Funding Opportunities Early August

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) are pleased to announce the release of the 2021 Conservation Service Corps grant cycle with up to $1 million in funding for outdoor recreation, stewardship, and restoration projects completed by conservation service corps members. The goal of these funds is to employ youth and young adults (ages 14-25) throughout the state on critical outdoor recreation and natural resource stewardship projects using the network of conservation service corps accredited by CYCA. Applicants must submit applications to CYCA no later than 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17th, 2020. For more information click HERE.

In response to the impacts of COVID-19, GOCO has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, please visit the RCP page.

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 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 pre-qualification 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 application timelines vary by basin. 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 August

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 | Virtual. 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.

The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers courses in a live setting and online that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.

“We Can Make A Lot Happen When We Have A Plan” | American Rivers | Podcast. Learn more about Colorado's Stream Management Plans, an innovative planning tool prioritized in Colorado’s Water Plan, from people working with stakeholder groups and communities across Colorado to put them in place. Listen to the full podcast on Soundcloud HERE.

Returning Rapids Project: A discussion with Peter Lefebvre and Mike DeHoff | Colorado River Studies. The Returning Rapids Project seeks to document the recovery of river resources once inundated by a full Lake Powell, and now being exposed as reservoir storage declines. Peter Lefebvre and Mike DeHoff, principal investigators of the Returning Rapids project and professional river guides in Moab, Utah, are working to record these changes. They will share their preliminary findings and matched photographs in the talk. Watch the full video 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 Early August

Jefferson County Open Space is seeking a Natural Resources Senior Specialist—Forestry, who will provide field and office supervision of work crews of more than two Full-Time employees and manage natural resources of Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) properties.  Collect, analyze, and disseminate natural resource data and information. Prepare natural resource management plans based on sound scientific and biological principles. Applications are due August 9th, 2020. For more information and the application, click HERE.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is seeking a Water Quality Control Division Director. This position manages division programs who are responsible for: administering authority delegated by the EPA; implementing federal and state statutes including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act; supporting Colorado communities through community engagement and outreach as well as infrastructure support; ensuring decisions are evidence-based and data-informed which requires reliance on complex scientific, engineering, performance data and methodologies; developing new programming to address emerging contaminants, environmental justice, health equity, and real-time water quality needs across Colorado. Applications are due August 12th, 2020. To learn more and apply click HERE.

The Colorado River District seeks a candidate to fill a full-time Senior Water Rights Engineer/Hydrologist position in the Glenwood Springs office. This position will serve as the resident expert on technical issues and represent the Colorado River District and its interests in working with various groups and state agencies on subject areas. The Senior Water Rights Engineer/Hydrologist serves as the staff expert in surface water and groundwater hydrology, water rights administration and water rights matters within the Colorado River Basin. Applications are due August 14th, 2020. For more information and how to apply, click HERE.

Mountain Studies Institute is seeking a Bridging Mountains Environmental Education Coordinator in Durango, CO. MSI is an independent not-for-profit mountain research and education center established in 2002 in Silverton, Colorado. MSI develops science that people can use to address environmental issues facing the San Juan Mountains. They conduct and facilitate research, provide educational opportunities and internships, and conduct environmental monitoring. The position begins August 24, 2020 and ends July 23, 2021.For more information and to apply 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.

Northern Water seeks a skilled Water Quality Engineer to conduct water quality analyses of lakes and reservoirs of Northern Water’s collection and distribution system and to manage water quality projects. A successful candidate will bring skills for big data management and analysis and a willingness to learn complex modeling techniques. Submit resume and cover letter by August 14th, 2020. For more information click HERE.

Colorado Rural Water Association is seeking a Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) Specialist. The primary goal of this position is to assist public water systems (PWS) in the identification of critical water infrastructure for integration into the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). WFDSS is a web-based tool developed by the federal government designed to assist fire managers in making streamlined decisions during wildfires. Position open until filled. For more information click HERE.

Resource Central is seeking a Water Programs Manager—a proven leader to help expand conservation programs throughout the region. Resource Central provides tremendous benefits including: health, dental, vision, life insurance, 403b retirement plan with match, generous paid time off and paid holiday offerings, reimbursement on a fitness membership, free bus pass and more. For more information click HERE.

The City of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for Natural Lands Outreach Volunteers. Participants in this program can volunteer to host an Outreach table to welcome and educate users at the 55th Trailhead and Coot Lake Trailhead. Or, volunteers can walk the Path that runs from Coot Lake to the North Shores of the Boulder Reservoir and record the use at these Natural Areas. These positions will both inform management decisions and teach users about this location. Volunteers are required to volunteer for 2 shifts in August and September. Most volunteer effort is needed Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. For more information click HERE. To apply click HERE.

