Announcements Early February

Applications for 2021 Growing Water Smart Workshops in Colorado and Arizona are open. The virtual workshops will be held over 3-4 days; mid-May for Colorado and mid-June for Arizona. This physically distanced but highly collaborative workshop provides a great opportunity for counties, municipalities, or regions to link water and land use, create an action plan, and qualify for technical assistance to support your path forward. There is no cost to participating teams. Contact climateresilience@sonoraninstitute.org with questions. Applications are due by February 15th, 2021.

USDA is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture. Interested individuals or organizations may nominate themselves or others by March 5, 2021. Read the full press release HERE.

Get to know the US's landmark water policy, the Clean Water Act! This video, produced in collaboration with Resource Media, provides an overview of the history and contents of the Act including designated uses, water quality criteria, and antidegradation (as well as what all that means!). It's a great primer for your community scientists, monitoring program staff, or anyone else interested in Clean Water Act policy and advocacy.

USDA Invests More than $46 Million to Protect Communities from Wildfires, Restore Forest Ecosystems and Improve Drinking Water. For more information click HERE.

SWEAP is gaining momentum thanks to individuals and organizations like you! Get involved in bringing water education to every community in Colorado by: Visiting the new SWEAP website | Downloading the SWEAP Executive Summary | Filling out a short form to share how you will bring SWEAP to your community and what resources would be most helpful | Signing up for email updates on SWEAP

Despite pandemic, Denver Water’s lead reduction program shows promising early results. Click HERE to read the full article.

Mountain Area Land Trust (MALT) is pleased to announce the completion of a Conservation Easement on the 71-acre Sacramento Creek Ranch located near Fairplay within MALT’s Red Hill to Hoosier Pass Priority Area! The Conservation Easement on Sacramento Creek Ranch will prevent the future subdivision of the property and protect critical open space and wildlife habitat for Elk, Moose, Black bear, Beaver and numerous other species that call this area home. The Colorado Natural Heritage Program has identified this region as having “Very High Biodiversity Significance." In addition to critical biodiversity protection, the Conservation Easement specifically ensures use of the property for public recreation, education and research purposes. If you are interested in visiting Sacramento Creek Ranch or learning more about the public uses, please send an email to malt@savetheland.org or call the MALT office at (303) 679-0950.

The Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) has just recently released the 2020 Forest Action Plan (FAP), which is a road map to improving forest health across Colorado in the next decade.  The 2020 FAP was created by forestry experts at the Colorado State Forest Service.  This in-depth analysis of forest trends offers solutions and guidance for improving forest health and ensuring our forests — and the resources they provide — persevere for future generations.  This plan will also help assist decision-makers in investing in our forests where these investments will make the most difference.  If you would like to take a look at the plan please click HERE and HERE. Additionally, there is a Forest Action Plan app on the CSFS Forest Atlas page HERE. This is an easy, interactive tool that drills down into the themes of the Forest Action Plan and is an important tool to understand and know how to use.  For CSFS and federal grants, partners will need to show where their project fits in relations to the FAP and will need to convey how the projects that they are proposing ties into this plan.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, proudly co-funded Swimming Upstream, a new StoryMap that highlights collaborative conservation efforts to protect endangered, native fish populations in the Upper Colorado River Basin and enhance critical streamflow management for recreation and agricultural needs in and around Grand Junction, Colorado, along a stretch of the Colorado River commonly known as the 15-Mile Reach. The StoryMap was developed by the Conservation Innovation Center for the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program, in collaboration with the Colorado Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Click HERE to access the map.

Conferences & Events Early February

FEBRUARY 12th-21st, 2021 | Virtual Colorado Environmental Film Festival. There are more than 70 films, divided into 22 collections – there’s everything from youth-oriented programming to feature-length documentaries, covering everything from water issues to e-waste. A variety of passes allow access for as little as $1 per film, and you can participate in live chats, happy hour viewing parties and even attend the Eco-Expo Showcase, where you’ll see short-film contributions from regional environmental organizations, including Denver Botanic Gardens. For more information click HERE.

