Funding Opportunities Late January
Grant Deadlines:
| NFF Matching Awards Program | Through the Matching Awards Program (MAP), the NFF is soliciting proposals to provide funds for projects that directly benefit America’s National Forests and Grasslands. MAP pairs federal funds provided through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service with non-federal dollars raised by award recipients, multiplying the resources available to benefit the National Forest System. MAP: Connecting People to Forests, focuses primarily on in-person community engagement, and completion of appropriate stewardship activities. Program goals are to create lasting change that will allow all communities opportunities to benefit from activities on National Forest System lands or adjacent public lands. Round 1 Application Deadline: January 22, 2026. Learn more HERE. | Deadline: January 22nd, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado River Collaborative – Flexible Funding 2026 | The Colorado River Collaborative’s (CRC) flexible funding is a small pot of private funding available to project managers in the Upper Colorado River Basin for implementation of projects that directly contribute to meeting one of the 3 primary goals of the CRC. These goals include stream restoration, wetland restoration and stabilization, and securing water for environmental benefit. | Deadline: January 30th, 2026 |
| Call for Applications: Water history research funding from the Colorado State University Water Resources Archive | The Colorado State University Water Resources Archive is now welcoming applications for the Water Scholar Award. This annual award grants funding to researchers whose work on western water would benefit from access to the collection. The award is intended to help offset the expenses of researchers engaged in studies that will benefit from access to the holdings of the Water Resources Archive as well as costs associated with presentations, publications, or other products resulting from that research. For the 2026 award, the total amount of funding is capped at $3,900, to be allocated to a maximum of three applications. Please apply only for the amount needed. Applications are due January 31. Additional information and application details can be found at HERE. | Deadline: January 31st, 2026 |
| The Diversion Measurement Installation Program |
Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Beginning in 2026, funds will be available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes and weirs, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them. The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation. Learn more HERE. | Deadline: January 31st, 2026 |
| Grants available for public water systems to address emerging contaminants in small or disadvantaged communities | The Water Quality Control Division announces that the Request for Applications for the Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program is now available. The details of this RFA are available on the division’s website. You can submit questions and inquiries about the RFA at any time using this form until 2 p.m. Mountain Daylight time on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. MDT on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. The grant can support planning, design, and infrastructure projects aimed at lowering public health risks from emerging contaminants, such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), manganese and others. |
Deadline: February 4th, 2026 |
| Waterways for Wildlife Initiative | The NWTF is now accepting applications for 2026 proposals through the Waterways for Wildlife Initiative (W4W). Projects eligible for funding include restoration, education/outreach, easement/acquisition, among others aimed at furthering the quantity and quality of riparian habitat in the Great Plains as well as providing educational information as to why these areas are so important. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, February 6th, 2026. All applicants will be notified by April 1st and funds available the same day for award winners. Application materials, general initiative info, past awards, etc. can all be found on our Waterways for Wildlife webpage, HERE. | Deadline: February 6th, 2026 |
| Colorado River District Community Funding Partnership | The Colorado River District Community Funding Partnership is opening a pilot, special funding round for irrigation companies. The grant opportunity will support capital improvement planning and rate studies to inform proactive financial decisions to complete infrastructure projects at an appropriate pace and scale, and ultimately to create local solutions to aging infrastructure risks. Applicants must own and/or operate an irrigation ditch and be able to contract with an engineering firm. Applications are due February 15, 2026. Up to five applicants will be chosen for the pilot grant program. Learn more HERE. | Deadline: February 15th, 2026 |
| 2026 Diane Hoppe Scholarship | The 2026 Diane Hoppe Scholarship opened for applications on December 15. The $2000 award is a one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student or college freshman passionate about western water issues. | Deadline: February 27th, 2026 |
| Wetlands for Wildlife Grants | The Colorado Wetlands for Wildlife Program is a voluntary, collaborative, and incentive-based program to restore, enhance, and create wetlands and riparian areas in Colorado. Colorado Parks and Wildlife annually seeks applications for wetland and riparian restoration, enhancement, and creation projects to support the goals of this program. Learn more HERE. | Deadline: February 24th, 2026 |
| Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund | A grant application may be submitted for locally-based watershed protection efforts. Applicants must be committed to a collaborative approach for the restoration and protection of lands and natural resources within Colorado’s watersheds that complement sustainable economic development. Two categories of grants will be available under the Colorado Healthy Rivers Fund program: (1) Project Grants, and (2) Planning Grants. | Deadline: February 28th, 2026 at 5pm MST |
| Metro Roundtable WSRF Proposal Summaries | The Metro Roundtable is seeking proposals for their Water Supply Reserve Fund Basin Grants. The Water Supply Reserve Fund is designed to provide grants to assist in addressing critical water supply issues and interests. The Roundtables play a major role in allocating these state funds for water projects in the South Platte basin and Denver Metro area. | Deadline: March 1st, 2026 at 5pm MST |
