Announcements Early March

Show your love for Colorado Agriculture by completing Colorado State University’s annual Custom Rates Survey. Take just 10 minutes to complete the survey before March 1, 2021. Click HERE to take the survey.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is promoting a new four-part educational video series on mountain lions. CPW Director Dan Prenzlow said this video series was produced to tell the history of the mountain lion and living with lions in our growing state. Click HERE for more information. 

This summer, SJMA is offering several 5-day outdoor summer camps where kids will explore and learn about the natural world while making new friends and having a ton of fun. Click HERE to view the full calendar.

“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.

View RMFI’s 2020 Community Impact Report here!

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the state's budget. As a result, several grant programs managed by the Colorado Water Conservation Board have been impacted. View Budget Updates.

Please find an important notice about the Watershed Fire Recovery Efforts HERE.

Each year in January, Colorado Water Trust and the Colorado Water Conservation Board launch the annual Request for Water Process. This process offers a streamlined approach to water transactions to benefit rivers throughout the state. We invite water rights owners to explore options to use their water rights for streamflow restoration purposes. Click HERE to learn more.

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.

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 March

MARCH 3rd, 2021, 12:30-3:30 pm | Colorado Forest Health Advisory Council Listening Session. Join the discussion of the current state of forest management in Colorado. What do we do? What does forest health look like? Has mitigation worked? Click HERE to register.

APRIL 19th-22nd, 2021 | Colorado Rural Water Association Annual Conference | Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center. Join the 40th annual CRWA conference live. Early bird registration is now open and ends March 19th. For more information and 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.

SEPTEMBER 21st-23rd, 2020 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. Deadline for Presentation Proposals has Been Extended until March 5th, 2021. Registration coming soon. 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 March

The CDPHE is seeking a Watershed Analysis and Implementation Support Workgroup Leader. This position leads the Watershed Analysis and Implementation Support Workgroup within the Water Quality Control Division’s Restoration and Protection Unit. The position's primary responsibility is managing team resources to develop Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports and alternative approach plans and provide technical support for implementing TMDLs and alternative approach plans. The position ensures TMDL and alternative approach plan priorities are identified and addressed. The announcement is open until March 2, 2021, or until 50 applications from qualified candidates are received. Only Colorado residents can apply. The announcement is open until March 2, 2021, or until 50 applications from qualified candidates are received. Only Colorado residents can apply. Click HERE for more information.

The Four Corners office of Southwest Conservation Corps is seeking a Watershed Programs Manager. The Watershed Programs Manager (WPM) position supports initiatives for local watershed restoration groups, co-coordinates the Dolores River Restoration Partnership (DRRP) along with staff from RiversEdge West, and manages small teams that work on restoration and invasive species projects. Priority review given to applications received by March 5, 2021. For more information click HERE.

The City of Louisville Open Space Division is seeking a temporary Open Space Weed Coordinator. We are looking for an experienced weed management professional to join our great team of dedicated natural resource stewards. For more information and to apply click HERE. Applications are due on March 10th, 2021.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is accepting applications for the Director of Environmental Health and Protection. The position is part of the Senior Executive Services classification and serves as an appointee of the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). The position is considered a deputy to the executive director, and the department’s lead on environmental protection, justice, programming, and health. The application will close March 11h, 2021 at 11:59 PM. Click HERE for more information.

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ideal candidates are driven by a love of the outdoors, believe in the power of volunteers, and will elevate volunteer stewardship of Colorado’s unique environment. This individual will demonstrate CEO or equivalent leadership experience gained over a career of progressive management experience in the nonprofit, corporate and/or government sectors. This executive has experience mobilizing talent to support impact and organizational outcomes. Applications are due by Friday, March 12, 2021. Click HERE for more information.

Colorado Water Trust is seeking a Communications Fellow. This position is a full-time, two-year position responsible for creating and implementing a communications plan to support the Water Trust’s strategic plan goals. This position requires independent strategic thinking, the ability to create effective messaging for target audiences, the ability to recognize and seize upon strategic communications opportunities, and the ability to create internal systems. Click HERE for more information. Please apply by March 15, 2021, 5pm.

Southwest Conservation Corps is seeking a Field Instructor with The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (two openings). These two individuals will serve under the direction of the CDTC Field Programs Coordinator as lead field staff with co-Field Instructor, supervising front-country and backcountry volunteer trail crews in the completion of trail maintenance, construction, and large-scale trail feature construction along the Continental Divide Trail. Position closes March 12th, 2021. Click HERE for more information.

The Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Natural Resources team is excited to announce that applications are now being accepted for multiple limited-term Parks Technicians:

  • Four limited-term Parks Technicians to support our invasive species management program. Ideal candidates will have an educational background in natural resource management, some experience with invasive species management that includes mixing, loading, and applying herbicides using motorized and/or hand-held equipment, and a willingness to work safely as part of a team. For more information click HERE.

  •  Two limited-term Parks Technicians to support our forest management program. Ideal candidates will have an educational background in natural resource management, some experience with forest management that includes chainsaw operation, and a willingness to work safely as part of a team. For more information click HERE.

The Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) Trail Stewardship Team is happy to announce that they are now accepting applications for Crew Leaders. The ideal candidates will have previous experience in youth supervision and/or trail maintenance/construction. For more information click HERE.

City of Aurora Open Space is seeking Natural Resources Seasonal Maintenance Workers in two different locations. The City of Aurora is looking for someone who is able to provide seasonal site and facility maintenance, natural resource management and protection, building and grounds coordination, and programming support services at the Aurora Reservoir. Click HERE for more information.

 Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is now hiring for a Seasonal Ranger Position. The ideal candidate would be a people-person and excited to spend a lot of time hiking, biking, and interacting with the public outdoors. He or she should also have some experience in natural resources, EMS, or code/law enforcement. WFR or EMT (Basic) is preferred. Click HERE for more information.

FDRD is searching for a new Youth Programs Coordinator to join the team. This staff member will facilitate 20 to 30 outdoor youth stewardship projects and educational programs in Summit County, Colorado. In addition, they will assist FDRD staff on adult stewardship projects throughout the season. Project work includes trail maintenance, trail construction and realignment, watershed restoration, timber stand health, etc. For more information on our organization and to apply, view the full job description HERE.

The West Region Wildfire Council is accepting applications from qualified candidates to fill the Wildfire Mitigation Specialist position. This is a full time, benefited position. Position is open until filled. The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist is responsible for delivering wildfire risk information, mitigation recommendations and programmatic resources to wildland urban interface (WUI) homeowners, community members and partners. The Wildfire Mitigation Specialist works closely with the Wildfire Mitigation Forester, specifically focusing on addressing wildfire risk in the built environment. For more information click HERE.

Jefferson County Open Space is now accepting applications for two seasonal youth crops field supervisors These positions will oversee the day to day field work of the TST program. The Trail Stewardship Team Supervisor will perform administrative and supervisory duties in directing the day-to-day activities of Trail Stewardship Team Crew Leaders and Crew Members performing trail maintenance and construction for the Open Space Division. Click HERE for more information.

Southwest Conservation Corps is seeking a Biological Technician Individual Placement with the Bureau of Land Management (two openings). These two individuals will assist the range program specialists in monitoring grazing allotments on public lands for public benefit. For more information click HERE.

Southwest Conservation Corps is seeking a Recreation Ranger Individual Placement with the USDA Forest Service (four openings). These individuals will be collecting data on a daily basis at high-use recreation sites. The overall goal of the Rec Ranger Program is to provide information to the public on how to disperse their use in the Telluride Area. For more information click HERE.

Larimer County Natural Resources is hiring a temporary Education and Volunteer Technician. This position leads education programs and field trips for school, community groups and the general public including assisting with scheduling, marketing and communications as needed. This position also assists with volunteer events through planning, outreach and in-field supervision of volunteers. Please find the full job description HERE.

Northern Water is currently looking for a Watershed Restoration Coordinator to support their fire recovery efforts on the West Slope. This is a temporary position located in Grand Lake. This position is responsible for coordinating and administering the Watershed Protection (EWP) Program associated with the East Troublesome Fire on behalf of Northern Water and in collaboration with Northern Water’s watershed Partners. The Watershed Restoration Coordinator will represent Northern Water and act as a spokesperson for the organization and will manage relationships with landowners and the local community. This position will work in close coordination with the EWP Project Manager. For more information click HERE.

San Juan Mountains Association is hiring for multiple positions seasonal and full time. SJMA is a rewarding place to work filled with people who care deeply about the lands that surround us. The SJMA team works together with dedicated volunteers and community to turn collective passion for Southwest Colorado’s public lands into actions that help protect these beautiful, wild places. To learn more and view specific listings click HERE.

The City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks Department currently has multiple positions available with our Vegetation Management and Restoration Teams. These include both Temporary (~April – November) and Seasonal (~ May – August) positions for the 2021 field season. Job postings will remain open until filled. For more information and to apply, please click HERE.

