Funding Opportunities Early May

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is requesting applications for $12 million in competitive funding for projects to provide training and technical assistance for small, rural and tribal wastewater utility systems and onsite septic systems. The closing date and time for receipt of application submissions is May 17, 2021, by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time (ET) in order to be considered for funding. Application packages must be submitted electronically to EPA through Grants.gov no later than May 17, 2021, in order to be considered for funding. Read the full release HERE.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) are collaborating to fund new and existing coalitions to join a statewide initiative working to ensure that Colorado’s land, water, and wildlife thrive while also providing for equitable access to quality outdoor recreation experiences. Funding will support new and existing coalitions that meet criteria under a State-level Vision and advance development of local and regional planning elements to inform a Statewide Conservation and Recreation Plan (Statewide Plan). Application Deadline is May 20th, 2021. Click HERE for more information.

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working on or planning to work on projects to address local environmental and/or public health issues in their communities. The program assists recipients in building collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders (e.g., local businesses and industry, local government, medical service providers, academia, etc.) to develop solutions that will significantly address environmental and/or public health issue(s) at the local level. Click HERE for more information.

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.

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.

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 Early May

MAY 3rd-5th, 2021 | Membrane Filtration for Drinking Water/Nitrification in Activated Sludge Treatment | EUCI. The Membrane Filtration for Drinking Water course addresses the design, installation, operation and maintenance of membrane filtration systems for drinking water treatment and wastewater reuse.The EUCI Nitrification & Denitrification in Activated Sludge Treatment course will review the general treatment operations and protocol for nitrification and denitrification wastewater treatment. This basic to intermediate course has been developed for all professionals in the wastewater field to provide an understanding of how this process can be applied to various wastewater plants. Click HERE for the brochure. Click HERE to register.

MAY 4th, 2021, 5:30-7:30 pm MDT | Conserving Water in the Garden with Rain Barrels. Rain barrels are the perfect way to take the next step in rainwater harvesting at your home. In this webinar lead by Jessica Thrasher, you will receive an introduction to rainwater harvesting, and step-by-step instructions on how to install your rain barrel at home. For more information and registration click HERE.

MAY 5th, 2021, 1pm- 3pm MDT | Colorado Water Plan Scoping Workshop: Climate Change and Agriculture. This will be a two-hour, virtual (zoom) session facilitated by CWCB with workshop partners. The focus of this session will be climate change impacts and opportunities for agriculture and the food/fiber supply chain. In particular, the discussion will be centered around specific actions (e.g. programming, public policies, resources) to be included in the Colorado Water Plan Update. For more information and to register click HERE.

MAY 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and June 3rd, 2021 | Introduction to Groundwater, Watersheds, and Groundwater Sustainability Plans - An Online Short Course. This online short course will review the fundamental principles of groundwater and watershed hydrology, water budgets, water quality, and water law and regulation in an intuitive, highly accessible fashion. Through real world examples, participants learn about the most common tools for measuring, monitoring, and assessing groundwater and surface water resources. For more information click HERE.

JUNE 24th-25th, 2021 | Groundwater Artificial Recharge, Storage and Recovery | EUCI. Attend this course to learn how aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) uses common techniques such as surface spreading, rapid infiltrations pits and basins, porosity reservoirs and injection wells to efficiently store water supply. Throughout the course attendees will discuss the benefits of implementing ASR, how to navigate geologic and hydrogeologic environments, hydraulic recharge and water quality considerations. Click HERE to register. Click HERE to view the full brochure.

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 Early May

Jefferson County Open Space is currently seeking a Trail Services Specialist. This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and engaging the public. We are looking for someone that loves what they do and is motivated to share their knowledge with their team members. Applications are due May 9th, 2021. Click HERE for more information.

The City of Colorado Springs Trails, Open Space & Parks Program (TOPS) is hiring a full-time park ranger. The position will be open for applications until May 10th. As a Park Ranger, you will ensure the City's natural and historical resources are maintained, preserved, and protected according to pertinent laws, ordinances, and regulations; provide soft enforcement of safety and environmental regulations; uphold the specific requirements set forth by the master plans of specific properties; and monitor the activities of assigned parks and recreation facilities. For more information click HERE.

Jefferson County Open Space is currently hiring Trails Technicians for a unique role. This position provides you the opportunity to work for a county that thrives on working collaboratively and overcoming challenges. We are seeking game changers, a group of people that love what they do and are motivated to share their knowledge with those that they work with. If you are looking for a great learning opportunity then look no further! Applications are due May 16th, 2021. For more information click HERE.

The City of Longmont is excited to announce an opening for a Sr. Parks and Open Space Ranger with the City's Parks & Natural Resources Division. The position will enforce rules and regulations regarding municipal code, write municipal summonses as required, plan and schedule work of subordinate staff, maintain and update training programs, and provide professional representation of the parks service area at community meetings, council meetings, and advisory board meetings when requested. Please see HERE for more information.

