Job Announcements Early December

The Middle Colorado Watershed Council is hiring a Water Specialist.  The new watershed specialist will provide project management and outreach services for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council on projects from Glenwood Canyon to Debeque Canyon on the Colorado River. Overseeing and managing selected projects includes coordinating with MCWC contractors, subcontractors, volunteers, and stakeholders. The right candidate will work with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to prioritize and implement projects. Deadline for submissions is December 3rd, 2021. Click HERE for more information. 

Colorado Water Conservation Board is seeking a Conservation and Drought Specialist. This position exists to provide technical assistance to water providers, water users and Colorado stakeholders like the basin roundtables to assist in the development, implementation, and monitoring of water conservation programs, to achieve specific goals including achieving greater levels  of water efficiency and mitigating drought. It also provides strategic input to long-range water planning regarding the level of achievable conservation measures by developing and maintaining water conservation databases, tracking metrics and goals. Apply by December 6th, 2021, 5pm MDT. Click HERE for more information and how to apply.

Groundwork Denver is seeking a Water Program Director. Reporting to the Associate Director, the Director of Water Programs (“Water Program Director”) will oversee Groundwork Denver’s urban waters program, including but not limited to water quality testing, watershed improvements, youth employee engagement, and community education. The Water Program Director will align all activities to Groundwork Denver’s environmental justice strategy and vision. Click HERE to learn more.

Trainings & Workshops Early December

DECEMBER 3rd, 2021 | Inclusive River Recreation Outreach Strategies | Wild & Scenic Rivers Coalition. Join the Wild & Scenic Rivers Coalition for the second webinar short in their series exploring case studies that showcase how local groups are intentionally creating welcoming spaces and engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color to enjoy and protect Wild & Scenic Rivers across the country. This month, hear from Lily Durkee, co-founder of Diversify Whitewater. Save this Zoom link to join.

DECEMBER 13th-14th, 2021 | Water Desalination Plant Design and Management | EUCI. The Water Desalination Plant Design and Management course is designed for engineers looking to understand the design and management processes of reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plants. Providing drinking water through desalinating salty water has become more common in recent years because of the unfortunate limitations of sourcing fresh water. Desalination plants can not only provide access to safe drinking water but can also help with irrigating plants and habitat protection. For more information click HERE To register click HERE.

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

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.

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.

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.

Funding Opportunities Early December

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSmart program (multiple funding opportunities listed below). 

  • Environmental Water Resources Projects

    • Environmental Water Resources Projects is a new funding category under WaterSMART. Projects that benefit plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and ecosystems directly influenced by water resources management are eligible.

    • Project types can include water conservation and efficiency projects to improve the environment through quantifiable and sustained water savings, mitigation of drought-related impacts, and watershed management or restoration projects with a nexus to water resources or water resources management. Projects under this new category may be eligible for up to 75% federal funding. 

    • Applications are due December 9, 2021.

The Town of Telluride is pleased to announce the third round of Telluride Green Grants, a grant program that supports residents and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. Grants of $500 to $35,000 are available from a total of $50,000 to qualified applicants. Applications can be found on EcoAction’s website HERE and are due to EcoAction Partners no later than December 17, 2021.

 Water Quality Improvement Fund Grant- 2021 Request for applications - Category 1The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, is now accepting applications for the Water Quality Improvement Fund Grant- Category 1. Category 1 is limited to stormwater management training and best management practices training to reduce the pollution of state waters. The deadline for submitting applications is 2 p.m. MST on Dec. 22, 2021. The request for application may be accessed HERE.

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.

2022 RFA Release

Nonpoint Source is now accepting applications for watershed implementation projects that restore waterbodies impaired by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients AND/OR protect waterbodies from nonpoint sources of pollution. They are also accepting applications for watershed-based plans for either:

  1. Pre-planning for an EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan;

  2. Developing a new EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan; or

  3. Updating an existing EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan.

Please visit HERE for application and reference materials. The 2022 RFA Announcement is attached here as well. Applications must be submitted to cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us by December 31st, 2021 by 5pm (MST). Please direct questions regarding the RFA to Estella Moore at cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us by November 19, 2021 by 5pm (MST). Answers to those questions will be posted on npscolorado.comon November 22, 2021.

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.

Colorado Department of Agriculture Grant and Outreach Opportunities. There are many opportunities for engagement right now, we don't want anyone to miss out! Check out "CDA At A Glance" to find out what's going on this month.

The YWG BRT grant program has three designated award periods contingent upon available funding. All grant criteria is designated by the request amount of under or over $10,000. Please review the requirements and goals of the program to determine the appropriate application level for your request. These grants will be awarded in November, February and April depending on available funds. Click HERE for more information.

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 River Network offers funding from the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank. Are you planning, designing, or implementing on-the-ground restoration projects that will restore river flows and/or recharge ground water? Would you like the opportunity to share your projects with businesses who may be interested in providing support for your projects? If the answer is “Yes!” be sure to check out the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank, a new opportunity for paid members of River Network to use a national platform to attract funding.

Colorado's Water Plan Grants fund progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. See the grant guidelines and apply 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.

The Environmental Protection Agency Water Finance Clearinghouse has access to hundreds of water funding opportunities that can be found HERE.

Conferences & Events Early December

DECEMBER 8th, 2021, 12-1pm MSt | 75th Anniversary Lincoln Institute Dialogue, “Water and Governance in the Colorado River Basin. Water is life, and the way we manage water in arid and semi-arid regions—and deal with related land-use challenges—will shape the future of our communities. Join U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton of Arizona, former mayor of Phoenix, and Dr. Kathryn Sorensen, director of research at the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University and former director of water services for the city of Phoenix, for a discussion of water and governance. The speakers will consider sustainability challenges in the southwestern United States and lessons learned from their work in Phoenix and elsewhere. They will delve into current governance issues and the critical need for bold leadership to ensure that our communities are resilient and sustainable. Finally, the discussion will address water provisions in the recently adopted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and proposed Build Back Better Act. This event is FREE. Click HERE to learn more and register.

DECEMBER 9th, 2021: South Platte Forum. Check back for registration opening in 2021. Read more HERE.

DECEMBER 9th-10th, 2021 | Colorado Ag Water Summit. Colorado’s Ag Water Summit brings together agricultural leaders, water professionals, elected officials, and decision makers to discuss agricultural water issues. We have a Water Plan, but where does Ag fit into implementing the Water Plan? We plan to discuss Ag’s role in infrastructure, storage, the Colorado River Compact, funding, and how to maintain a healthy Ag economy into the future. Register HERE. Read the full agenda HERE.

DECEMBER 14th, 2021, 9am-12pm | Confluence at the Confluence. Join virtually to learn about harmful algal blooms through a series of presentations and stories. We will hear from the Division, EPA, Aurora, Thornton, Metro Water Recovery, and more. Training units (TUs) will be available for participants. Click HERE for more information.

DECEMBER 17th, 2021 | Water Law in a Nutshell. Led by Mr. Aaron Clay, Attorney at Law and former 26-year Water Referee for the Colorado Water Court, Division 4 Continuing Education Credits Available: Realtors: 2 hours CE. After three SOLD OUT successful Water Law in a Nutshell courses this year, we are excited to present a second Level 2 short course specifically targeted to Realtors. If you had the opportunity to attend the previous Water Law in a Nutshell courses, this offering will cover more detail regarding topics such as: how to evaluate a water right; title insurance for water rights; listing agreements, disclosure/ due diligence, how to analyze different types of water rights and their treatment of deeds; ditches and ditch easements; and more!! Registration is $35.00, which includes course materials. **$60.00 total if you wish to receive Continuing Education Credits Pre-registration is required! To register or for more information click HERE.

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

Announcements Early December

Are you working to design, fund, or launch an innovative water program in Colorado? WaterNow is pleased to announce that its Regional Project Accelerator application cycle is open! Project Accelerator offers cities, water agencies, and other organizations the opportunity to jumpstart a sustainable water project. This application cycle will focus specifically on Colorado communities. Selected Project Accelerators receive free, hands-on support and technical assistance (up to 250 hours in 6 months) to make meaningful progress toward more affordable, community-oriented solutions. Learn more and apply now to receive support. