Funding Opportunities Early March

The Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund page is updated with 2022 submission materials and the application is live. The lead applicant should be a local community-based organization, which could include conservation districts. The CHRF is not intended for federal, state or municipal governments, but their participation is encouraged. The deadline for submissions is March 30th, 2022. Apply now!

The Metro Roundtable provides guidelines for WSRF grant applications to encourage projects of statewide and local basin significance that address existing and future municipal and industrial demands while preserving the long-term sustainability of agricultural economies and the natural environment. Grant applications that meet one or more of these priority areas and which further the goals of the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan are encouraged to apply! Initial Proposals are due March 15, 2022. Click here to apply.

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 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.

Apply for a Yampa River Fund Grant! The spring grant cycle is open and applications are due April 4th, 2022. The Yampa River Fund is a community-based collaborative dedicated to identifying and funding activities that protect the water supply, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities provided by the Yampa River. Launched in September 2019, the Fund was created through a partnership of twenty-one public, private and non-profit entities representing the entire Yampa Basin coming together to create the Board that governs the Fund. Click here to learn more information and to begin the application process.

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 River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click here for more information and to apply.

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.

Trainings & Workshops Early March

March 3rd-4th, 2022| Stormwater Control Measure Design/ Design Review Certification. The Colorado Stormwater Center provides a two-day workshop on stormwater control measures (SCM) design and design review. Properly functioning SCMs begin with the design process which can also have a significant impact on inspection and maintenance. In this 2-day training workshop, we teach participants how to design and review designs of SCMs. The workshop includes 12 hours of presentations/discussion in a classroom setting, a 2-hour field trip and a 2-hour written exam (optional). Participants that successfully pass the written exam receive certification from Colorado State University Extension and are recognized on our website. Register and learn more here.

MARCH 7-9th, 2022 | Asset Management for Water Utilities. This introductory course to asset management takes the participants on a visually engaging journey through the broad landscape of asset management concepts. A series of interactive exercises will demonstrate how the concepts are applied into practice in a way that will help Water and Wastewater Utilities design strategies to realize value from their assets. Click here for more information and to register.

April 5th-6th, 2022 | Stormwater Control Measure Inspection and Maintenance Certification. The Colorado Stormwater Center provides a 1.5 day workshop on stormwater control measures (SCM) inspection and maintenance. All SCMs require regular maintenance to remain operating as designed. 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. Click here to 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.

Conferences & Events Early March

MARCH 5th, 9am-12pm | March River Cleanup | Groundwork Denver. Join Ground Work Denver on Saturday March 5th from 9am to noon for a trash clean-up around Bear Creek Park in Sheridan. More details will be sent to volunteers who RSVP. Click here for more information.

Acompáñenos Sabado Marzo 5 de a las 9am - 12pm a limpiar y recoger basura cerca de Bear Creek Park en Sheridan. Más información estará enviado a los voluntarios que pidan más información y reserven.

MARCH 5th, 2022,1-2:30pm | Winter Nature Walks | City of Fort Collins. Discover a special Poudre River natural area right in town. The wetland and forest habitat supports a variety of plant and animal life. Take a winter walk along the river! Please dress for the weather, including shoes that can get muddy. 1.5 miles; easy. Register and learn more here.

MARCH 15th-16th, 2022 | Wild & Scenic Film Festival | ACES. ACES is thrilled to host the seventh annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tuesday, March 15 at the Wheeler Opera House, and Wednesday, March 16 at TACAW, showcasing internationally acclaimed short films that both inform and inspire attendees to take action. Proceeds from the event benefit ACES' Tomorrow's Voices program, which provides civics and environmental leadership education to regional high school students. This event is presented annually in memory of Willard Clapper. Purchase your tickets here.

MARCH 19th, 2022, 6pm | A Benefit for the Uncompahgre River | 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour. Celebrate all things fly fishing with an array of short films from destinations around the world, all while raising awareness for the Uncompahgre River Watershed. RIGS Fly Shop & Telluride Angler have joined forces to bring the 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour to Ridgway! 100% of the proceeds raised from this event will be donated to the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership for projects slated to improve river health within the Uncompahgre River Valley. Come grab some great food, beer, incredible door prizes, raffles, silent auctions, and more. Doors Open at 6 pm films start at 6:30 pm - Hosted by RIGS Fly Shop & Telluride Angler. For more information click here.

MARCH 19th, 2022, 6:30-9pm | A Benefit for the Uncompahgre River – Fly Fishing Film Tour. Come out to enjoy fun and inspiring films about outdoor adventure and conservation through the love of fly fishing, and support projects that protect and restore your local river. This year’s venue is the Ouray County Event Center to provide lots of elbow room! Masks currently required – stay tuned for updates. 100% of proceeds go to the Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership for maintenance and improvement of riparian areas, fish habitat and recreation areas. Sponsored by RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service. Click here for more information.

APRIL 1st, 2022 | Navigating Shortage | Southwestern Water Conservation District’s 38th Southwest Water Seminar. This seminar will discuss these challenges, strategies, and successes under the umbrella of the theme “Navigating Shortage." Regional and local climate experts will discuss data showing southwest Colorado squarely in the bullseye of a regional aridification trend. Keen local negotiators will discuss Colorado water’s holy grail: striking the balance between multiple needs in times of drought. How do we keep agricultural producers in business, protect the environment, provide water for our communities, and maintain water-based recreational opportunities? For more information and to register for this virtual event, click here.

