE.

Mountain Studies Institute is seeking an Environmental Education Coordinator in Durango, CO. This position will be tasked with developing and delivering place-based environmental education and stewardship activities centered around MSI’s community-driven water, forest health, and climate-related research and action. For more information and application, details click HERE.

Adams County is looking to fill a brand new Senior Parks and Trails Ranger position (full-time, permanent). This function is expected to identify and resolve problems that arise in the normal course of the work.  These efforts are to provide education, safety and well-being for those who visit and utilize the open spaces, trail system, and park facilities managed by Adams County. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) seeks an experienced and high-energy professional with a passion for wildlife and habitat protection to direct development and communications. This position is vital to the SPLT mission to create and protect a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, which ensure a future for all native animals and plants. The position will be open until filled. Visit their website HERE and see the job announcement HERE.

Headwaters Alliance is seeking a Water Quality Data Specialist to create a single, integrated, public access database of all water and soil quality data related to the Willow Creek Watershed, collected by the many agencies and entities over the past 25+ years as part of the CWCB funded Comprehensive Willow Creek Watershed Planning Project. The product will be a living public-use database that can be easily updated in the future, used to rank and prioritize reclamation needs in the watershed, for analysis and modeling and more. To learn more click HERE.

 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.

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.

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 Late June

JUNE 1st-24th, 2020: Yampa River Festival goes VIRTUAL.The flagship event of Friends of the Yampa, the Yampa River Festival, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Unfortunately in light of the current health crisis, the event will not be the familiar river party. That being said, Friends of the Yampa hope to leverage partnerships and the latest technology to promote virtual participation in the 2020 Yampa River Festival. Please head HERE to participate in the celebration!

JUNE 17th, 2020: Virtual Youth Camp | Colorado Trout Unlimited | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. In lieu of this year’s River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp, Colorado Trout Unlimited will be hosting a series of five two-hour virtual camp events called TU Teen LIVE. These Zoom events will cover various topics in relation to Trout Unlimited’s mission and fly fishing. Participants will get a virtual tour of a Colorado Parks and Wildlife hatchery, learn more about their watershed, determine how to select their fly based on macroinvertebrates, and meet a panel of people who have careers in water conservation or fishing. There are only 20 spots available, so secure your ticket today HERE!

JUNE 18th, 2020: Colorado Outdoor Regional Partnerships Webinar | Partners in the Outdoors | 9:00- 10:15 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and members of the Colorado Outdoor Partnership (CO-OP) will present a concept for a new statewide initiative to support and encourage locally driven collaborative solutions for ensuring that Colorado’s lands and waters thrive while providing opportunities for all Coloradans to enjoy the outdoors. To do this, partners are exploring the development of Outdoor Regional Partnerships around the state in a manner that supports existing coalitions. For more information and to register, click HERE.

JUNE 18th, 2020: “No Occupation without Representation: Creating an Inclusive Workforce” | Partners in the Outdoors | 10:30- 11:45 a.m. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and the National Park Service (NPS) are striving to better represent the public that they serve by diversifying their workforce. During this presentation Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK) and NPS will highlight the Urban Ranger program and how it is addressing the challenges associated with the task of recruiting and retaining a workforce that best represents the communities that we serve. For more information and to register, click HERE.

JUNE 24th, 2020: Trout Tank Virtual Pitch Event and Demo Day | Colorado Small Business Development Center | 4:00-6:00 p.m. During the first-ever Trout Tank: Virtual Pitch Event and Demo Day, you will hear the top 5 pitches of the Trout Tank Cohort, be able to ask the founders questions, and have an opportunity to interact with attendees and founders in small format breakout rooms for a truly interactive virtual Trout Tank experience. For more information and to register, click HERE.

JULY 6th-10th, 2020: Water & Wildlife Camp | Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This is for campers entering 3rd-4th grades. Let your littles have fun in the sun exploring along the Arkansas River banks, to the Mountain Park ponds and creeks in search of local wildlife! Adventures include hiking, nature games, team building, paddle-boarding, and kayaking at Lake Pueblo State Park! Partial scholarships are available. The application deadline was June 12th. For more information click HERE.

JULY 11th, 2020: Nearly a Night at the Park | Mountain Area Land Trust | 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Pre-event begins at 6:30 pm. To keep the sense of togetherness alive, Mountain Area Land Trust celebrates land and water conservation in the comfort of our own home, driveway, or deck - wherever you have WiFi! For more information click HERE.