Grant Programs:
The Rio Grande Aquatic Navigator Network is a collaborative technical assistance and information network supporting organizations working on aquatic restoration, watershed resilience, and climate adaptation across the Upper Rio Grande watershed. The Network helps partners navigate a rapidly changing funding and policy landscape by providing timely updates, connecting practitioners with funding opportunities and technical support, and offering direct assistance to advance on-the-ground projects. Participants are invited to join the Network’s monthly newsletter and briefing calls to stay informed and connected. Visit https://riograndenavigator.com/ to explore the Network’s centralized funding database, learn more about available resources, and submit a request for free assistance tailored to your project or organization. Please contact emile@bestrategicbynature.com to learn more and sign up for newsletters and briefings.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Water Project Loan Program provides low-interest loans for the design and construction of agricultural and municipal water collection, storage, and delivery facilities, as well as hydroelectric power generation projects in Colorado; however, it does not fund drinking water or wastewater treatment projects. A minimum loan request of $100,000 is recommended. Projects financed by the Water Project Loan Program must align with the goals identified in Colorado’s Water Plan and its measurable objectives.
Community Navigator Program - The Watershed Center and Coalitions and Collaboratives, along with several other national and regional nonprofit organizations, are partnering with the US Forest Service on a community navigator initiative, which supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and building capacity for wildfire risk mitigation and climate resilience. To get in touch with a navigator, fill out a request form here.
Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap: EPA is offering free technical assistance for communities with failing decentralized (septic) wastewater systems, or communities with no existing wastewater systems at all. Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards? Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents? Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems? If any of these conditions apply, then your community may be eligible for assistance through this initiative. Communities – including homeowners and utilities – and all states, Tribes, and territories can request no-cost technical assistance. Technical assistance can help assess current wastewater infrastructure, recommend options, and support development of funding applications for the community. More information can be found HERE.
IRA Forest Landowner Support - Provides grant opportunities to entities and organizations delivering technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners - including Tribes, underserved landowners, and small-acreage landowners - to participate in emerging private markets for forest resilience and climate mitigation.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities to prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.
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 Water Plan Grant Program supports implementation of the Colorado Water Plan.The Partner Actions within the plan offer examples of the types of project level work that CWCB can help support through this grant program. All grant applications will be assessed based on funds available for a particular Water Plan category. Application deadlines are twice per year (July 1 and Dec 1). Colorado Water Plan Grant program multi-benefit funding categories include: Water Storage & Supply; Water Sharing Agreements; Conservation & Land Use Planning; Engagement & Innovation; Agricultural; Watershed Health & Recreation. To learn more or to apply, please contact the CWCB staff person in your basin, listed HERE.
City of Ft. Collins 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!
Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.
The Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Grant Program provides funding to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests through a unique local review process. Requests for funds from the WSRF program must be presented to and recommended by the respective Basin Roundtable prior to submitting a grant application and being considered by the CWCB Board. Deadlines to apply vary based on the respective Basin Roundtable meeting schedule and more information can be found HERE. Eligible projects may include funding for technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural, consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; design of structural projects or activities; infrastructure replacement or maintenance projects.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program.
Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.
Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.
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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion ofWater Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost. The WIFIA program has funding available on an ongoing basis. Learn moreHERE.
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.
Job Announcements Late January
State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, Division 5 Colorado River Basin (Glenwood Springs Office), is now accepting applications for the following position: Municipal Augmentation Plan Coordinator - Physical Scientist/Research Scientist II ($76,104.00 - $112,404.00 Annually) - apply online by 01/26/2026: The purpose of this position is to review decreed augmentation plans and perform audits of complex augmentation plans to verify water user supplied records and associated accounting are compliant with all applicable water court decrees, statutes, rules and regulations. This work requires communication with municipal water providers, water commissioners, attorneys, and consulting engineers. Applicants must have working knowledge of Colorado water law and 6 years of professional experience working in the water resources field and education. Applicants must also have expertise using MS Excel and great written and verbal communication skills. Visit Municipal Augmentation Plan Coordinator, Water Division 5 for additional information and to apply on-line.