The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is hiring two public lands ambassadors to work in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management educating Alpine Loop OHV visitors to stay on trail, utilize “leave no trace” practices, track user numbers, and monitor tundra conditions throughout the alpine wonderland of the Alpine Loop outside Silverton, CO. For more information click HERE.

South Suburban Parks and Recreation District is currently hiring 3 Seasonal Park Rangers to assist with operations at Reuter Hess Reservoir. Seasonal Rangers will enforce park rules/regs, engage in trail maintenance, conduct interpretation, and conduct boat inspections for Aquatic Nuisance Species at the reservoir and neighboring South Suburban parks. Seasonal Rangers patrol areas via ATV, vehicle, foot, and watercraft. Click HERE to view the full application.

The City of Boulder is seeking to hire a full-time Civil Engineer II or Senior Civil Engineer, to provide civil engineering services in the Utilities Engineering work group. Engineering services will be at times provided/required across the full breadth of the department but will be primarily provided to the Source Water Engineering team and under the supervision of the Utilities Source Water Engineering Project Manager. Click HERE for more information.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program is hiring for two temporary positions. 

  • State Trails Program Assistant - This full-time temporary position will provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the OHV, Non-Motorized, and Snowmobile Grant programs and support the State Recreational Trails Committee. 

  • OHV Statewide Ranger - This limited commission temporary position will perform patrols on state and federal public lands enforcing Colorado Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) laws and regulations, promotes responsible use of trails, and evaluates trail maintenance needs. 

The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is seeking to hire a team of two (2) to three (3) seasonal San Juan Public Lands Ambassadors to educate and inform public lands visitors how to responsibly visit the spectacular public lands in San Juan County, Colorado. The San Juan Public Lands Ambassadors will work with SJMA staff and volunteers and in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Silverton Chamber of Commerce to provide accurate public lands information to visitors while encouraging Leave No Trace practices. The team will work in the Town of Silverton, at the Ice Lakes Trailhead, and at other public lands information centers in the region. For more information click HERE.

The Rio Grande Farm Park (RGFP) is looking for a Farm Park Program Assistant and Education Coordinator (RGFP PAEC) to work alongside the RGFP Program Director to assist with all aspects of working a small-scale farming operation and regenerative agricultural education programs. The assistant will help with farm stand operations, helping to lead and facilitate science; food and arts activities, agricultural education, some vegetable cultivation, land maintenance, and other projects that come up during the growing season. Click HERE to read the full job description.

CFMA is seeking a part-time marketing coordinator to build on CFMA’s on-going marketing support for farmers markets, developed by our outgoing marketing coordinator. This work includes designing and implementing a statewide marketing campaign focused on promoting increased consumption and purchasing of specialty crops at farmers markets. Application deadline is May 14th. Learn more HERE.

The Department of Soil and Crop Sciences is seeking an Agricultural Water Quality Program Researcher. This position will provide research coordination, support, and supervision in the Agricultural Water Quality Program (AWQP) in the Department of Soil and Crop Science at Colorado State University. The AWQP operates throughout the State of Colorado carrying out outreach, applied research, and demonstration work related to Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) and water quality. Water quality issues related to both surface and groundwater throughout Colorado are the focus of the program. For more information and to apply click HERE.

AloTerra Restoration Services, LLC (AloTerra) is seeking a part-time GIS and Restoration Technician to provide organization of geospatial data, creation of maps and figures, and analysis of spatial data, by means of GIS software and other geospatial and cartographic means. Duties include a variety of technical office and field work tasks such as: production of high-quality maps, creation of restoration design plan sets, field assessments, calculating treatment take-offs (acreage, quantity of plants, linear distances, etc.), data entry and basic analysis, report writing, and other technical support. For the full job description click HERE.

The San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is hiring two public lands ambassadors to work in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management educating Alpine Loop OHV visitors to stay on trail, utilize “leave no trace” practices, track user numbers, and monitor tundra conditions throughout the alpine wonderland of the Alpine Loop outside Silverton, CO. Click HERE for more information.

San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is seeking to hire a lead instructor for its very popular environmental education day camps. SJMA’s instructors have a passion for getting youth outdoors, cultivating a deep understanding of natural processes, and encouraging public lands stewardship. The instructor will be one of four instructors to deliver outdoor education curriculum developed by SJMA’s staff to a group of 26 kids, ages 6-17. Training will be provided. Click HERE for the full job description.

South Platte Park (Littleton) is hiring a Park Interpreter for the summer season.  This position is responsible for planning, researching, preparing, and conducting interpretive programs and summer camps for mainly groups of children, with some family programs and events.  Also assists with Nature Center exhibits, animal care, volunteers, marketing and communication.  This is a 40-hour position May 18-August 15 with part time hours in May and September.  Position details and application can be seen by clicking here.

