Funding Opportunities Late December

Water Conservation Field Services Program Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.  Development of Water Conservation Plans to meet state or local water conservation goals and water management improvements through system optimization review are supported by this grant. May 31, 2023  Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET,

Federal Technical Assistance Grants. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million in federal funding has been allocated for technical assistance grants that will enable eligible entities to work with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) contractors or to hire contractors to expand their capacity and expertise, in pursuit of federal funding opportunities that directly support the Colorado Water Plan objectives. The allowable uses of this grant funding are broad in scope, to allow for the wide range of federal opportunities available. Funding can be used for: preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submittal. Rolling application deadline.

FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.

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.

Applications are NOW OPEN for Nature in the City planning grants! Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!

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.

Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.

A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.

Announcements Late December

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is celebrating its third most successful year of kokanee salmon spawning at Wolford Reservoir, near Kremmling. Read more here.

Permit Issued for $2 Billion Northern Colorado Reservoir Project

Upper Colorado River officials release details of water savings program

Water Education Colorado’s Water Leaders Program is now accepting applications! Recognized as the premier leadership development program for the water community in Colorado, WEco’s Water Leaders Program aims to positively impact the Colorado water profession by creating a pipeline of dedicated, effective water leaders across diverse fields who exemplify the four quadrants of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and social management. Apply by January 31st, 2023!

Water Advocate Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program is ready for review. After many months of effort, the draft Colorado Pikeminnow Recovery Plan is ready for review on the Fish and Wildlife Website. The plan will be open for a 60-day public comment period. Recovery Plans are non-regulatory documents that act as a guidebook towards a shared goal of ensuring a species’ long-term survival in the wild. This draft recovery plan is a revision of the previous 2002 Recovery Plan; updates include the best available scientific information

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is requesting applications for an opening on the Colorado Recreational Trails Committee. The committee advises the Parks and Wildlife Commission and CPW on matters pertaining to trails, their use, extent, location, and funding. Members of the committee review, score, and rank grant applications to formulate funding recommendations for State Trail grant programs.

Trainings & Workshops Late December

January 9th, 2023 | Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Training | COCO. This national level training from Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. and the USDA Forest Service is designed for current or future mitigation specialists, wildfire program leads, and others who work with residents and their communities to reduce wildfire risk. The Mitigation Best Practices training concentrates on science, methods and tools that will help you engage communities/residents while also helping you to eliminate ineffective practices. Participants should come with a basic understanding of wildfire, how homes burn, and vegetation management practices. The course assumes you know how to mitigate, but that you could use support engaging your community. In this workshop, you will work through some of the greatest challenges facing our wildland urban interface communities. The course will help you break down ineffective practices to make space for the more effective ones with a focus on the on-the-ground mitigation activities. The training takes place over the course of nine weeks, with three to five hours of estimated work per week. While the work is at your own pace, you are required to meet the weekly deadlines. There is NO cost to attending this course.

May 2nd-4th, 2023 | Cross-Boundary Landscape Restoration Workshop | Colorado State University.This multi-agency and stakeholder gathering will build on the first Cross-Boundary Landscape Restoration Workshop, which took place in March 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The 2020 workshop directed and empowered attendees to use future workshops to address the issue of climate change on cross-boundary restoration, and innovative mechanisms for accomplishing restoration, from implementation approaches to financing options. The 2020–2022 fire years have only increased the need to broaden post-fire restoration knowledge to better align with expected ecological and social climate futures.

MAY 17thh-19th, 2023 | Scenario Planning for Urban Futures | University of Michigan. Scenario planning allows for forward-thinking urban plans that address external forces—such as climate change—that are not traditionally accounted for. The term refers to a family of different methods that include integrative, qualitative, and quantitative techniques tailored to different types of plans and projects. In the course, urban planning professionals will gain first-hand knowledge about scenario planning and concrete ideas for how to implement scenarios in their cities.

Colorado Water and the American West teaches students about the rich history of water in the Western United States, how native communities used it, and the American approach to water management. The western United States is a region with a long history of water challenges. In the American West, over 40 million people depend on the Colorado River, now listed as one of the most endangered rivers in America. MSU Denver developed the non credit Professional Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Taught by MSU Denver faculty, courses are one month long, fully online, and self-paced to accommodate the schedules of busy professional students.