FEBRUARY 17th-26th, 2021 | Rivers Edge West Annual Conference | Virtual. Connect with others in your field who are managing or studying riparian lands and stream environments and discover novel techniques, scientific findings, and lessons learned that make restoration successful! The conference will feature a mix of live sessions and panels with interactive discussion, pre-recorded presentations followed by live Q&A, field tours, and demonstrations, as well as plenty of virtual networking opportunities! Due to COVID-19, our 19th conference will be held virtually over the course of two weeks; February 17-18, 2021, and February 23-25, 2021 from roughly 10 am - 3 pm MT each day. For more information and to register, click HERE.

FEBRUARY 23rd, 2020: An Evolving Climate: Frameworks for sustainability and social inclusion | Land and Water Summit | Virtual. The goal of the Land and Water Summit is to bring together design professionals, construction and management companies, agencies, farmers, artists, teachers, hydrologists, ranchers, climatologists, wildlife advocates, homeowners, and policy makers to find sustainable ways to protect and share our state’s water and resources. For more information click HERE. To register click HERE.

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.

DECEMBER 1st & 2nd, 2021: South Platte Forum. Check back for registration opening in 2021. Read more HERE.

Job Announcements Early February

The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department is hiring for a Senior Environmental Planner. Applications will be accepted through February 2nd. Broadly, this position oversees a cross-functional, ecologically-focused workgroup within the Planning and Special Projects Team (PSP). PSP leads management planning, project implementation, and evaluation of conservation efforts within the Natural Areas Department, as well as initiatives across the City of Fort Collins organization. This position will drive conservation efforts by providing expert guidance and technical support, while implementing a robust project management framework that enhances ecological systems on innovative projects. Find the full job description and apply HERE.

Boulder County Parks and Open Space is hiring a Youth Corps Program Manager. This dynamic position is responsible for recruitment and hiring, planning, logistics coordination, supervision, partnership development, field support, evaluation, and administrative duties to fulfill the mission and vision of the Boulder County Youth Corps. If you enjoy developing youth leadership, join the team! Apply HERE. Applications are being taken through February 3rd, 2021

The Boulder Valley & Longmont Conservation Districts are hiring a Conservation Forester to join our team in the Longmont office. This position reports to the Conservation Districts' District Manager. The position undertakes a variety of office (approx. 50%) and fieldwork (approx. 50%) duties, with a focus on the support and delivery of USDA Farm Bill programs through partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This position involves significant landowner outreach, education, and coordination toward the development and completion of private lands forest conservation projects. Applications close on February 5th, 2021. For more information click HERE.

The Water Development Committee, a coalition of Colorado and New Mexico stakeholders, is seeking an independent contractor to represent their interests on the Biology Committee of the San Juan River Basin Recovery Implementation Program. This individual will play an important role in maintaining what has been a successful balance of voices in guiding fish recovery efforts on the San Juan River. The deadline for submitting a resume is February 15th. Other details about the opportunity are included in the attached document HERE.

City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks is hiring a Planner I/II. The Planner I/II will provide leadership to advance the City of Boulder’s Charter purposes for open space to provide wise stewardship of the land and an excellent visitor experience.  This position requires close collaboration with multiple work groups, other city departments, external partners, and the local community. This position assists in the development of planning and design priorities, work plan schedules, and project implementation. Applications will close February 15th, 2021 at 11:59 MDT. For more information click HERE. 

The Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) at Colorado State University is seeking a fulltime Database and Web Developer. CNHP’s mission is to advance the conservation of Colorado's native species and ecosystems through science, planning, and education for the benefit of current and future generations. This position will play a key role in expanding CNHP’s online data delivery tools through web programming technologies  Please pass this along to any programmer friends and colleagues interested in doing meaningful conservation work in Colorado. For full consideration, please apply by February 15, 2021. Click HERE for more information and how to apply.

