Job Announcements Early January

The Cherry Creek Basin Water Quality Authority (CCBWQA) is exploring the feasibility of retaining a firm or individual to serve as the CCBWQA’s Technical Manager, with the duties and responsibilities as described in more detail in the attached Job Description (3-pages). Interested applicants should submit a Statement of Interest and Qualifications (SOI) by close of business on January 10, 2022. Read more and apply here.

Coalitions and Collaboratives is seeking a Development and Outreach Coordinator. The position is responsible for contributing to and developing and implementing fundraising strategies, donor relations, events and outreach opportunities, and diverse media engagement. The Coordinator will work with the Executive Directors of COCO, Coalition for the Upper South Platte, Arkansas River Watershed Collective, Purgatorie Watershed Partnership, and other COCO affiliates to address their needs for development and outreach. Job description and application information HERE. The application deadline is January 31st, 2022.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT) is seeking an Executive Director who will lead RiGHT toward a future of continued high conservation impact, organizational sustainability, and a strong, diverse base of financial support with an engaged community. Based in Del Norte, Colorado, the Executive Director will lead a small staff in completing new conservation projects while stewarding over 28,000 acres of conserved lands. The organization currently has numerous exciting traditional and community conservation projects in-progress. Read more here. The position is open until filled. Application review and interviews are expected to start on January 31, 2022.

Upper Colorado River Watershed Group is seeking an intern for a paid internship position. To learn more, please send an email to: ucrwgteam@gmail.com.

The City of Black Hawk is seeking a Water Manager. This is highly responsible work in planning and coordinating a variety of capital programs/projects in the Public Works and Water Departments. This position includes capital improvement project contract administration and coordination; review of projects related to utility improvements; long-range planning activities; developing operations and maintenance plans; and monitoring existing programs and activities related to the Water Operations and Water Resources. For more information click HERE.

The Colorado Department of Natural Resources is seeking a full-time Program Manager. This position provides professional, high level policy and technical assistance to the Colorado Water Conservation Board on complex water resource issues under the Board’s statutory authorities in the areas of: (1) interstate water compacts; and, (2) interstate and federal activities related to Colorado’s water resources. Applications close January 7th, 2022 at 5pm MDT. Click here for more information and to apply.

Announcements Early January

Are you water aware? The new statewide Water Awareness Survey is live - click here to take it today! For the first time, this survey can be taken in both English or Spanish. The Water Awareness Survey continues the work done by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) in 2013 with the “Public Opinions, Attitudes and Awareness Regarding Water in Colorado” survey - helping measure changes in public knowledge and perceptions on key water issues over time.

April 6, 2022 - Please save the date for the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter's annual meeting in Golden, Colorado. Registration will begin in February. For those unfamiliar with the annual meeting, the event is a full day of speakers presenting on wetland topics, such as restoration, project highlights, regulation and policy, and research. The meeting also includes morning refreshments, lunch, and an evening social event with adult beverages, snacks, and live music. It is a day of education, networking, and fun! Please contact the Chapter if you are interested in presenting and/or sponsoring the event at swsrockymtn@gmail.com.

The Colorado Water Trust announced that they have a new long term solution for water sourcing along the Yampa River. In Late November, they signed a 10-year lease with the Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District to purchase stored water from Stagecoach Reservoir. This contract will boost flows in the Yampa near Steamboat Springs, supporting fish, recreation and the local economy. Read more about the new deal here.

Seasonal closures at two State Wildlife Areas in Montrose and Ouray counties provide more than 11,000 acres of critical wintering habitat and refuge for big-game animals. Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks the public to respect these closures beginning Jan. 1 to give wildlife the best chance to survive the tough winter months. Read more here.


The Water Leaders Program is now open. The goal of the Water Leaders Program is to positively impact the Colorado water profession by developing a pipeline of water leaders across diverse fields with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of Colorado water. The Water Leaders Program was uniquely developed with water professionals in mind. While the program covers examples of water-related leadership challenges and case studies, the primary focus is individual growth. Apply by January 17th! Click HERE for more information.

EPA Releases CWSRF Best Practices Guide for Financing Nonpoint Source Solutions. The EPA announced the release of a new guide to help the 51 CWSRF programs apply best practices to help turn the tide on nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.

Conferences & Events Early January

JANUARY. On Jan.1, Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites you to celebrate the beginning of 2022 with an outdoor adventure at a Colorado state park. Our First Day Hikes offer a unique opportunity to enjoy self-guided hikes, scavenger hunts or guided hikes with our park rangers. Hikes ​​are free with a valid parks pass. Read more here.

JANUARY 26h, 2022, 10 am-12pm | State of the Sector | Community Resource Center. This event is a unique opportunity for nonprofit leaders, foundation executives and staff, stakeholders, and sector supporters to connect and reflect. Join for: Celebration and storytelling about our sectors work and impact in 2021 and beyond, engaging discussions with change makers in our field, exploration of new ways to advance the public good, presentation of the Community Trailblazer Awards. Click here to read more and register.

FEBRUARY 23rd-25th, 2022 | 20th Anniversary Riparian Restoration Conference: 2020 Learning from the Last 20 Years; Planning for the Next | RiversEdge West. This year's conference will take place in a hybrid format, with the option to attend in person or virtually. Whether you’ll join us in person or on-screen, we're excited to welcome you as we "Learn from the last 20 years and plan for the next". Scholarship opportunities are available for a limited number of attendees. Preference will be given to private landowners, students, and non-profit organizations. These scholarships are made possible by the financial support of our conference sponsors. Scholarship applications are due December 17, 2021. Click HERE for more information.