APRIL 9th, 2022, 9am | 10th Annual Raptor 5K Run. Join the Friends of Barr Lake for our 10th Annual Raptor Run! Run or walk to help raise funds to support the park. Registration fees are $40 until March 19th. The fee will go up to $45 on the day of the event. Children 15 and under and senior 60 and older receive an $5 discount from each of the fees. Race day registration and packet pick up begin at 8:00 a.m. on April 9th. Register by March 19th to guarantee correct t-shirt size! Click here to learn more and to register.

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.

Announcements Early March

SJMA Summer Camp Registration is Now Open! This summer, SJMA is offering several outdoor summer camps where kids in grades 1-12 can explore and learn about the natural world while making new friends and having lots of fun! Learn more and register here.

Region 8 Trash Free Waters Tribal Program Handbook. The Trash Free Waters team in EPA's Region 8 office (which covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming) has developed a handbook to assist Tribal governments, Indigenous communities, and other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement projects that reduce trash in waterways on Tribal lands. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to trash pollution, this handbook provides basic information on project design, implementation, and funding to serve as a starting point for those interested in taking action to reduce escaped trash in their community. This resource was developed specifically for Region 8 Tribes, but much of the information related to project development and funding opportunities may be helpful to tribal and other communities outside of Region 8 as well. You can access the handbook. View the handbook here.

April 6th - Register for the annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Society of Wetland Scientists. The Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS) Rocky Mountain Chapter annual meeting will be on April 6, 2022, at the Denver Botanic Gardens Mitchell Hall. The meeting is expected to bring together over 100 researchers, students, government scientists, private sector consultants, and other wetland practitioners. It will cultivate scientific and regulatory exchanges between diverse groups of professionals involved in wetland stewardship around the region. Register for the event here.

 The Nonpoint Source Program's first StoryMap Annual Report is now available to view. This 2021 Annual Report summarizes progress from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021 (FFY2021) as well as progress made on Section 319 grant workplans from 2016-2021.

For the 5th year in a row, Colorado Water Trust and the Colorado Water Conservation Board are launching the Request for Water Process to identify potential streamflow restoration projects throughout the state. Water rights owners are invited to explore options to use their water rights to benefit the health of rivers and streams in need of water. The Request for Water Process is confidential, completely voluntary, and open to all types of water right owners including agricultural, municipal, industrial, and other water users. Learn More

Job Announcements Early March

The St. Vrain and Left Hand Water Conservancy District is hiring a Water Resources Engineer/Scientist/Specialist. If you thrive in a fast paced environment, have a passion for water, want to be part of a legacy, and crave the freedom to achieve work-life balance, this is an excellent opportunity for you. As a team member, you will work with a group of committed professionals who are dedicated to continuing and enhancing the District’s leadership role in the Colorado water community. Resume and cover letter are due by 5:00 PM March 2, 2022. Click here to read the full job description.

The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW) is hiring a Watershed Project Manager. If you are a smart, energetic restoration professional who is passionate about keeping the Poudre River watershed resilient, then CPRW has an opportunity for you to share that passion with others. Applications due close of business on March 25, 2022. For more information click here.

Headwaters Alliance, is seeking an Executive Director. This position will provide vision and organizational leadership related to projects, fundraising and strategic action. This position offers autonomy augmented by an effectively functioning Board.This is a unique opportunity to be hands-on with the interconnected web of exciting and timely environmental work to benefit water, the environment and community at the headwaters of the Rio Grande. For the full job description click here. 

Headwaters Alliance is seeking a Program Assistant. This position supports key functions related to communications, event planning, volunteer coordination, and organizational capacity. Ideal candidate possesses exceptional skills in communications and logistics. Proficient with Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, Canva, and Google applications; skilled with social media and web maintenance; able to generate craft high-quality marketing and educational messaging. For the full job description click here. 

The Colorado State University Department of Forest and Rangeland Stewardship (FRS) in the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University (CSU) is seeking applications for an Assistant Professor specializing in forest ecology with experience and/or strong interest in urban environments. This is a 9-month, full-time tenure track faculty position. More information on the position and how to apply can be found in the attached position description. Click here to read the full description.

ERO Resources Corporation is currently seeking a full-time staff biologist to join our natural resources group in Denver, Colorado.  This position will work in collaboration with our natural resources group to support new and existing natural resource projects based out of our Denver office.  The ideal candidate for this position will apply their ecological knowledge to evaluate a variety of project sites for natural resource concerns, provide guidance to clients on those resources, and prepare and review ecological reports and permit applications. Click here for more information.

The Babbitt Center seeks an intern to assist in research related to sustainable agriculture within the seven Colorado River Basin states. This intern will collect, analyze, manage, and summarize data about agricultural land use. Learn more. 

The Babbitt Center seeks a Native American intern with an interest in exploring water and land management within communities across the Colorado River Basin, including Indigenous communities, to join our team for a summer and/or academic semester internship. Learn more.

 The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy is currently conducting interviews for a full-time program manager to be based in the Phoenix office. This individual is expected to conduct research, develop and support partnerships and networks, manage contracts with partners, and disseminate the results of Babbitt Center work. Learn more.