Conferences & Events Early April

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.

APRIL 12th-14th, 2022 | HAR SER-RM 2022 Conference. The Society for Ecological Restoration Rocky Mountain Chapter (SER-RM) is pleased to announce our 2022 conference. This scientific meeting will be held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, and all who work in the varied fields of habitat restoration or simply have a passion for restoring our natural resources are welcome. Click here for more information and to register.

April 14th, 2022, 4:30-6:00pm | What has conservation done for you lately? | Keep It Colorado. You care about what makes Colorado special: our landscapes, our wildlife, our lifestyle…. our future. You may even get out to the various regions of Colorado regularly for hiking and wildlife viewing. Maybe you relish in eating locally grown beef, Pueblo chilies and Palisade peaches! Or you appreciate simply knowing that the bison and bighorn sheep that roam across Colorado are protected and have what they need to survive. Now’s your chance to hear from a few land trusts about their work behind the scenes to conserve and protect these special places and bring these benefits to you all year long. Bring your beverage of choice to this FREE virtual event, and prepare to be intrigued! Register here.

April 14th & 15th, 2022 | 2022 Water Law Review Symposium: 100 Years of the Colorado River Compact: Flowing Into A New Era. Join the University of Denver Water Law Review at the 2022 Symposium as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Colorado River Compact. In this notable year, the DU Water Law Review will host an unprecedented conversation about how water users, including agriculture, industry, wildlife, and millions of people, can navigate the law of the river when the river supply itself faces an uncertain future. We look forward to you being a part of these conversations about the future of the Compact and the future of the Colorado River.

APRIL 20th, 2022, 9am-12:30pm | Western Slope Virtual Funder Rountables. Virtual Funder Roundtables are an opportunity to directly engage with staff from foundations and grantmaking agencies of your choosing - to introduce yourself, share a bit about your work, ask questions about fit, and speak to your needs and plans. This three and a half hour session will provide participating nonprofits and local governments with the opportunity to connect with up to six funders throughout the morning, while providing ample breaks to ensure you can take care and refresh yourselves. Nonprofits will sign up for sessions with the funders of their choice to be a small group with other organizations from their region. We will limit the number of participants to four in each round to ensure meaningful engagement and foster regional relationship building. Click here to learn more and register.

MAY 7th, 2022,9 am | 19th annual Spring Up the Creek | The Town of Castle Rock. The Town of Castle Rock hosts this event in conjunction with Douglas County, Castle Pines Metropolitan District and Chatfield Watershed Authority. Groups, schools, businesses, media and the community are also integral to making this event a success each year. About 200 volunteers gather to pick up trash and debris from the banks of East Plum Creek and Sellars Gulch in an effort to keep our waterways clean. For more information click here.

June 15th-17th | Annual River Basin Tour. Each year, these fun and informative multi-day tours draw attendees statewide. Water Education Colorado takes lawmakers, water managers, attorneys, engineers and members of the public on a tour of a different river basin in Colorado to learn about the history, water-management practices and challenges of the area. Participants can also take part in extra-curricular activities, such as rafting or fly-fishing, dine at area ranches or open-space parks, and network among peers. Find more information here.

JUNE 25th, 2022 | A Night In The Park | Mountain Area Land Trust. Join MALT at "A Night in the Park" on as they celebrate the 30th year of land and water conservation! "A Night in the Park" is MALT's signature gala and the must-attend event of the summer! Former Denver Bronco Reggie Rivers will be back with his amazing energy and enthusiasm to emcee our evening and other special guests will be honored as part of the celebration. Read more and purchase your tickets here.

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 April

Each year in January, Colorado Water Trust and the Colorado Water Conservation Board launch the annual Request for Water Process. This process offers a streamlined approach to water transactions to benefit the environment on streams throughout the state. They invite water rights owners to explore options to use their water rights for streamflow restoration purposes. Learn more here.

Colorado hits a “hard pause” on water demand management as it waits for other states to catch up. The Colorado Water Conservation Board wants to instead focus on what can be done to help Colorado water users this year.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites anglers to learn about proposed fishery management changes at Shadow Mountain Reservoir in Grand Lake. Learn more here.

The book, “Biological responses to stream nutrients: a synthesis of science from experimental forests and ranges”, was recently published by the US Forest Service, and is now available for download, free of charge here. This book draws together, for the first time,  current science from 17 experimental forests nationwide to make it readily available to the water quality regulatory community. Of particular importance to Colorado, this book summarizes the rich collection of headwater stream studies on this important topic at Fraser Experimental Forest (chapter 9), in the Colorado Front Range, and the Glacier Lakes Ecosystem Experiments Site (chapter 10) in the Wyoming Snowy Range, which are useful especially as well-documented, reference reaches for addressing water quality issues in the Rocky Mountains ecoregion.