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.

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.

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 March

MARCH 2nd-5th, 2021 | Certified Interpretive Guide Training Course. South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, in partnership with the National Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a training course for individuals in the field of Interpretation. It is designed for individuals who deliver interpretive programs or have contact with the public at interpretive sites. It is only one of three in-person courses on the calendar nationwide at this point, and will be limited to 10 students or moved to a facility that will allow for social distancing if protocols allow for larger group sizes. This is a great option for those that prefer in-person learning or face-to-(masked, socially-distanced)face coaching. Please click HERE to learn more and register.

MARCH 6th, 2021, 8:30a.m. - 12:00p.m. | High Plains Landscaping Workshop. The High Plains Landscape Workshop presented by Fort Collins Nursery is a one-day signature educational opportunity for inspiring smart home garden design, resulting in beautiful home landscapes in Colorado. Hosted by the Gardens on Spring Creek in partnership with the City of Fort Collins Utilities Department and Colorado State University Extension, proceeds from this important annual fundraiser benefit The Gardens. Join us for this year’s virtual workshop to learn about adaptable plants and practices that you can bring to your own home garden. The event will feature keynote speaker Nan Sterman and will offer focused breakout sessions led by local area experts on your topic of choice. The course is $35. For more information click HERE.

MARCH 9th, 2020, 12pm- 1pm | Land Conservation and Water | Water Education Colorado | Webinar. During this March 9 webinar, you'll learn how land trusts work with water rights in Colorado. Then the focus will be on two visionary projects: Colorado Open Lands and partners in the San Luis Valley are reimagining conservation easements and putting them to work to slow groundwater decline and encourage aquifer sustainability. The Palmer Land Conservancy is protecting irrigated farmland east of Pueblo along the Bessemer Ditch with conservation easements and, thanks to a high-level landscape-scale analysis, Palmer is combatting the effects of buy and dry by keeping water on the area's most productive ag land. Click HERE to register and for more information.

MARCH 9th-10th, 2021 | Stormwater Control Measure Design/Design Review Class. In this 2-day training workshop, participants are taught how to design and review designs of SCMs. The workshop includes 12 hours of presentations/discussion in a classroom setting, a 2-hour field trip and a 2-hour written exam (optional). Participants that successfully pass the written exam receive certification from Colorado State University Extension and are recognized on our website. For more information click HERE.

MARCH 10th-11th, 2021 | Asset Management for Water Utilities | EUCI. This introductory course to Asset management takes the participants on a visually engaging journey through the broad landscape of asset management concepts. A series of interactive exercises will demonstrate how the concepts are applied into practice in a way that will help Water and Wastewater Utilities design strategies to realize value from their assets. Take a look at the course brochure HERE and register HERE.

MARCH 24th-25th, 2021 | Stormwater Control Measure Inspection and Maintenance Course. In this 1.5-day training workshop, we teach participants how to recognize SCM maintenance needs and how to perform maintenance correctly. The workshop includes 8 hours of presentations/discussion in a classroom setting, a 2-hour field trip and a 2-hour written exam (optional). Participants that successfully pass the written exam receive certification from Colorado State University Extension and are recognized on our website. For more information click HERE.

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 8th-9th, 2021 | Project Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities | EUCI. 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 soft 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 refine) 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 to view the full brochure.

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.

Funding Opportunities Early March

The City of Longmont Ecosystem Management Division is excited to launch our new funded research program to provide grants for scientific research, monitoring, and resource inventories.  Priority will be given to projects on City lands but we will consider projects on other properties that will help further the City’s understanding of our natural resources and management practices. Funding is available up to $10,000. Proposal deadline is March 5, 2021.  See HERE for more information and proposal submitting guidelines.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, is now accepting applications for the Small Communities Water and Wastewater Grant. The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 p.m. MST on March 12, 2021. The request for application may be accessed HERE.

The Metro Roundtable (MRT) is seeking proposals for its Water Supply Reserve Fund Basin Grants. The Water Supply Reserve Fund is designed to provide grants to assist in addressing critical water supply issues and interests. The MRT plays a major role in allocating these state funds for water projects in the Denver Metro area and portions of the South Platte River basin. More detailed information on this grant opportunity can be found HERE. One-page proposal descriptions are due March 15, 2021. Full applications are due April 15, 2021. Questions and submittals can be directed to: Emily Hunt, emily.hunt@thorntonco.gov.

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.