Resource Central is seeking to hire a Water Program Coordinator. This is a full-time, hybrid remote position with most work performed at home. From May through September, time is divided between remote work (usually about 60-80%) and fieldwork (20-40%) though this may vary based on program needs. Occasional team meetings and events at our Boulder office are required throughout the year. The starting compensation range is between $22–$25 per hour; we also provide mileage reimbursement for fieldwork and other off-site events. Learn more and apply HERE.
Little Thompson Water District is seeking a Water Resources Manager. This position will perform water resources tasks such as planning, organizing and directing a variety of water resources activities including securing and maintaining water supplies of quality and quantity sufficient to meet the District’s needs. Areas of program responsibility include coordinating the development of long-range water supply plans, alternate water supplies, regional partnerships, and dry-year supply planning. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Learn more and apply HERE.
State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Resources, Division 5 Colorado River Basin, is now accepting applications for the following position: Lead Hydrographic Scientist (PSRS III). The position exists as the staff authority to manage scientific hydrographic expertise of approximately 50 hydrologic/research gaging stations operated/maintained throughout Division 5 to provide accurate streamflow data/monitoring required for compliance with numerous Federal and local agency projects and extensive division-wide primary and tributary river/stream administration. The position acts as the authority and directs the Division 5 hydrographic program in which hydrographic technicians analyze and assure quality of continuous data compilation, along with development and publication of annual streamflow record data in accordance with United States Geological Survey and State standards established by the Division of Water Resources. The position determines the most appropriate measurement method, implements the construction of new research gaging stations and provides program management and oversight of all streamflow and diverted water measurement devices and equipment including calibration, monitoring, and repair of stage sensor and satellite transmission equipment, measurement method analysis and protocol, inspection of water measurement structures for accuracy, correction of observed problems and programs to collect data required for water supply forecasting in various watersheds throughout the Division. Learn more and apply HERE.
Internships
Conferences & Events Late January
January 22nd, 2026 | Water Conditions Monitoring Committee - The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is responsible for convening the Water Conditions Monitoring Committee (WCMC) - formerly Water Availability Task Force. The WCMC monitors conditions that affect Colorado’s water supply, including snowpack, reservoir storage, streamflow, historical climate norms, long term precipitation and temperature outlooks, and climate variations. Learn more HERE.
January 23rd, 2026 | Sip N Science in the SLV - January 23rd kicks off our water quarter where we will be engaging in a leaded conversation about snow and how the snowpack impacts the lifestyle in the San Luis Valley! ‘Sip n. Science in the SLV’ is a yearlong series designed to help our community learn about the natural systems that define the San Luis Valley. Each of our sessions focuses on a different environmental topic that directly affects life here in the San Luis Valley. Learn more and register HERE.
January 26th, 2026 | Bimonthly Colorado Water Quality Forum - As a reminder, the next bimonthly meeting will be held virtually on Monday, Jan 26 from 12:30-2:30pm. Join the Zoom HERE.
January 27th, 2026 | Zebra Mussels on the Western Slope: An Update - Aquatic Nuisance Species are more than just a minor inconvenience! Learn how a zebra mussel infestation's detrimental effects can impede water conveyance on Colorado's western slope. Updates will be provided on CPW's latest sampling results and subsequent containment measures, as well as what partners and citizens can do to support these efforts and stop the spread. Everybody has a role to play when it comes to being a Pain in the ANS! Learn more and register HERE.
January 28th, 2026 | Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center 2026 Spring Seminar Series - Zebra Mussels in the Grand Valley: Learning to Live with Invasive Species, Presented by Madeline Baker - 4pm-5pm. Learn more HERE.
February 5th, 2026 | SNOTEL Tour with Colorado Snow Survey - Learn about the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Snow Survey and Water Supply forecasting resources they have, while enjoying a short hike starting at 10 am on Hoosier Pass to a SNOTEL (Snow Telemetry) site. We'll meet in the parking lot at Hoosier Pass and hike as a group to the Snotel site for a private talk on the snow scale and other equipment. The data this site collects is instrumental in snow and avalanche forecasting in our state. Learn more and register HERE.
