Funding Opportunities Late March

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.

Trainings & Workshops Late March

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 17th, 2021, 1pm-3pm | Water Plan Scoping Workshop: Agriculture Irrigation Infrastructure. The Colorado Water Conservation Board, in partnership with the Colorado Agricultural Water Alliance and Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance, invites you to participate in a virtual, Colorado Water Plan Update Scoping Workshop focusing on agricultural irrigation infrastructure issues and solutions. The format of the workshop will be an expert roundtable discussion that will inform the scoping process of the Colorado Water Plan Update. Click HERE for more information. 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 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th, 6-7pm | Forest and Fire Learning Series | Mountain Studies Institute. The schedule has arrived, and MSI is extremely excited about the lineup up of speakers and topics for this year! Themes such as fire management, the effect of wildfires on water quality, adaptations during COVID, the chemistry of smoke, and what it means to be prepared for a wildfire will be covered. The free series will take place every Thursday in April from 6-7pm streamed live from our Facebook and YouTube pages.

APRIL 5th, 2021, 12:30-3:30 MDT | After the Flames. This webinar will go through actionable best practices for communities and agencies impacted by wildfires. There is a registration fee of $12. Limited scholarships are available, to learn more about that, ccontact Jane@cusp.ws. Click HERE to register and click HERE to view the full flier.

APRIL 8th, 2021, 10 am - 12:30 pm MDT | Colorado Water Plan Forest Health Workshop. This 2.5-hour workshop will review statewide assessments of the state of the science around watershed and forest health-related issues that impact water quality and quantity. For more information and to register, click HERE.

APRIL 8th, 2021, 1 pm - 2:30 pm | The Private Well Class | Webinar. This is a FREE webinar where participants will learn about how water moves through the ground to your well and how well construction can increase contamination vulnerability. Additional topics that will be covered include: types of wells and well construction, the basic components of a well system, and water treatment options. To learn more and register for this webinar click HERE.

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 15th, 2021, 9 am - 10am PDT | Water Resources Webinar. When performing advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analysis industry professionals often use established scientific and engineering models. In this webinar Dr. Dean Djokic, Water Resources Practice expert at Esri, will explore GIS for integrated hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, the pros and cons of building your own model vs. using an existing one, the differences in GIS operations for H&H model development vs. model execution, and GIS as the archive for model scenarios. For more information click HERE.

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.

APRIL 20th, 2021 | Virtual Beaver Workshop | Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter. Save the Date. This workshop will focus on the importance of beavers in the Rocky Mountain Region and how their ecology can guide wetland and riparian restoration practices. They have organized a group of experts to share information on beaver biology, ecology, and restoration. Topics include wetland and riparian restoration from the landscape scale to individual reaches and ponds. Flow devices, non-lethal management devices, and BDAs (Beaver Dam Analog) will be illustrated and discussed. A Panel Discussion will follow immediately to give attendees opportunity to ask questions and discuss concepts and ideas in more detail. Click HERE to learn more and register.

APRIL 22nd-23rd | 2021 Dine' BIch'iiya' Summit | The Dine’ College Land Grant Office. Participate in overarching topics of Agricultural Change, Adaptation, and Cultural Tradition demonstrated through Farmer Panel Sessions, Cooking Demos, and more! To learn more and register for this FREE event click HERE or contact Audre' Etsitty at 928-724-6941 or aetsitty@dinecollege.edu

San Juan Soil & Water Conservation District, in partnership with San Juan College, offers a series of Backyard Conservation Workshops designed to bring conservation practices from farms and ranches to your backyard. Spend a Saturday (or six of them) developing and improving conservation practices to bring beauty and diversity to your yard, regardless if your yard is measured in acres, feet, or flower pots. Learn skills that farmers and ranchers use to help them meet their production goals while protecting natural resources. These workshops can be taken individually for $10 each. Each class is 9 am-noon, Saturday, with links to online videos of the presentations and a live Zoom workshop. For more information click HERE.

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.

Silt Removal - Positive Impact on Crop Yields, Water Use Efficiency, & Irrigation Systems. Presentation from the 2021 World Ag Expo on sources of silt, its impacts, and current and new methods of removal. Watch the presentation here!

“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.

Job Announcements Late March

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District is accepting applications for a Rate Analyst. A great candidate for this role is a combination of someone who is just as comfortable crunching numbers and utility budgeting, as they are enthusiastic in working with others and providing an efficient vital service to the community. Applications for this position will close March 21st, 2021. For more information click HERE.

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District is accepting applications for a Community Relations Specialist. This position will work across departments to understand public information needs and will develop visual and written content to deliver clear, consistent messages and quality materials about the district in a variety of mediums. The ideal candidate for this role has strong experience in writing, editing, and developing or implementing brand standards who strives for continuous improvement while coaching and supporting colleagues. The last day to apply is March 21, 2021. For more information click HERE.

The Larimer County of Department of Natural Resources is seeking a skilled and highly motivated individual to join the team as a Natural Resources Technician. This position will assist with conservation easement monitoring, natural resource monitoring, and data collection. Click HERE for more information. Applications will close on March 22nd, 11:59 MDT.

Adams County Public Works Department is seeking a Stormwater Inspector. The Stormwater Inspector position is responsible for assisting with the implementation and compliance of Adams County's stormwater quality management program to meet the requirements of the County's Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) discharge permit. The ideal candidate will be an individual who has stormwater enforcement experience in a government setting. This application will close March 30th at 4:30 MDT. For more information click HERE.

The City of Loveland has re-opened recruiting for Open Lands & Trails Maintenance Worker II positions. Major emphasis will be in the areas of native landscape management, wildlife enhancement projects, and general maintenance of properties, facilities, and trails. For more information and to apply, see City of Loveland Opportunities. The position will close to applicants on Monday, April 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm MST.