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!

Conferences & Events Late December

December 20th, 2022 | CCA Ag Water Network: Drought Resilient Forages Webinar | Pawnee Butte Seeds. Don Hijar, Agronomist and Owner of Pawnee Butte Seeds, will be presenting several topics including SOD-BOUND: The Dreaded Surface Thatch Layer - Causes and Solutions, Drought tolerant seed mixes for irrigated and dry land, how much fertilizer is needed, interseeding. There will be time for Q&A at the end of the discussion.

January 6th, 2023 | CSU Spur’s Big Splash. Join project leadership, local community, and fellow business professionals for an event to celebrate the Hydro building opening and the CSU Spur campus completion! Ride the wave of excitement as we open the doors to Hydro, a building that showcases the importance of water to our livelihood and connects visitors with researchers and scientists conducting important work that will keep our water safe and available for the future. Hydro is home to Denver Water’s new water quality lab, a 230-capacity theater space, our “backyard” space with connectivity to the South Platte River, interactive art and exhibits, artist studios, a café, event spaces, and more. While you’re at the event, explore the full CSU Spur campus: Vida, Terra, and Hydro. All buildings will be open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on event day, Friday, Jan. 6, 2023.

January 11th-12th, 2023 | Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting. The Four States Irrigation Council Annual Meeting serves as a forum for irrigators, irrigation districts, water districts and ditch companies to exchange water-delivery ideas and information. Exhibitors showcase the latest equipment and technology. The member states are Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming.

January 16th - 19th, 2023 | Western Colorado Horticultural Society/VINCO Conference. The VinCO & WCHS Conference is a multi-day, multi-track conference for winemakers and fruit growers held January 16-19, 2023 at the Grand Junction Convention Center in Colorado! The conference draws over 300 people per day from across Colorado as well as out of state! There is an in-depth program that will be available online as well as printed for all attendees and contains the conference schedule, speaker & seminar descriptions and trade show exhibitors as well as advertising for industry-related and local businesses.

January 24th- 26th, 2023 | Colorado Farm Show. It is fitting that one of the largest — and oldest — farm shows in the nation takes place in Weld County, the fourth largest agriculture producing county in the United States. The annual three-day event features almost 350 ag-related exhibits and draws more than 30,000 visitors from throughout the region interested in learning more about ag products, services, and machinery. And volunteers with a love for agriculture make it happen.

January 26th, 2023 | State of the Sector | Resilience: Emerging Leadership in Changing Environments. Register now for State of the Sector 2023! Join for a hybrid event** featuring an interactive panel of leaders in our field, and a virtual awards ceremony honoring two remarkable changemakers in Colorado. CRC’s State of the Sector is a unique opportunity for nonprofit and foundation leaders, public stakeholders, and sector supporters to connect and reflect. The theme this year is Resilience: Emerging Leadership in Changing Environments. Our panel will explore the rising demands on nonprofit leadership and the need for rapidly adapting organizations by highlighting innovation and unique perspectives.

January 27th-28th, 2023 | Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum. The Forum is for anyone with an interest in the future of agriculture. Whether you’re looking to improve on or innovate existing practices, the Forum has resources and networking opportunities for you.

February 21st-22nd, 2023 | Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Annual Conference. Registration is now open for the 9 th Annual Colorado Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association Conference The conference kicks off at noon Tuesday, Feb. 21 with a luncheon and membership meeting. All are invited to attend. The schedule continues into the early evening the same day, resumes early morning on day two, and concludes mid-afternoon on day two.

March 9th & 10th, 2023 | Western Spaces Annual Land Conference. Save the date! The theme this year is Framing the Future: Investing in Solutions for a Thriving West, and we are planning a great series of panels, workshops, and plenary discussions.

April 10th & 11th, 2023 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. This conference is geared toward professionals working proactively to improve wildfire outcomes in Colorado communities and landscapes such as Mitigation Specialists, Emergency Managers, Firefighters, Researchers, Foresters, Developers and Policy Makers. Anyone wishing to learn more about how they can reduce their community’s vulnerability to wildfire is welcome to attend.