Applications open now for Water Education Colorado’s Water Leaders Program are now open. Apply by Monday, Feb. 22nd 2021. This is not your average leadership or professional development program! WEco has graduated nearly 200 professionals from across all sectors of Colorado water since 2006. While the program covers examples of water-related leadership challenges and case studies, the primary focus is individual growth. Participants receive extensive training in skills related to navigating conflict and diversity, leading self and others, and effective problem-solving. Water Leaders Program graduates walk away with better understanding of their strengths and how to utilize them, learn how to address challenges both in their workplace and the broader community, gain skills to enhance their teams or projects, and form a network of peers to further their career growth. Click here to learn more and apply.

The Town of Erie currently has an opening for a Horticulture Tech I/II. Primary responsibilities will be overseeing horticultural operations for all town maintained annual and perennial beds including design, install, and maintenance. Click HERE for more information.

The Blue River Watershed Group (BRWG) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the group through the next phase of growth for the nonprofit. The new Executive Director will lead BRWG through the final phases of the Integrated Water Management Plan and through implementation of projects identified in the plan. The new Executive Director will also be responsible for grant writing and administration, fundraising, event planning and production, fundraising, and outreach. The mission of BRWG is to promote, protect, and restore a healthy Blue River watershed through cooperative community education, stewardship, and resource management. For more information about this opportunity click HERE.

Eagle’s Nest Owl’s Roost (ENOR) Environmental Discovery Camp is looking for people to join their  dynamic education team! Spend the summer outdoors in the front range’s premier open space and state parks, exploring and discovering nature’s wonders with campers 4th – 9th grades.  See HERE for the educator position and see HERE for the supervisor position.  Email resumes to srmoore@jeffco.us. Interviews will take place in Mid-February.

Summit County is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for either a full-time Resource Specialist or Senior Resource Specialist position in the Open Space and Trails Department. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team working to preserve and maintain Summit County’s rural mountain character, unique natural areas, and high quality of life for residents and visitors through the protection and management of open spaces, trails, and trailheads. You can view the job posting HERE.

I4ES seeks a new Executive Director. The Executive Director is the chief operating officer (COO), chief financial officer (CFO) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES). The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors (BOD) to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization and to provide direction and leadership toward the achievement of the organization's philosophy, mission, and strategy. For more information and application click HERE.

The City of Aurora is recruiting for Seasonal Park Ranger positions. This is a front-line, customer-focused position responsible for public safety, natural resource education and Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) rules and regulations education and compliance for the purpose of protecting and preserving natural resources, sites, and structures throughout the PROS system including reservoirs (Aurora & Quincy), trails, open space and developed parks. Seasonal Part-time positions typically start March 1, 2021 and end November 31, 2021 with possible earlier start date or extension. Seasonal Full-time positions start May 1, 2021 and end October 31, 2021 with possible earlier start date or extension. For more information and to apply click HERE.

The City of Aurora is recruiting for Seasonal Watercraft Inspector positions. Watercraft Inspectors help protect the City of Aurora's drinking water supply and provide exceptional customer service through watercraft inspections and Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) education contacts with recreational boaters at Aurora Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir.  Seasonal Part-time positions start March 15, 2021 and end November 31, 2021. Seasonal Full-time positions start May 1, 2021 and end October 31, 2021. For more information and to apply click HERE.

The Boulder Climbing Community is looking to hire professional individuals for its Front Range Climbing Stewards (FRCS) crew for the 2021 field season. Positions range from Crew Leader and Level II for applicants with extensive prior trails experience to Level I for applicants with minimal to no prior trails experience and that are interested in working outside, being part of a team, and giving back to the local climbing community. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions have been filled. Interviews of well qualified applicants will begin in mid January. The 2021 season is scheduled to begin in March and run through early November. Read the full position descriptions and apply HERE.

RMFI is hiring multiple seasonal positions for the 2021 field season. Position openings include Field Instructor and Field Coordinator positions to begin in March 2021 and end in October/November 2021. These positions help RMFI achieve stewardship objectives at multiple public land sites in Southern Colorado and the Pikes Peak region including Garden of the Gods, Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Shelf Road, Sangre de Cristos, and much more. If you love getting your hands dirty, using your problem-solving skills to find creative solutions, being directly involved in the hands-on stewardship of public lands, being part of a team, spending time in nature, and working with the local community then please check out our openings and apply! Click HERE for more information.