The Southern Rockies Seed Network (SRSN) seeks a part-time program coordinator to manage current projects, grants and fundraising. Established in 2014, SRSN provides an exciting opportunity for professional growth and to work among a diverse range of federal, state, and local partners and industry representatives to create a sustainable solution to native plant materials development in the Southern Rockies Ecoregion. This position will oversee the Strategic Seed Reserve Program, manage and assist with fundraising activities, and other duties as outlined HERE.

The Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is excited to announce a new Land Conservation Internship opportunity out of our satellite office in Steamboat Springs. The Land Conservation Internship position is a paid part time seasonal position that will help CCALT meet the conservation demands of Northwest Colorado by assisting the team with annual monitoring of conserved properties in the YVCP service area, outreach and community engagement efforts, and grant applications and management. Through this experience, the Land Conservation Intern will gain a greater understanding for non-profit structure and governance. View the full job description HERE.

Southwest Conservation Corps is looking for four young adults to serve in a maintenance role at Great Sand Dunes National Park! Recent high school graduates and those seeking a degree at a trade school preferred. Join the Southwest Conservation Corps’ intern team and help the National Park Service carry out its mission to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. For more information and how to apply click HERE.

Denver Parks and Recreation is seeking an Open Spaces Crew Lead to perform lead work over a crew involved in Denver’s East District open spaces and natural areas maintenance operations. This is a great opportunity for a budding leader to build on their leadership and open space management skills while contributing to the resiliency and sustainability of the city’s natural resources and keeping the city wild! For more information and how to apply click HERE

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife, is seeking One Visitor Services and Animal Care Member to contribute to environmental education, habitat restoration, and trails projects alongside Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge staff. During this term, the ACE member will work with local conservation organizations and schools to broaden the impact of refuge outreach efforts. For more information click HERE.

American Conservation Experience, in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife, is seeking Two Wildlife Refuge Interns to contribute to habitat conservation and restoration projects alongside Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex staff. A majority of the work will be spent leading youth crews (e.g., Mile High Youth Corps and Groundwork Denver) and volunteer groups in invasive species removal and native seed collection. Click HERE for more information.

The Town of Breckenridge is seeking a dedicated and uniquely qualified individual for the position of Open Space & Trails Coordinator (Natural Resource Specialist). This position is responsible for planning and administering natural resource management programs, including restoration activities, and functions as a natural resource specialist. Click HERE for more information.


American Conservation Experience, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is seeking EIGHT National Trail Inventory Field Team Members (four 2-person teams)to implement the National Trail Inventory project on USFWS lands across the U.S. Applications will be considered both from individuals and pairs applying as a team of two. Primary duties include walking, bicycling, or driving trail segments and collecting a variety of spatial and attribute information on existing trail systems. These positions require sustained travel throughout the nation and selected candidates will not have a central or primary work location during their term. Please click HERE for more information.

GOCO is seeking a Regional Officer. This position works to advance GOCO’s mission and pursue shared values in outdoor recreation and conservation with the region’s diverse range of partners and their priorities and projects. With a collaborative approach, this position is responsible for advancing strategic direction and for implementing and evaluating GOCO’s competitive grant program portfolio. For full description click HERE.

GOCO is seeking a Communications Associate. This position will report to the Communications Director and work out of GOCO’s office in Denver. The Communications Associate supports the communications team in executing a variety of marketing, storytelling, and outreach efforts. The Communications Associate will support the team in delivering communications that maintain the integrity of the GOCO brand within a variety of channels including public relations; social media, email marketing, and other digital platforms; and events. Click HERE for more information.

As part of a River Network/Community Ag Alliance project in the Yampa basin CAA is hiring a full-time 2-year position to seek, develop and fund irrigation management, riparian and aquatic habitat project proposals. This is a great opportunity to create projects that help both irrigators and the river. Read the full job description HERE.

The Denver Natural Resources Operations Team has an opening for one Natural Resources Technician – On-Call position. This position will work on a team that performs noxious weed management, restoration, assessments and monitoring, and wildlife management in Denver’s Natural Areas, Open Space, waterways, and Denver Mountain Park properties. Click HERE for more information.

Wright Water Engineers, Inc. (WWE) is seeking an experienced and motivated professional for our Denver office to perform and direct our wetland delineation, permitting, and mitigation projects. For more information click HERE.

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.

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.

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.

Conferences & Events Early May

MAY 8th-16th | Rifle Creek Restoration Spring Planting | Middle Colorado Watershed Council. Come participate in a day or more of planting (social distancing followed) along with a free lunch to help restore ecosystem functions on Rifle Creek. Local community members, clubs and organizations, students or youth groups, natural resource buffs, local landowners, gardeners, master gardeners, water professionals, or anyone interested in river health are invited. The event is free, but you must register because spots are limited. Register for the event to secure your spot and get directions! Additional questions? Email ReviveRifleCreek@gmail.com.