JULY 11th-29th, 2022 | Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Colloquium | The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E). The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) would like to announce the Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) Colloquium, which will be held 11-29 July 2022 at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, California. Scholarships for travel expenses are available. The application deadline is February 1st 2022. Read more and apply here.

Trainings & Workshops Early January

JANUARY 19th, 2022 | Regulatory Compliance for Wastewater Systems | EUCI. The Regulatory Compliance for Drinking Water & Wastewater course covers US Federal, State, regional and local standards for regulatory compliance associated with drinking water and wastewater systems. The course will include overviews of regulations and standards, including not only those directly related to drinking water and wastewater quality, but also related areas such as treatment, chemical storage, land use, risk mitigation and infrastructure construction. To learn more and register click HERE.

JANUARY 20th & 27th, 2022 | Get Government Grants- Virtual | Community Resource Center. Looking to build your professional capacity to find and write competitive government grants? Join CRC for a comprehensive workshop to learn more about the unique differences and distinctions associated with government grants. Participants will understand the essential elements included in finding and writing government grant applications, and determining your eligibility and your capacity to administer these types of grants. Part 1: Thursday, January 20th 9AM – 12PM Part 2: Thursday, January 27th 9AM – 12PM. Click here to read more and register.

The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this new education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and waste water treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series here.

Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon 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.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

San Juan Expedition Avy Course based at Thelma Hut. The AIARE Avy 1 Hut Course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. Based out of the Thelma hut on Red Mountain Pass, you will spend day and night with your peers and instructors learning the foundation of avalanche education. In a hut format, you spend more time skiing, more time learning from and observing your instructors, and more time in the mountains—all with lodging and food included. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field. Click HERE for more information.

MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.

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!

“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.

Funding Opportunities Early January

USDA Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. The Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), State and Private Forestry and Cooperative Forestry staff requests applications for this competitive grant program. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forest land from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits such as sustainable forest management; environmental benefits including clean air, water, and wildlife habitat; benefits from forest-based educational programs; benefits from serving as models of effective forest stewardship; and recreational benefits secured with public access. To learn more about eligibility and the application, click here. Applications due January 10, 2022.**

Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USDA Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), FedEx and Southern Company are soliciting applications for the 2022 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. This program will award approximately $2.6 million in grants nationwide. Projects should increase access to the benefits of nature, reduce the impact of environmental hazards and engage local communities, particularly underserved communities, in project planning, outreach and implementation. Applicants will represent a mixture of urban and rural communities. To learn more about the application, click here. Proposals due January 25, 2022. **

Colorado Parks and Wildlife- Wetlands for Wildlife Program. 2021-2022 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA). Competitive Grants for Wetland/Riparian. The intent of this funding is to support the two primary goals of the program: 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 is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. For more information click HERE.

Colorado Department of Local Affairs Funding Opportunity 

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is pleased to announce a Notice of Funding Available of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds for Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties. The attached application will be used to identify the organization or organizations to serve as the CSBG Eligible Entity for those counties going forward. Entities that are interested in applying should reach out to DOLA staff in advance of submitting their application if they have any questions on the application or the program in general. Please contact Alex Vercio (alex.vercio@state.co.us) or Alex Diaz (alex.diaz@state.co.us). Applications will be due January 31, 2022. Download the Application**

Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans, announced the 2022 application cut-off dates for eligible entities to participate in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) in Colorado. There are two signups. Application packages are due on Friday, January 7, 2022 by 4:00pm MST for funding consideration in Signup 1 and on Friday, February 25, 2022 by 4:00pm MST for funding consideration in Signup 2. Ranking pools offered for parcel applications are General, Grasslands of Special Significance (GSS), GSS Gunnison Sage Grouse, and GSS Greater Sage Grouse. For more information click HERE.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, is pleased to announce its call for applications for Dissertation Fellowships for 2022. These awards of $10,000 support Ph.D. students at universities in the U.S. and Mexico who are conducting dissertation research that builds on, and contributes to, the integration of land and water policy to advance water sustainability and resilience, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. Babbitt Dissertation Fellowships are an important link between the Lincoln Institute’s educational mission and its research objectives by supporting scholars early in their careers. For more information, including the application guidelines click here. Contact Zach Sugg if you have any questions. The application deadline is March 1, 2022.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is pleased to administer a $2,000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student interested in western water issues planning to attend a public institution of higher education in Colorado. Applications are due April 1, 2022. Read More

Upper Gunnison SPP Funding. Please see the attached solicitation for project proposals from CDPHE's Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division for the Upper Gunnison River Basin. The deadline for proposal submission is April 1, 2022.

NEW - PFAS Grant Program. The PFAS Grant Program provides money to eligible entities through three project categories:

  1. Sampling - for standard sampling and independent environmental studies.

  2. Emergency Assistance - for communities and water systems affected by PFAS.

  3. Infrastructure - treating existing PFAS and strategies for preventing upstream sources of PFAS.

 Drinking water providers can apply to test their treated drinking and source waters. Each PFAS grant program category has different criteria. Review the 2022 Request for Applications and apply on the PFAS Projects webpage. The application period ends April 2022.

The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure. Learn more about these opportunities here.**

HUD: Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships Notice. HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) has the authority to accept unsolicited research proposals that address current research priorities. HUD is making up to $2 million available for Lead and Healthy Homes Research Partnerships and approximately $1 million available for Research Partnerships for other topics. HUD is interested in increasing participation of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) of higher education and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in all program areas. To learn more, click here.**

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 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.

**indicate new funding opportunities posted on Inflow since our last edition**