February 11th, 2026 | Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center 2026 Spring Seminar Series - Iron-Assisted Electrokinetic Strategies for In-situ Stabilization of Arsenic in Contaminated Soils , Presented by Dr. Sarah Akindolie - 4pm-5pm. Learn more HERE.
February 12th & 13th, 2026 | Water Workforce Summit & Career Fair - The Water Workforce Career Fair takes place every year, connecting water workforce professionals, organizations, and businesses, with students from Colorado State University, technical colleges, high school programs, and other institutions of higher learning. Learn more HERE.
February 14th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE.
February 18th, 2026 | High Resolution Geophysics Learning and Happy Hour Event - 6pm - 8pm - High resolution geophysics can be a powerful tool in groundwater contamination studies. When used in conjunction with modern tools for data integration and interpretation, quantitative 3D conceptual site models can be made which are actionable for improved site remediation. This presentation will use case studies to illustrate the design, implementation, and use of high-resolution geophysical studies to aid in the characterization of groundwater flow at contaminated sites. Key considerations for success include; physical property determination, method suitabilities/limitations, site-specific constraints, and availability of supporting data. Learn more and register HERE.
February 28th, 2026 | How Water Made the West - Author Talk & Book Signing - Join award-winning author and hydrologist Robert Crifasi for an engaging, story-driven evening exploring the people, politics and power of Western water. Enjoy a lively presentation, audience Q&A, and book signing of Western Water A–Z in the iconic Hotel Colorado, with beverages and appetizers served. Event admission is by donation and books will be available for purchase. Space is limited. Advance RSVP required. Learn more and RSVP HERE.
March 3rd - 5th, 2026 | Biennial Riparian Restoration Conference - Mark your calendar for RiversEdge West's 22nd Riparian Restoration Conference on March 3-5, 2026 at Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, CO. Abstracts for Poster Presentations are due January 5, 2026. Learn more and register HERE.
March 14th, 2026 | Snow Science & Social Snowshoe Hike - Join SJMA and Mountain Studies Institute to learn about forest ecology, watersheds, climate change, and the future of snowpack in the San Juans by digging snow pits and taking a winter interpretive hike. Snowshoes will be provided if necessary. Back by popular demand, these snowshoe hikes are a great opportunity to explore the snowy landscape. Learn more HERE.
March 28th, 2026 | Rio Grande State of the Basin Symposium, Adams State University - Save the Date. Learn more HERE.
April 27th - 29th, 2026 | Partners in the Outdoors Conference - The Partners in the Outdoors Conference serves as a vital platform to address the intricate balance between conservation and outdoor recreation in Colorado. Registration is now open. Learn more HERE.
May 6th, 2026 | Annual Meeting of the Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter - Save the Date.
May 19th - 21st, 2026 | Western Collaborative Conservation Network Confluence - This year's theme: The Future of Collaboration: The Power of Working Across Divides. Save the Date. Learn more and register HERE.
June 4th &5th, 2026 | 2026 Colorado River Conference - Save the Date. Registration is now open. Learn more HERE.
June 14th - 20th, 2026 | Colorado Trout Unlimited’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp - Colorado TU’s River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp is a week-long, overnight experience for youth ages 14–18 who want to learn about fly fishing, river conservation, and the role people play in caring for Colorado’s waters. Campers learn outside, on the river, and alongside peers who share a curiosity for the outdoors. Learn more HERE.
August 30th - September 2nd, 2026 | Rocky Mountain Mining & Reclamation Conference - Save the Date.
October 6th - 8th, 2026 | Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference - Save the Date.
Trainings & Workshops Late January
January 26th & 27th | CSI-MS4 Training - Designed for Municipal personnel (MS4), this course will focus on permit regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States. Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials. Learn more and register HERE.
February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th, 2026 | Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator Program - The primary goal of the Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator program is to assist producers in maintaining profitability while integrating tools and strategies that can help them improve water efficiency on their operation. The program is a non-profit, 32-hour educational course that will be offered annually over three years to farmers and crop consultants starting in early 2025 through a collaborative effort between Delta and Mesa Conservation Districts. Learn more HERE.