Palmer Land Conservancy seeks a qualified and motivated individual to manage the Land Stewardship Program. The Land Stewardship Manager (LSM) builds and maintains positive relationships with landowners, ensures annual fulfillment of Palmer’s legal obligations for conserved properties, provides interpretation of conservation easement terms for landowners, identifies and responds to potential concerns and violations on conserved properties, and completes regular maintenance of stewardship records. Read the full job description HERE.

Colorado Rural Water Association is seeking an Energy Efficiency Technician, who reports to the Executive Director and Field Supervisor. The primary goal of the Energy Efficiency Circuit Rider is to assist rural and small community water and wastewater utility systems in evaluating their energy needs, consumption and costs. Recommending measures to reduce energy consumption and identifying potential funding sources for improvements. For more information click HERE.

Trainings & Workshops Early February

FEBRUARY 22nd-23rd, 2021, 9 am- 4p, CT | Hydraulic Modeling for Water Utility Distribution Systems | EUCI. This course introduces hydraulic models for water utility distribution systems and covers how modeling can be applied to benefit water utilities. Ensuring robust and redundant infrastructure, reducing operating costs, planning for outages, and determining fire fighting capabilities are some of the items that attendees should have new ideas about after this course. Click HERE for more information and click HERE to register.

MARCH 30th-31st, 2021 | Smart Water Technologies | EUCI. Due to growing populations, increasing urbanization, climate change and the need to address cost have increased the demand for water. In addition, the cost implications from maintaining aging infrastructure has also become a driving factor for growth in the smart water management market. Owing to the global demand, the need to address the operational issues of water management becomes crucial. Consequently, the adoption of smart water management technologies is expected to gain traction. In this course, we will look at the entire water management ecosystem which includes: sensors, smart meters, communication infrastructure and supporting software to enable two-way communication, IoT and artificial intelligence. Conference attendees will walk away with actionable information and take informed decisions, pertaining to optimized water distribution and usage. Click HERE for more information. Click HERE to register.

APRIL 19th & 22nd, 2021 | CRWA’s 40th Annual Conference and Exhibition. This event has been RESCHEDULED. For questions and/or to register, please call 719-545-6748.

Colorado Master Irrigator offers farmers and farm managers advanced training on conservation- and efficiency-oriented irrigation management practices and tools. This program is the product of efforts led by several local producers, district management representatives, and others. Colorado Master Irrigator is modeled on the award-winning Master Irrigator program created and run since 2016 by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in the Texas panhandle.​ Topic experts from Colorado and adjacent Ogallala states, serve as instructors over the 32 hours of the program. Colorado Master Irrigator's interactive class format is designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange among participants and instructors, helping forge useful contacts that graduates can reach out to after their participation in the program. Click HERE for more information.

The Clean Water Certificate (CWC) training program for workforce development provides high quality training opportunities that promotes job growth in the stormwater industry and delivers industry-specific, job-readiness skills and knowledge. Click HERE to learn more about this training program offered by the Center for Watershed Protection.

“Stormwater Treatment Systems and Green Infrastructure” | Hermit’s Peak Watershed Alliance. Educational video shot and edited by Jacob Erickson (Hermits Peak Watersheds Alliance PR Media Specialist), narrated by Aaron Kauffman of Southwest Urban Hydrology, and produced by Hermit's Peak Watersheds Alliance. 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.

“Episode 32: The River Is Who We Are - The Waccamaw Indian People and the Waccamaw River” | American Rivers | Podcast. Through displacement, genocide and enslavement, the Waccamaw Indian People sustain their river heritage. Join us today to learn more about the Waccamaw Indian People and their history with the Waccamaw River in coastal South Carolina. For the Waccamaw Indian People, layers of oppression eroded the relationship between people and the river they relied on and that coursed through their history, culture, and being. But the impacts of that displacement don’t just live in the past, and it is essential that the connection the Waccamaw Indian People have with the river is strengthened and reestablished for the future of their communities, and for the future of the Waccamaw River. Listen to the full podcast on Soundcloud HERE.