Tax Credit Connection is hiring a Contract Review and Document Specialist in Berthoud, CO. 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.

Adams County is looking to fill a brand new Senior Parks and Trails Ranger position (full-time, permanent) in Brighton, CO. 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.

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.

Conferences & Events Early August

AUGUST 1st-28th, 2020: Fishing Fundraiser & Poker Run | Friends of the Yampa | Yampa Basin Headwaters. This fundraiser is designed as a self-guided tour. It is set up to encourage people to get outside and enjoy fishing high up in the Yampa’s “out of the way places”, to the headwaters where rivers are born. It’s not always about the biggest fish, the most fish, or the deepest waters. Participants can get out and enjoy the tributaries, be somewhere you may have never been, and enjoy the beauty of the places where the Yampa River begins. Proceeds raised from this fundraiser will go toward scholarships for youth in the Yampa Valley to learn how to fly fish, and to help further FOTY’s projects, program, mission, and goals. Registration closes August 16th. 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 5th, 2020 | Colorado Forest Collaboratives Meeting | Virtual. The topics in the agenda include: ‘Shared Stewardship’ with Angela Boag - DNR, ‘Forest Action Plan & Forest Atlas’ with Amanda West Fordham - CSFS, ‘Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative & Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Projects’ with Sylvia Bierman & Todd Gardiner - USFS, ‘Colorado Water Plan’ with CWCB, and ‘Oregon Statewide Forest Collaborative Model’ with Tony Cheng - CFRI. For more information click HERE.

AUGUST 20th, 2020: Water Educator Network Symposium: Equipping Learners for Action in a Climate of Uncertainty | Water Education Colorado | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Register today and join water educators, water professionals, and decision-makers from around the state in an informative and dynamic discussion. This engaging virtual event will emphasize participant interaction with live chat, participant polling, and small group break-out sessions along with an exciting panel of speakers. Participants will be encouraged to reference resources ahead of the Symposium to ensure a dynamic discussion in the moment. 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. For more information and to register, click 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 HERE.

TODAY-AUGUST 30th, 2020: Denver Urban Water Cycle Bike Tour | Virtual & Self-Guided. This year’s Urban Water Cycle Tour is virtual! Start by watching a video of the tour route and speakers. Then, spend the day riding from Barnum Park along Weir Gulch to Globeville Landing on the South Platte River. You'll have access to a map and prizes! Find out more on Water Education Colorado’s website HERE.

AUGUST 31st- September 2nd, 2020 | Thinking Outside the Box—A Holistic Approach to Water Resources Planning | AWRA Colorado | Virtual. Join AWRA online for their virtual symposium! Highlights include keynote speakers, technical presentations, virtual networking, silent auction, and more! Early bird registration ends on August 10th, 2020. For more information click 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 10th, 2020: Rock the River | The Greenway Foundation | Virtual. Join virtually as some of Denver's best musicians perform for one night, directly to your living room! Stay tuned for more information on how to tune in. For more information click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 11th, 2020: Rocky Mountain Philanthropy Institute (RMPI) Conference | Virtual. The Association of Fundraising Professionals Colorado Chapter’s annual conference is dedicated to bringing Colorado fundraising professionals and nonprofit staff together to learn, network, and rejuvenate their passion for service. This year’s conference, “We are Change Makers,” comes at a time when professional learning and collaboration is especially critical. Communities across Colorado are counting on our industry not to adapt to the next normal, but to lead the charge. By harnessing the momentum of this moment, nonprofits are poised to make systems-level change – both in the world and within our organizations. Join this immersive day of collaboration and inspiration HERE.

SEPTEMBER 15th, 2020: RiverBank | Colorado Water Trust | Virtual. 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: 22nd Annual Cherry Creek Watershed Conference. A safe, guided tour of Cherry Creek’s marvelous projects! Hike or bike for this outdoor stewardship celebration with Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority (CCBWQA), Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority (SEMSWA), and Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners. Register after August 28th. www.cherry-creek.org

SEPTEMBER 18th, 2020: President’s Reception | Water Education Colorado | 6:00-10:00 p.m. | Virtual. 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 10th. Click HERE to get tickets.