Eagle River Water & Sanitation District is accepting applications for a Field Operations Manager. This position directs the operation, installation, maintenance, repair, expansion, and relocation of a complex distribution and collection system with 73 pressure zones, 161 pressure reducing valves, 268 miles of water main, 1,938 fire hydrants, 210 miles of sanitary sewer main, and 6,338 manholes. 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.

The City of Boulder is seeking an Integrated Pest Management and Conservation Technician. The IPM and Conservation Technician position is a dynamic role that is part of a team of professionals who manage the natural areas of the Parks and Recreation system. They will work across multiple disciplines including IPM/restoration, wildlife management, community engagement and natural lands maintenance. For more information click HERE.

SWCA is seeking a Colorado Water Resources Engineer to lead and grow our water resources services throughout the Rocky Mountain Plains Region. The position will be responsible for developing, supervising, and working with teams to execute water resources project work throughout Colorado and Wyoming. The successful candidate will focus on identifying and evaluating opportunities in the market and building strategic teaming relationships with clients and teaming partners. For more information click HERE.

SWCA seeking a Water Resources Lead and Senior Project Manager. The lead position will be responsible for developing teams and delivering on water resources projects in Colorado, Wyoming, and the northern plains. The successful candidate will focus on identifying and evaluating opportunities in the market and building strategic teaming relationships for services including water supply planning and permitting, risk management, watershed assessment and planning, fire planning and recovery, stream and wetland restoration, water quality management, and hydrological assessments. 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.

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Volunteer Service Learning and Partnership (VSLP) team has re-posted the Volunteer Field Assistant (TEMP) position with a pay range of $19.50 to $22.00. The Volunteer Services Field Assistant role provides support and leadership in all aspects of running the Volunteer Service program (supervising volunteer groups and contract crews. They are responsible for field and project management, team and staff responsiveness, training implementation, skills development, public communications, along with administrative and logistical support. For more information click HERE.

 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.

Conferences & Events Late March

MARCH-OCTOBER 24th, 2021 | Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. The Banff Center for Arts and Creativity lives its vision to inspire artists and leaders to make a unique contribution to society through its annual Mountain Film Festival, a competition among many, many aspiring and innovative filmmakers. In 1986, Banff began sharing the talents and film products of these mountain filmmakers participating in that year's festival with a larger community, starting with visits to 3 cities in Canada to now over 450 sites on a world tour. Click HERE for more information.

MARCH 20th, 2021, 9am- 1pm | Annual Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium| Salazar Rio Grande del Norte Center. This symposium is for anyone concerned about the water challenges we face in a changing world. It’s for people in the Colorado’s Rio Grande Basin who want to work toward a secure water future for our agriculture, our public lands & wildlife, for our rich culture & a sustainable & resilient economy. It’s for students who see the opportunity to help shape a more sustainable future. Click HERE for more information and to register.

MARCH 30th, 2021, 5:00 pm | Trivia Happy Hour | Water Education Colorado. Join WEco and the Colorado Water Trust on March 30th for a drink and a game of water trivia. All WEco and Water Trust fans are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of this chance to gather and catch up over some friendly competition. Don't miss this opportunity to win some bragging rights while hanging out with the Colorado water community. Registration is free and closes on March 25th at 5 pm. For more information click HERE.

APRIL 1st-OCTOBER 1st, 2021 | 40 Years of Discovery Contest | RMFI. RMFI has curated a list of 40 locations in and around the Pikes Peak Region nd invites you to go explore them! The more locations you visit, the more opportunities you'll have to win rad prize packages from Mountain Chalet, including items like wool socks, headlamps, hiking boots, trekking poles, sleeping bags, tents, and more! To participate in the contest, you must travel to the GPS location provided and take a selfie, or have a family member or friend snap a photo, of you holding your 40th Anniversary edition bandana! You'll then email your photo to our team at contest@rmfi.org to be counted. Depending on the number of locations to explore, you will be entered for a different prize package level! Click HERE for more information.

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. 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.

APRIL 24th, 2021, 10am-1pm | San Juan Resilience Youth Summit. Students will present projects on environmental challenges, and participants will collaborate to create innovative solutions. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend to learn from our students and be part of an authentic audience of peers and adults. This summit provides an opportunity for our community to build a more holistic picture of resilience in our communities. Students must register to present their projects by March 26th. Click HERE to learn more.

JUNE 13th, 2021 | Garden of the Gods 10 Mile/10K Run | Colorado Springs. The Garden of the Gods Ten Mile and 10k has always had it all — a spectacular setting, a physically demanding course, competition in almost every age-group, excellent runner support, unique awards and great shirts. This is one of the most beautiful and challenging road race venues anywhere! Click HERE for more information.

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.

Announcements Late March

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.

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.

It’s time to buy your fishing license. Your license renewal does more than grant you the freedom to fish many of the state's beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. The​ revenue generated from your fishing license goes toward conserving your local fisheries today and for generations to come.​ The 2021 license year runs from March 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022 (13 months). Buy your license HERE.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 8, announced it entered into seven Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Administrative Orders on Consent (AOCs) with its tribal partners between December 1, 2020 – February 12, 2021. Tribally owned or operated drinking water systems agreed to these AOCs to address violations of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations to ensure public health protection in Indian country. Read the full press release HERE.

Invasive zebra mussels have been found in "Betta Buddy Marimo Balls,” a product sold at aquarium and pet supply stores in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking stores to remove this product. If you have recently purchased this product and believe you may have a zebra mussel population in your aquarium, contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Invasive Species Program at 303-291-7295 for proper disposal methods.

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.

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.