Funding Opportunities Early October

Are you interested in learning more about Colorado's State Revolving Fund, a low-interest loan program for water and wastewater infrastructure? In lieu of the annual in-person training, three webinars are being offered that review the basics of the SRF program. Each session will include a 45-60 minute presentation and approximately 30 minutes for Q&A. Attendance is FREE. Please RSVP here to receive the webinar link and call in information.

  • SRF 101- Financial Benefits of the SRF Program | October 6th, 2020 1:00-2:30 p.m.

  • SRF 101- The Process & Program Requirements | October 13th, 2020 1:00-2:30 p.m.

  • SRF 101- The Regulations | October 20th, 2020 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF, and Cleanup (MARC) Grant Application Resources. Grants offered by the Brownfields Program may be used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum.  Please visit the Types of Grant Funding for an overview of the Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants. The FY 2021 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant Guidelines are now available. The application submission deadline is October 28th, 2020. For more information click 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.

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.

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.

Colorado Emergency Drought Response Program.-The Program provides up to $1 million annually, in the form of loans or grants, for emergency drought-related water augmentation purposes to Colorado’s agricultural water users. 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 October

OCTOBER 3rd-4th, 2020 | Habitats: Dolores River | Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Restore riparian habitat on this spectacular river by planting native riparian species and removing invasive tamarisk. You will camp out near the river, and spend a few days working to restore a critical riparian area in the desert. The Dolores River has been infested with tamarisk, and this project is part of a larger effort to improve habitat along the river. Click HERE for more information and to register.

OCTOBER 8th-9th, 2020 | Project Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities | EUCI | Online Course. Project Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities will cover the hard basics of defining and closing a project while driving home the importance of refining the skills that bring an idea from the drawing board to your residents’ backyard. This course will enable you to assess the feasibility of a project and define (or define your plan). The instructor will layout strategies for piloting a project, identifying new opportunities, mitigating risks, promoting your team to take ownership of their work, and defining the intangibles of customer communication. Click HERE for more information.

OCTOBER 13th, 2020: “Main Steps and Considerations for Developing Stream Restoration that will be Viable in the Long Run” | RiversEdge West | Webinar | 11:00 a.m. Successful riparian restoration hinges on understanding the stream corridor, which consists of three main elements: stream channel (aquatic zone), floodplain (riparian zone), and transitional upland zone. As part of this live webinar, Mark will introduce the guidebook, its diverse authors, case studies, and review the main steps and considerations for successfully restoring damaged stream ecosystems, including the riparian zone. For more information click HERE.

OCTOBER 27th, 2020: “Adapting Your Stream Restoration Project to Climate Change” | RiversEdge West | Webinar | 11:00 a.m. Climate change is real, occurring rapidly, and has to be taken into account when developing stream restoration. As the second part of this two-part webinar series on stream restoration, Mark Briggs (Restoration Coordinator, RiversEdge West) will discuss climate change issues and strategies that stream practitioners can use to improve the likelihood of restoration success in the context of a rapidly changing climate. For more information click HERE.

NOVEMBER 14th-15th, 2020: Rivers: Willow Planting on the Poudre | Wildlands Restoration Volunteers. Join in November at CSU's Environmental Learning Center on the Poudre River! On this weekend, we will be planting willows to help prevent erosion of a cut bank. This will help keep the river in its channel and protect the facilities at the ELC. For more information click HERE.

Water Studies Certificate and Courses | Metropolitan State University of Denver. MSU Denver’s Water Studies Certificate is designed for professionals who want to protect this valuable resource and teaches students the history, law, management, and trends of water in Colorado and the American West. The certificate presents an opportunity to increase your skillset and broaden your marketability during this unknown time. Since the courses are entirely self-paced, you can complete the certificate while working through adjustments at home. These include unpredictable work schedules, home learning for children, or care of a loved one. For more information and registration click HERE.

“Storm-water Treatment Systems and Green Infrastructure” | Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance. Educational video discusses stormwater treatment systems and green infrastructure. Click HERE to view.

“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.

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.

“Water: We Need It; It Needs Us” | 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.

Job Announcements Early October

The City of Longmont is excited to announce an opportunity for a full-time, benefitted position as a Natural Resources Technician.  With a focus on vegetation management, this position will assist with weed management utilizing IPM techniques, ecological restoration, and wildlife management. Closing date is October 9th. For more information and how to apply click HERE.

The City of Longmont is also hiring for a non-benefited, Temporary Natural Resources Technician. This year round position does not have a term limit but is limited to 1560 hours annually. This position performs a wide variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to vegetation management, wildlife management and grounds maintenance of open space, nature areas, greenways, and other City owned lands with natural resource values. Deadline for submission October 11th! For more information click HERE.