MAY 21st, 2021 | Palisade Farm Pedal | Bike Tour. The bike tour will be along the Colorado River and canals around Palisade, stopping at local farms, talking with farmers and ranchers, and learning about ditches and their operations. Tickets are only $25. For more information and registration, click HERE.

JUNE 3rd, 2021, 8:45am-12:00pm | Lower Arkansas River Basin Tour | Water Education Colorado. The re-envisioned tour will be held via Zoom, expanding the accessibility and reach of our typical audience that includes water professionals, ag producers, educators, elected officials, and interested community members. The tour will include sites between Pueblo Reservoir, John Martin Reservoir and beyond, giving participants an up-close look at regional water-related activities and attributes. The itinerary will showcase water quality projects, agricultural operations, alternative transfer methods (ATMs), interstate compact considerations, the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, municipal, environmental and recreational priorities, and more. There will also be an interactive Q&A opportunity with tour speakers, and a post-tour networking event. Click HERE for more information.

JUNE 5th, 2021 | Grizzly Creek Trail Restoration | MCWC. After months of planning, GCRA is ready for boots on the ground. The Alliance has reserved days throughout the spring and summer to work on trails, engage the public and set up tours for fire-impacted areas of the canyon. Anyone can sign up to help with trail work in No Name Canyon on May 22, Grizzly Creek on June 5 or on Hanging Lake Trail Oct. 1. You can join our Grizzly Creek crew as the MCWC team on June 5 by emailing admin@midcowatershed.org

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.

JULY 27th, 2021 | Water Fluency | Water Education Colorado. The Water Fluency program offers immersion in the language of water as well as tools for navigating the culture, complexity, and future of water management and policy issues. Water intersects all issues that communities are facing. Water is crucial for the economy, tourism, public health, and the environment—but it isn’t always clear how the decisions made on water trickle down to affect other sectors. Click HERE to register and for more information.

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 Early May

CALL FOR PAPERS NOW OPEN! 2021 Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. Submit abstracts HERE by May 5th, 2021. Submissions should include: 1) Presentation title (15 words max) 2) Short overview of your presentation, including how it connects to this year’s conference theme and sub-themes (100 words max) 3) Format: Indicate if you prefer 30-minute oral presentation, 60-90 minute panel, or a poster presentation.

Summit County Open Space & Trails is thrilled to announce that they are receiving proposals for a new Summit County Open Space and Trails Master Plan. Proposals will be received through May 6, 2021 at 5:00pm MST. The RFP can be reviewed HERE.

The Town of Breckenridge is seeking proposals to prepare an Open Space & Trails Master Plan. The Plan will summarize the existing program, consider current and future challenges, define a vision for the next ten years of land protection and management, and outline a suite of tools and decision-making strategies for the community. Bid must be received by May 7th to be considered. Click HERE for more information.

As part of the monitoring of the on-going impact of the East Troublesome Fire, the National Weather Service is seeking volunteer Storm Spotters to help them predict flooding and debris run-off in burn areas and to warn those who will be impacted. If you are interested please click HERE and find the April 20 training listed as "Mountains/Foothills".

Today, bears share space with a rapidly growing human population. Black bears are curious, intelligent, and very resourceful; they will explore all possible food sources. If they find food near homes, camp​grounds, vehicles, or communities, they’ll come back for more. So please, learn to protect bears by being "Bear Aware", and share this information with your friends, neighbors, and community. We’re here to help! Click HERE to learn more.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a draft version of the Eldorado Canyon State Park (ECSP) Management Plan and is making that public in an effort to obtain public feedback on it. Access the draft plan HERE.

The United States Department of Agriculture is investing $28 million in six new Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) projects and four ongoing ones, which enable conservation partners and producers to work together to return critical wetland functions to agricultural landscapes. Read more.

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.

As part of the Denver One Water planning effort, a survey was recently conducted to better understand community perspectives regarding the management of our citywide water resources. Nearly 800 people completed the survey this winter! See the results HERE.


A new film released Wednesday by Colorado Parks and Wildlife showcases the ‘Shadows of the Forest’ in Colorado’s high-elevation wilderness - the Canada lynx. The film was published on CPW’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram channels. It tells the story of lynx in Colorado and how the big-footed felines are representatives of wild values and the natural world. The film was produced by Sean Ender of Peak to Creek films.


Colorado Parks and Wildlife is partnering with the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA) to hire 33 weeks of conservation service corps to repair trails impacted by wildfire damage and increased visitation in areas that are open to motorized recreation. Click HERE to read more.

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.

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

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.