SEPTEMBER 21st-24th, 2020: San Juan Mining & Reclamation Conference: Adaptive Capacity in Uncertain Times | Mountain Studies Institute | Virtual. Miners and mining communities are no strangers to challenge and changing conditions. The year of 2020 has brought with it a series of challenges and opportunities. As a result, the San Juan Mining & Reclamation Conference (SJMRC) theme is “Adaptive Capacity in Uncertain Times” to encourage discussions of how the mining and reclamation community can plan for success in an uncertain world. For more information and registration, click HERE.

SEPTEMBER 23rd-25th, 2020: ESRI Water GIS Conference 2020 | 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.

OCTOBER 6th-8th, 2020: 15th Annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference: Business as (Un)Usual | Virtual and In-Person throughout 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. Sponsorship opportunities are available HERE, and visit the conference homepage HERE.

OCTOBER 28th, 2020: Water Conservation Symposium | Colorado WaterWise | Virtual. 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.

OCTOBER 11th-13th, 2021: Colorado Open Space Alliance Conference | Grand Hyatt in Vail.

Announcements Early August

In celebration of Colorado Day, and the 144th birthday of the state, Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers free entry to 41 state parks on Monday, August 3. Although the state recognizes this annual holiday on the first of the month, state parks celebrate the occasion with free entrance on the first Monday of August. For a detailed article all about the day and trail etiquette click HERE.

Check out this virtual tour of Colorado Water Trust’s Hat Creek project by Tony LaGreca! Hat Creek is home to native Colorado Cutthroat Trout and a sport fishery. Click HERE to view the video. Click HERE for more information about the project on their website.

Take a look at the first installment of EcoFlight’s “Virtual Flight of the Week,” where you will be taken up in the air over public lands with conservation partners who are working to protect wildlands and solve complex management challenges. The first project is the Vail Pass Wildlife Crossing! Check out the full video HERE. The second installment of EcoFlight’s “Virtual Flight of the Week” over the Yampa is available HERE.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is encouraging trout anglers statewide to consider fishing early in the day and in higher altitude lakes and streams as hot, dry conditions and reduced water levels may increase stress to trout populations. To read the full article click HERE.

Know how to tell a newbie canoer? It’s easy. So are paddle sports, if you follow THESE TIPS from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Read Water Education Colorado’s Headwaters Summer Issue: Keeping Up With Aging Infrastructure HERE.

Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act and approved $900 million of annual funds for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to ensure necessary investments are allocated to protect irreplaceable lands and outdoor recreation opportunities in every state. This historic legislation will help direct funds to maintenance projects in Colorado to conserve public lands, waterways, and wildlife habitat for future generations to enjoy. 

Check out the Upper Colorado River Watershed Group’s July Watershed Snapshot: High Temperatures and Fish Stress HERE.

Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) is pleased to announce the official adoption of its 2020 Strategic Plan. The plan explores a new, values-based approach to grant-making for GOCO that reflects the priorities of GOCO’s partners, the needs of our state, and ideas for how GOCO can support those within its constitutional mission. To download the plan in English or Spanish, and to access GOCO’s new fiscal year ’21 grant calendar, visit HERE.

Turn your hikes into valuable research! Download the free iNaturalist app to help with weed mapping, bighorn sheep monitoring, and more. Learn how to conduct citizen science with iNaturalist through Mountain Studies Institute HERE.

Cherry Creek State Park is experiencing natural algal blooms that may be harmful to dogs and humans as a result of a number of things including warmer temperatures, stagnant waters, and nutrient loading from fertilized lawns. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recommends the following: Keep kids out, no pets in water, do not drink water, and avoid contact with algae. For Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s full article, click HERE.

Colorado is home to a large population of black bears, with numbers estimated at 17,000-20,000 in the state. As humans venture into Colorado’s great outdoors to spend quality time in nature, it is important to remember that bears and humans can and do live in harmony in our shared outdoor spaces when humans take proactive steps to avoid conflicts with bears. For Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s great article on how to keep safe and what measures to take this season, click HERE.

Water Education Colorado's high-quality reference series is getting better and better. Learn something new this summer with the Citizen's Guide to Colorado Groundwater. To receive a guide, click HERE.

Waste in Our Waters Toolkit by River Network. This toolkit is available for free HERE and features a step-by-step guide for addressing litter in your community, before and after it reaches your local waterway.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, is pleased to launch The Hardest Working River in the West, an ArcGIS StoryMap focused on the key water sustainability issues in the Colorado River Basin. Through data visualizations and stories, the web-based StoryMap highlights the places, people, and policies that have historically shaped and will continue to shape water and land management surrounding the 1,450-mile Colorado River. 

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.