 View American River's Story Map for an interactive and in-depth introduction to the people and way of life of San Luis Valley, and the Valley's deep and enduring roots to the water of the Rio Grande.

 An easy-to-understand primer about agriculture! Get up to speed on the basic facts about land and water resources related to irrigated agriculture in the Colorado River Basin. View the fact sheet.

Job Announcements Early April

The Colorado Division of Conservation seeks a Compliance Specialist to conduct examinations of applications for the state income conservation easement tax credit. Responsibilities include the review of conservation easement deeds, qualified appraisal reports, baseline documentation reports, mineral assessment reports, title work, and related documents. The position presents findings to the Director and the Conservation Easement Oversight Commission. The position also assists with the certified holder program and tax credit transfer tracking process. Apply by April 6th, 2022.

Collaborative Decision Resources is hiring a Program Associate. You will support a range of stakeholder engagement, communications, problem solving, and conflict resolution projects. You will work on projects in the transportation, water, and public lands management fields in Colorado as well as in the regional West. Applications are due by April 9th, 2022.

Water Education Colorado is seeking a Membership and Engagement Officer. This position will play a key supporting role in Water Education Colorado’s overall membership program, resource development, and community engagement. This position’s primary responsibilities include communicating with, engaging and growing the organization’s membership, recruiting and expanding participation and financial support for programs, planning events, and increasing the organization’s visibility in the community. This is a salaried, full-time position with benefits. Applications will be accepted through April 15 or until the position is filled.   

The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is hiring for several open positions. Young Farmers envisions a just future where farming is free of racial violence, accessible to communities, oriented towards environmental well-being, and concerned with health over profit. Learn more about the open positions here.

Mountain Studies Institute is currently hiring for three positions: Accountant/Bookkeeper, Finance and Operations Director, and Development and Engagement Director. Visit this link for additional information!

San Juan Mountain Association is now hiring for a new position on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests as a Community Outreach Specialist. The Norwood Community Outreach Specialist will be based out of the Norwood Ranger Station to develop and deliver interpretive and educational programming and organize volunteer events to contribute to public lands stewardship in the region. This part-time seasonal position is great for an individual passionate about promoting conservation and stewardship on public lands. Click here for more information and to apply.

San Juan Mountain Association is hiring a lead instructor for our popular environmental education day camp. The camp instructor will work with the SJMA education team to deliver outdoor education programming at SJMA’s Nature Center and on public lands throughout Southwest Colorado. SJMA instructors have a passion for getting youth outdoors, cultivating a deep understanding of natural processes, and encouraging public lands stewardship. Click here for more information and to apply.

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.

Trainings & Workshops Early April

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. 

April 7th-8th, 2022 | Project Management for Water and Wastewater Utilities. A great project manager enables their team to take on new challenges, has the foresight to minimize resident disruption and customer risk, and understands the tricks of the trade to keeping project momentum up. When it comes to water and wastewater project implementation there is more to consider than the data behind the solution. Enabling a project to stay on schedule, communicating with key stakeholders, and allocating resources efficiently and effectively are all critical responsibilities of a project manager.

June 23rd-24th, 2022 | Long Term Capital and Financial Planning for Municipal/Public Water and Wastewater Utilities. This course will address the benefits of effective long-term financial planning, the factors that drive capital expenditure needs (e.g. new customer growth, regulatory compliance, etc), and the common funding sources (both internal and external sources) available for capital projects. In addition, since the utilization of debt has become increasingly prevalent in the public utility industry, it is imperative for managers and directors to become informed and knowledgeable of the process and requirements for issuing bonds.

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.

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!

Funding Opportunities Early April

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.

The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Board is accepting applications through April 8 to fund programs that bring about transformative change throughout communities. These grants are designed to widen accessibility to the outdoors for Coloradans from underserved communities and provide environmental, experiential, outdoor, stewardship and conservation education for Colorado youth or families, and that address inequities Coloradans face in accessing the outdoors.

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.

Beginning immediately, the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Board is accepting applications through April 8 to fund programs that bring about transformative change throughout communities. These grants are designed to widen accessibility to the outdoors for Coloradans from underserved communities and provide environmental, experiential, outdoor, stewardship and conservation education for Colorado youth or families, and that address inequities Coloradans face in accessing the outdoors.

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.