Funding Opportunities Early February

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Colorado is currently accepting applications from Water Management Entities for enrollment into the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). EQIP is a voluntary Farm Bill program which provides financial assistance for the installation of conservation systems. Water management entities in Colorado interested in applying for EQIP to improve water conservation should contact their local NRCS field office and submit their applications before 4:00pm, Friday, February 26, 2021. Click HERE to view the full press release. Learn more about EQIP.

The YWG BRT grant program has three designated award periods contingent upon available funding. All grant criteria is designated by the request amount of under or over $10,000. Please review the requirements and goals of the program to determine the appropriate application level for your request. These grants will be awarded in November, February and April depending on available funds. Click HERE for more information.

Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans announced the 2021 opportunities for enrollment into the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetlands Reserve Easement Program (ACEP-WRE). To compete for available funding in signup 1, landowners must submit a complete application to their local NRCS field office by 4:00pm, Friday, February 12, 2021 (MST) and by 4:00pm, Friday, April 9, 2021, for funding consideration in Signup 2. ACEP-WRE provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve wetlands and their related benefits. ACEP-WRE easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. Additionally, they can have a wide range of other benefits, including filtering sediments and chemicals to improve water quality, reducing impacts of flooding, recharging groundwater, protecting biological diversity, and providing opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities. Please click HERE for more information.

The Bureau of Reclamation has published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I to develop a watershed group, complete watershed management planning activities, and design watershed management activities. Applicants may request up to $100,000 for projects to be completed within two years. A non-federal cost-share is not required for this funding opportunity. The funding opportunity is available on grants.gov HERE. Applications are due on January 19th, 2021 (4:00 p.m. MST). The Bureau of Reclamation will host an informational webinar on Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. MST. Click HERE to join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event. If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, click HERE and select CWMP Phase I FOA Inquiry to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators. Read even more HERE.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking applications for wetland and riparian restoration, enhancement, and creation projects to support its Wetlands Program Strategic Plan. CPW will award up to $2.5 million in funds from Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and Colorado waterfowl stamps to projects in Colorado that support the Wetlands Program Strategic Plan’s two main goals: 1. Improve the distribution and abundance of ducks, and opportunities for public waterfowl hunting. 2. Improve the status of declining or at-risk species. The application deadline for this year’s funding is January 27, 2021. The Wetlands Funding Request for Applications (RFA) is available on CPW’s website.

Denver Audubon's Lois Webster Fund (LWF) is now soliciting grants in support of Colorado non-game wildlife research, education, and conservation projects. The Committee is accepting grant proposals through January 31st, 2021. A maximum of $11,602 funding is available in the coming project year. Grantees will be notified by early March 2021 and the funds dispersed in time for the spring field season. Now available online are the LWF grant 2021 Guidelines, Requirements, and Application. The LWF Guidelines require partnering with other organizations. The grantee is expected to provide the leadership and coordination to obtain additional funding and to involve others.

Thanks to major support from Toyota Motor North America, International Paper (IP), and the Hilton Effect Foundation, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) is pleased to announce $128,000 in grant funding to support public lands that have been impacted by increased use during the COVID-19 pandemic. With social distancing regulations in place, people are turning to the outdoors more than ever for exercise and rejuvenation. At the same time, the agencies and organizations responsible for maintaining public lands are hampered by reductions in staff, volunteers, and resources, leaving them ill-equipped to keep up with increased human presence in these delicate ecosystems on top of existing maintenance backlogs. In response, NEEF has established the Restoration & Resilience COVID Recovery Fund to help restore these special places by distributing resources and mobilizing volunteers. The deadlines for the next rounds of funding are February 1st, April 1st, and June 1st, 2021. 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, Great Outdoors Colorado (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, click HERE.

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 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.

Colorado's Water Plan Grants fund progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. See the grant guidelines and apply 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.