February 17th, 2026 | Douglas County Conservation District Tree Workshop & Dinner - Topics include: Drought effects on local trees, Beetle issues, Preventative measures, Q&A with the Forester Nathan Wallace, Conservation District Annual Plant Sale Fundraiser. Learn more and register HERE.
February 23rd & 24th, 2026 | Landscape Irrigation Auditor Training - Learn how to assess irrigation system performance. This two-day session covers field tests and calculating accurate watering schedules based on plant water use, soils and local weather data. This class provides foundational information for the certified landscape irrigation auditor exam. 16 CEUs – Intermediate. Learn more HERE.
February 25th, 2026 | Landscape Irrigation Technician (CIT) Training - Learn the basics of hydraulics and irrigation system installation and maintenance, including an overview of irrigation system components and how they operate. Learn about gluing and repairing PVC pipe, installing nozzles and adjusting heads, setting and repairing electric valves and field and controller wiring techniques. This class provides foundational information for the certified irrigation technician exam. 8 CEUs – Beginner. Learn more HERE.
February 26th & 27th, 2026 | Principles of Irrigation: Landscape (CID) Training - Master theory and application principles for turf-landscape in this intensive session. Two full days cover soil-water-plant relationships, advanced hydraulics, electricity, pumps, valves and irrigation equipment. This class provides foundational information for the certified irrigation designer general landscape/turf exam. 16 CEUs – Intermediate. Learn more HERE.
March 24th, 2026 | Stream Corridor Restoration Monitoring Science Virtual Workshop - 9am - 12pm MST - SAVE THE DATE - Join us for a virtual workshop focused on physical (water and sediment) and biological outcomes of stream restoration. Register HERE. CALL FOR ABSTRACTS - Please submit an abstract to give a 15-20 minute presentation on monitoring process-based stream restoration outcomes related to surface or subsurface hydrology, sediment, wildfire, and ecology (field, remotely sensed, modeling). Preference will be given to studies with two or more years of data and/or pre- post-project data.Please email your 100-300 word abstract to Joel Sholtes jsholtes@coloradomesa.edu with “Stream Corridor Restoration Monitoring Science Workshop” in the subject line. Abstracts due by January 31st.
March 25th - 27th, 2026 | Rio Grande Basin Journalist Training & Workshop - To equip journalists to better understand the river’s current and future challenges, The Water Desk will host a training program for journalists in El Paso, Texas, on March 25-27, 2026. Participating journalists will hear from legal experts, tribal leaders, environmental advocates and other speakers who can shed light on the Rio Grande. Deadline for applications is Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:59 pm Mountain. Learn more HERE.
April 13th, 2026 | Landscape Irrigation Technician (CIT) Training - Learn the basics of hydraulics and irrigation system installation and maintenance, including an overview of irrigation system components and how they operate. Learn about gluing and repairing PVC pipe, installing nozzles and adjusting heads, setting and repairing electric valves and field and controller wiring techniques. This class provides foundational information for the certified irrigation technician exam. 8 CEUs – Beginner. Learn more HERE.
July 6th - 27th, 2026 | Wright-Ingraham Institute’s Field Workshop 2026 - The Wright-Ingraham Institute’s Field Workshop 2026 is a three-week fellowship that traces the Rio Grande from its headwaters in Colorado’s San Luis Valley into northern New Mexico’s Taos Plateau. At a time of prolonged drought and rapid environmental change, the program brings together a diverse cohort to wrestle with urgent questions at the intersection of ecology, society, and culture. We are now accepting applications for our 2026 cohort. Applications are due January 15th, 2026. Learn more HERE.
River Network has launched their Mastering the Grant Lifecycle: From Prospect to Execution learning series. Grants are the backbone of funding for so many nonprofit organizations, but managing them can often feel stressful, reactive, and disorganized. We’ve heard the challenges from across the network, and many of them can be solved with improved processes and more seamless collaboration. If you’ve ever hit a snag in your grant management process and thought there has to be a better way – this series is for you! Watch the episodes HERE.
Join RiversEdge West for their 2025 Workshop Series, where experts, practitioners, and community members come together to explore innovative approaches to riparian restoration. Each workshop offers a unique focus on the tools, technology, and partnerships driving successful restoration efforts across the Southwest.