JULY 27th, 2020: Apiary Tours with The Peoples Bees | Living Systems Institute | Golden, CO | 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Whether you're interested in beekeeping, looking to broaden your gardening skills, or just curious about LSI services, please join a free tour of the apiary on the last Friday of every month! You’ll see 5 hives from a comfortable distance, learn about LSI mission and services, and, if time allows, crack open a hive and observe a frame! Registration is free but donations are welcome. To register and look at more dates, click HERE.

AUGUST 2nd, 2020: Virtual Garden Tour - Designing Backyard Wetlands for Wildlife, Diversity, and Tranquility | Colorado Native Plant Society | 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. John Giordanengo will host the Virtual Garden Tour, showing off the backyard wetland that he created. This is a peaceful space to hang out and enjoy the trickling of water and birdsong. He will talk about the mechanics of how he created his pond and wetland with Colorado native plants bordering its banks. John is the principal ecologist and owner of the firm, AloTerra Restoration Services in Fort Collins. He has wide and deep experience with restoration of not only wetlands, but forests, prairies, stream banks, and open spaces. For more information and to register, click HERE.

AUGUST 3rd-4th, 2020: Forests to Faucets | Mountain Studies Institute | Pagosa Springs, CO. Mountain Studies Institute partners with San Juan Mountains Association, the Water Information Program, and Fort Lewis College to host a two-day workshop to introduce regional educators to the My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains teaching guide. This place-based approach to watershed education rotates each summer to a different geographic area. The 2020 workshop will explore the Upper San Juan River watershed and will be based out of Pagosa Springs. Check it out HERE.

AUGUST 20th-21st, 2020: Summit for Action Online. Summit for Action is a 2-day event for thought-provoking discussions and solutions-based recommendations for Justice, Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. The Summit for Action model brings together a variety of community leaders and key stakeholders to develop shared understanding around the steps needed to inspire and drive social change around Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion issues. Register by July 10th for early bird pricing HERE.

AUGUST 20th & 21st, 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, register, and join a carpool HERE.

SEPTEMBER 2020: Colorado's 2020 Advancing Environmental Education Conference | Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) | Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, CO. Registration will be closed until further details are available. 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. Click HERE to read all about it.

SEPTEMBER 9th-11th, 2020 | ESRI Water GIS Conference 2020 | Chicago, IL or online. Discover all-new GIS solutions for the water industry, learn from Esri experts, build your professional network, and bring home new GIS skills that will make you a valuable asset at your organization. For more information click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 15th, 2020: RiverBank | Colorado Water Trust | Denver Botanic Gardens. This annual fundraiser seeks to restore flows to Colorado’s rivers in need. It’s a fun-filled evening of food, drinks, a silent auction, and the presentation of the David Getches Flowing Waters Award. Visit the event page HERE.

SEPTEMBER 18th, 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. This year's award recipients have been announced! Purchase tickets by September 14th. Click HERE to get tickets.

SEPTEMBER 21st-23rd: 2020 Colorado Open Spaces Alliance Conference | Community Conservation: Keeping it Relevant | Vail, CO. Do you have open space, natural resource management, or conservation expertise you’d like to share?  COSA is seeking presentations and they are proud to present this year’s keynote speakers, Nina Simon, Of/By/For All, and Lori Weigel, New Bridge Strategies. Nina will speak to the challenges and opportunities we all face as we work to make our open spaces welcome to diverse audiences. Submit your proposal HERE. The deadline to submit a session proposal is June 19th, 2020.

OCTOBER 6th-8th, 2020: 15th Annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference: Business as (Un)Usual | Westin Riverfront Resort, Avon, CO. For 2020 we’ll be focusing on work that challenges the status quo, represents different perspectives around any given issue, or highlights new partnerships and/or business models that are helping to sustain and advance projects, programs, or even entire organizations. Please give your input on our participant survey HERE. Sponsorship opportunities are available HERE or visit the conference homepage HERE.

OCTOBER 28th, 2020: Water Conservation Symposium | Colorado WaterWise | Mile High Station. Colorado WaterWise invites you to save the date for the 12th annual conservation symposium. They are continuing to monitor the latest information related to the COVID-19 pandemic and will adhere to all regulations related to public gatherings in effect at that time. For more information on the event, click HERE.

DECEMBER 2nd-3rd, 2020: South Platte Forum. SPF may offer a condensed, online event that would still include timely speakers and topics from within the South Platte Basin. Browse the agenda topics HERE, and register early HERE before October 1st.

Announcements Late June

By JUNE 19th, 2020: Submit a session proposal for the Colorado Open Spaces Alliance Conference — Community Conservation: Keeping it Relevant | Vail, CO | Sept. 21st-23rd, 2020. Do you have open space, natural resource management, or conservation expertise you’d like to share? COSA is seeking presentations and they are proud to present this year’s keynote speakers, Nina Simon, Of/By/For All, and Lori Weigel, New Bridge Strategies. Submit your proposal 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 30th, 2020. Colorado Water Trust expects to host informational webinars in spring of 2020. For more information, click HERE.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing information on drinking water and wastewater to provide clarity to the public. The COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. Based on current evidence, the risk to water supplies is low. For more information and resources click HERE.

Read the Colorado Parks and Wildlife press release “Constructed wetlands in southwest Colorado will mimic natural flow of Dolores River” HERE.

Just in time for the summer camping season, the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is unveiling a new campground on the Arkansas River about 20 miles southeast of Salida near Howard. Read the full Colorado Parks and Wildlife article HERE.

Colorado residents will vote in November on a ballot initiative that calls for the proposed reintroduction of gray wolves to the state. Proposition 107, a citizen-initiated measure, would direct the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission to develop and oversee a science-based plan to restore wolves to the western part of the state. Read the news from Colorado State University HERE.

WaterNow Alliance is conducting a survey of municipal decision-makers, managers and water utility staff on key water supply issues facing Colorado’s communities. Your input is important to their work and you are encouraged to participate. WaterNow Alliance is a nonprofit network of local water leaders supporting sustainable, affordable, and climate resilient water solutions with a special focus on Colorado. This survey is intended to help them better understand your water supply priorities and interests and the potential for implementing ATMs in Colorado. If you are not familiar with ATMs, please don’t let that prevent you from taking the survey – that’s exactly the type of information they’re looking for! To participate click HERE.

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) announced its slate of new and re-elected members of its Citizen Task Force (CTF), a 16-member panel that advises Colorado Parks and Wildlife on management issues in the upper Arkansas River valley. Read the full Colorado Parks and Wildlife article HERE.

In the closing hours of the 2020 legislative session, Colorado legislators approved $1 million to support efforts to develop Colorado’s next new state park around iconic Fishers Peak near Trinidad. Read the full Colorado Parks and Wildlife article HERE.

The River Network has Pandemic Resources for Nonprofits. As we all continue to practice physical distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19, many organizations are transitioning to remote work, cancelling or postponing events, wondering how to remain inclusive and equitable, and dealing with new anxiety and stress. Groups are looking for guidance and support regarding water shutoffs, water treatment, and other topics relevant to their work protecting and advocating for our nation’s waters. Click HERE to access resources on these topics.

Groundbreaking Climate Change Mitigation Tool Allows Communities to Assess Risks. A new state study and web-based visualization tool called Future Avoided Cost Explorer (FACE:Hazards), led by the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is now available to help communities examine the economic risks of climate change.

StormwateReport wrote an article on the U.S. Geological Survey’s new SPARROW Tool, which models streamflow. Read the article HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it is continuing its focus on taking action to address polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and protect public health. Building on the work outlined in its February 2019 PFAS Action Plan, the agency announced it is expanding its research efforts and capabilities by launching its PFAS Innovative Treatment Team (PITT). 

Water Education Colorado's high-quality reference series just got better with publication of the Citizen's Guide to Where Your Water Comes From. It 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 get a guide.

If you are stuck at home in need of a good read, or craving good news about our world, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers have it for you! Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and read the Gaining Ground Annual Report for stories of an inclusive community and the epic positive influence your investment in WRV has made possible! Read on HERE.

The Front Range Roundtable, Southern Rockies Fire Science Network, Colorado Forest Restoration Institute, and CSU Forest and Rangeland Stewardship have released Mulching: A knowledge summary and guidelines for best practices on Colorado’s Front Range. Click HERE to check it out!

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.

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 Colorado Water Conservation Board’s 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 the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). Now, many of the resources developed during flood recovery in Colorado available to the public for use on future efforts.