April 11th-14th, 2023 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference. Save the date!

April 12, 2023 - Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter Annual Meeting - Save the date!!

Job Announcements Late December

Water Education Colorado is seeking a Programs Director. The Programs Director will maintain WEco’s strong reputation as a trusted resource in offering a core suite of engaging information, education and leadership programs, while also developing new opportunities to carry out the organization’s mission. WEco just turned 20 years old and is entering an exciting new phase with an upcoming move to the Colorado State University SPUR campus at the National Western Center. This is an outstanding opportunity for a skilled professional to engage in all aspects of WEco's programming, and to gain exposure to a vast range of water leaders across the state while exploring innovative program alternatives to align with strategic direction. This position involves regular time in the field, traveling to in-person programs and events. Past experience overseeing both projects and staff and the ability to drive productivity to achieve program objectives required. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The target start date is January 2022.

Aurora Water is seeking a Water Conservation Specialist  - Conservation Analyst to join their team. Aurora’s Water Conservation team implements over 20 water conservation programs focused on promoting water efficiency. This position is responsible managing and analyzing program data, developing script using R, Python and VBA. Candidates must also be well versed in ArcGIS and Excel. This position supports all conservation programs and is tasked with driving projects through their understanding of data potential. 

Western Resource Advocates is seeking a Western Lands Outdoor Equity Attorney. This position will be responsible for developing, enacting and enforcing policies that promote outdoor equity and protect equitable, sustainable outdoor recreational access to public lands and waters in the West. The Outdoor Equity Attorney will work closely with the Western Lands Director to ensure that WRA’s goal to protect 50% of Western lands from development is also ensuring that recreational access to public lands and waters is equitable, sustainable, and not based on personal wealth, or privilege.

Left Hand Water District is currently seeking the right candidate for a front line, working Distribution Supervisor. The ideal candidate would have a minimum of seven years of experience working in water distribution system operations and maintenance, and a minimum of five years’ experience working in a lead or supervisory role. Under the direction of the Distribution Manager, this position is responsible for the daily operations of the distribution workgroup, providing technical leadership, and performing a variety of semi-skilled and skilled tasks related to the operation of water distribution facilities.

RiversEdge West is recruiting two Riparian Monitoring Stewardship Interns and two Riparian Restoration Strike Team crew members. These positions are in partnership with the Western Colorado Conservation Corps and will be based in the Grand Junction, CO area. The positions will support the restoration efforts of the Desert Rivers Collaborative, a multi-stakeholder riparian restoration partnership. These are great opportunities for college students, recent graduates, and anyone trying to get a foot in the door of the restoration world. All training is provided. Tentative Dates (some flexibility for the right candidate(s)) and more info are below: Riparian Monitoring Stewardship Interns: May-August 2023 Riparian Restoration Strike Team

The Southwestern Water Conservation District (“District”), based in Durango, Colorado, is seeking candidates for the Programs Coordinator position. The District was created by Colorado statute in 1941 to lead in the protection, conservation, use and development of the water of the San Juan and Dolores River basins for the welfare of the District, and to safeguard for Colorado all waters of the basin to which the state is entitled. The District encompasses all of La Plata, Montezuma, Archuleta, San Juan, San Miguel and Dolores counties and parts of Montrose, Hinsdale and Mineral counties. The District has a nine-member Board of Directors with an appointee from each Board of County Commissioners.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Restoration Project is seeking application for a Program Manager position. Manager. The Program Manager will report to the Executive Director of the RGHRP. Founded in 2004, the RGHRP is a small watershed group working to restore and conserve the historical functions and vitality of streams and rivers in the Rio Grande Basin in Colorado for improved water quality, agricultural water use, riparian health, wildlife and aquatic species habitat, recreation, and community safety. The RGHRP’s focus areas and priority projects are informed by watershed and stream management plans, which cover the Rio Grande in Colorado and many of its tributaries. Applications for the position will be accepted until the position is filled.