The Professional Water Studies Certificate is made up of three courses – Colorado Water and the American West, Water Law, and U.S. Water Concerns. Take just one that you’re interested in or all three to earn the certificate. Each course is four weeks long, online, and self-paced – allowing continuing education to fit within your busy schedule. Learn more or register HERE.
The Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices training is designed to increase the skills of the professional mitigation practitioner and individuals who run mitigation programs. Participation in the 9-week virtual course is not guaranteed as we endeavor to provide training to individuals who lead or have responsibility for community wildfire mitigation programs. Acceptance is on a per person basis and is not transferable to another person. If there are multiple people from an organization signing up please ensure they sign up individually. Please complete this form if you are interested in being considered for the CWMBP training. Application forms are accepted on a rolling basis and added to a review list. As we schedule new classes, we will email next-steps to everyone listed. For questions about upcoming class or for assistance with this form email wendie.warner@co-co.org. Fill out the interest form HERE.
EPA Office of Water's Understanding Climate Change Impact on Water Resources Module — The EPA Office of Water has recently updated and relaunched their Understanding Climate Change Impact on Water Resources Module. This module explains the causes of climate change, its potential impacts on water resources, and the challenges water resource managers face. It was produced by EPA’s Watershed Academy, which publishes educational webinars and publications about watershed management. The updated module reflects the findings of the Fifth National Climate Assessment (2023) and Office of Water's Climate Adaptation Implementation Plan (2022). Regional information on climate change impacts in the United States is also provided in the course. To learn more, click HERE.
EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Water host this free webinar series to communicate current research, regulatory information, and solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. See the upcoming schedule or past recordings HERE.
Webinar Recording: Overview of Prescribed Fire Liability in State Law. Lawyer Sara Clark provides an overview of prescribed fire liability in state law, including definitions of liability and how state laws defining liability interact with certified burn manager programs, tribal sovereignty and cultural burning, and prescribed fire insurance. This webinar is intended for those who are new to the issue of prescribed fire liability or those more experienced who would like an overview of the subject, especially anyone about to engage on similar policy initiatives in their state or jurisdiction.
Online Course: Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is an introduction to Leave No Trace and the actions we can collectively take to protect our planet. In this course we share helpful information with a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.
Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs) and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs. Visit this link to begin the course!
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 education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series HERE.
The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers live and online courses 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 the implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.
Introducing the brand new NRCareers.org: Your ultimate resource for career development in the environmental sector. You may have been familiar with the PDF "A How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources." This website contains all the same great information from the original PDF, but now you can search the content directly and enjoy quicker updates without needing to download a lengthy guide! The newly redesigned website, developed by CAEE and the Colorado Youth Corps Association, include career possibilities, who hires, how to apply, and career prep.
TheClean Water Certificate (CWC) Training Program is the first in the nation ANAB-accredited green infrastructure and stormwater training program. The CWC Training Program is now being offered through the CWPA Membership Program. The purpose of the training program is to provide high-quality training opportunities that provides job growth in the stormwater industry and delivers industry-specific job-readiness skills for the under- or unemployed , or currently employed adults seeking to expand their skillset. Learn moreHERE.
Announcements Late January
Do you know a young person, aged 18-24, interested in Colorado water careers? We are looking for our next cohort of evaluators for our Water Education Exemplars Project. Applications are due Saturday, January 31st, 2025. Learn more about becoming an evaluator HERE. Learn more about the Water Education Exemplars HERE.
CWCB has released a new Water Funding Explorer that provides practical and easy-to-use grant information for interested applicants and much more. Learn more HERE.
The Colorado Water Loss Initiative (CWLI) has a new home on the CWCB website, creating a centralized hub for water loss auditing, training, and technical assistance. The site brings together updated guidance, Colorado case studies, auditing tools, a training calendar for upcoming 2025–2026 cohorts, and direct access to the Colorado Water Loss data portal. By integrating CWLI resources into the CWCB platform, Colorado is strengthening long-term water efficiency efforts and supporting utilities in reducing water loss—the most cost-effective “new” source of water. Learn more HERE.
On January 13, 2026, the EPA announced a proposed rule to revise the existing Section 401 water quality certification regulations. Once the proposed rule is posted in the Federal Register, EPA will accept public comments on the proposed rule. Comments on the notice should be identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-2929 and may be submitted online. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow online instructions for submitting comments to the docket. The proposed rule is open for a 30-day public comment period that closes on February 17, 2026. Learn more HERE.