The Southern Plains Land Trust (SPLT) seeks a high-energy and motivated individual with a passion for wildlife and habitat protection to manage our ecological restoration work. This position is vital to our mission to create and protect a network of shortgrass prairie preserves, which ensure a future for all native animals and plants. Posted September 21st. For more information click HERE.

The new Outdoor Recreation Economy professional education program at the University of Colorado will be hiring three new faculty members to increase their professional and subject-matter expertise. Since they’ll be coming to a professional graduate program, the successful applicant could be a person with academic experience and/or a person with significant professional/business/industry experience. Click the links provided for more information. Review of applications will begin on November 1, 2020; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Specifically, they will be hiring Senior Instructors in

Palmer Land Trust seeks a qualified and motivated individual to join our team to assist in developing strategic, innovative, and lasting conservation projects throughout the region. The Conservation and Recreation Program Manager (CRPM) will serve as the internal transaction lead for complex real estate transactions, supporting the Land Team on acquisition projects as needed. The CRPM will also be responsible for developing and implementing Palmer’s newly created Trail Program, designed to assist community efforts around finalizing two trails in the Pikes Peak Region, the Front Range Trail and the Ring the Peak Trail. Additionally, the CRPM will take the technical lead on acquisition projects to increase local public lands. The CRPM reports to the Conservation and Stewardship Director (CSD) and works as a part of a team to ensure Palmer’s mission is fulfilled to the highest standards. Open until filled. For more information click HERE.

Palmer Trust seeks a Community Conservation Manager. This position serves as a representative to conservation stakeholders in Palmer’s service territory of Pueblo County and the Lower Arkansas Valley. At the core of the position is managing relationships with a wide array of landowners, conservation partners, and community stakeholders. The position will be responsible for managing multiple outreach and community development aspects of the Bessemer Farmland Conservation Project and expanding and deepening Palmer’s presence in the community of Pueblo. For more information and to apply click HERE.

Stillwater Sciences seeks highly motivated junior, mid-level, and senior-level engineers to serve as a member of an interdisciplinary team working on habitat restoration planning, design, and implementation, as well as general water resources management projects, throughout California, the Pacific Northwest, and Rockies. Junior-level candidates should possess a B.S. or M.S. in engineering; Mid-level candidates should possess 3–7 years of engineering-related work experience in addition to degree; Senior-level candidates should possess 8+ years of engineering-related work experience in addition to degree. Positions will remain open until filled. For more information and how 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.

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

Colorado Rural Water Association is seeking a Training Specialist/Field Supervisor in Pueblo, CO. This person will plan, conduct and supervise the training activities of the Association.  This person will on occasion travel the state providing training and technical assistance to small water and wastewater systems.  The right candidate will be a Certified Water Professional with multiple years of water and wastewater treatment experience as well distribution and collection experience. For more information click HERE.

Resource Central is seeking a Conservation Engagement Manager, Conservation Associate, and a part-time Conservation Associate in Boulder, CO. 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 September. Most volunteer effort is needed Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays. For more information click HERE. 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.

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 October

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 6th, 2020, 10 am- 11:30 am “Ideas RoundUP Open Space” | Public Spaces | Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute. Public spaces are important for promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and creating a sense of community. However, while parks and other public spaces are meant to be open to all, not all feel welcome. This session will explore the racial and social constructs that influence how these spaces are used. For more information and to register click HERE.

OCTOBER 13th-29th, 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. Non-member tickets only $25.00! For more information on the event, click HERE. Register HERE.

OCTOBER 15th, 2020, 1:30-2:30 pm | Revisioning Relevance To Become OF/BY/FOR ALL | COSA Conference | Webinar. In place of the conference this fall, we're hosting a FREE interactive webinar with keynote speaker Nina Simon. Nina is the Spacemaker & CEO of OF/BY/FOR ALL, a global nonprofit that creates digital tools to help civic and cultural organizations become more inclusive, relevant, and sustainable. Nina will share concrete strategies to help your team re-vision your organization and your relationship with the communities that matter most to your future. You’ll leave the webinar with tools you can use to build a future of, by, and for your community. For more information and to register click HERE.

OCTOBER 17th, 2020 | Fishing Derby | Greenwood Village. Join the Greenwood Village residency in their Fishing Derby. Bring your own pole, tackle, bait and mask. Reservations are limited. Click HERE for more information.

OCTOBER 21st- NOVEMBER 11th 2020 | Trout Tank Pitch Accelerator. Trout Tank H20 is about ensuring entrepreneurs who are stepping up to preserve and protect the things we love about living, working, and playing in Colorado are successful, which means we all get to continue to do the things we love. It is free to apply but only 15 companies will be accepted so be sure to apply early. Entrepreneurs and businesses along the range from early-stage startups to more established companies are welcome. If you have an idea, product, or service that addresses a water-related challenge, you are a fit for this program. Applications close on October 15th, 2020. For more information click HERE.

OCTOBER 20th-29th, 2020: Common Ground Conference | Colorado Section of the Society for Range Management | Virtual. Participants will have the opportunity to hear from and interact with local professionals in rangeland agriculture, land management, applied ecology, and science communication. Registration is free, easy, and you can tune in to any of the October 2020 sessions virtually! 

OCTOBER 22nd, 8am-12:30pm | Confluence: Colorado Water Summit | Virtual. This  Summit is the only water conference in the region to examine the economic issues surrounding the scarcity of water affecting the growing numbers of residents of the Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado. Confluence will take a deep dive into issues surrounding rising water prices, and will explore the many facets of water availability, cost, conservation, development and supply. For more information click HERE.

OCTOBER 2020: Roxborough State Park’s naturalist guided activities. Come join the fun, learn about nature and watch Roxborough State Park change with the seasons. Park naturalists will lead you on a journey of discovery through our guided hikes and activities. Programs, sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, are free; however, please remember that all vehicles entering the park must purchase a $9 daily pass or display a valid annual pass. Please note: most programs require reservations. For information and to register for programs call the park at 303-973-3959. For the full list and newsletter 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.

JULY 19th-21st, 2021 | American Water Resources Association (AWRA) 2021 Land and Water Policy Specialty Conference | Denver. The 2021 Summer Specialty Conference will bring together stakeholders from various types of organizations and professions across multiple disciplines to address the design, integration, and implementation of the programs and research necessary to improve the connection of land and water planning and policy. For more information click HERE.

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

Announcements Early October

River Network is looking for workshop proposals that include a combination of instruction and interactive training, that leverage lessons learned and proven approaches, and involve engaging speakers. We seek to accelerate the pace of progress toward a sustainable and equitable water future through River Rally’s learning opportunities. The deadline for all workshop proposals has been EXTENDED to October 15th, 2020. Workshops will be selected by October 31st, 2020, with final confirmations by all speakers completed by or before November 15th, 2020. Please review the guidelines and instructions below and consider submitting a workshop proposal for River Rally 2021. Click HERE for more information.

Each year, up to five individuals are selected as River Heroes, honored and celebrated at River Rally. Awardees are exceptional due to their significant and extraordinary work related to river conservation and/or water advocacy. Their achievements relate to the key issues fundamental to solving today’s water crisis and expanding our understanding of the evolving social context of water. Submit your nomination materials through the online nomination form before Tuesday, October 30th, 2020.

#YouthACOS Adventure Workbook: Download the new and improved version with the extended deadline: Oct. 30th Early Bird or Nov. 6th Regular. It’s loaded with activities, from writing prompts to photography tips and a call for photos. The workbook is geared toward kids ages 7-12, but kids of all ages will find it fun! For questions or to request hardcopies, please contact lmayer@arapahoegov.com.

Arapahoe County Open Spaces has published REPORT RESULTS from the Master Plan update surveys.

This video provides an overview of the Hale Ranch, one of CPW's newest conservation easements. This magnificent property, located in the San Luis Valley, offers public access for fishing and hunting on the Rio Grande.  Thanks to funding provided by the Habitat Stamp, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and some federal dollars, the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program has made great strides in protecting critical wildlife habitat and enhancing public access. Learn more HERE

Visitors to Steamboat Lake State Park may see water levels dropping over the next few days as water is released from the reservoir. For more information click HERE.

Never-before-seen moths, a hunter's 'sneak peak,' construction of visitor parking, picnic areas and trails highlight recent progress at Fishers Peak State Park. Click HERE to read the full article. 

“Rangers go extra miles to help nonnative creature found in danger in campground” Read the full story from Colorado Parks and Wildlife HERE.

Share your drought related-stories! Faced with the challenge of traveling and touring in the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Colorado Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources invite all who are experiencing the impacts of drought, particularly in agriculture, to submit their drought-related stories online through a dedicated “Drought Virtual Tour” website managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

A newly completed multi-year construction project now lets both boaters and fish travel the Arkansas River from Leadville to Cañon City. Read more in Colorado Outdoors.

After careful consideration of current spearfishing regulations and a large volume of email, phone calls and public meeting comments, Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists have opted to maintain the state's current spearfishing regulations. No proposed changes to the existing regulations will be moved forward to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission at this time. For more information visit HERE.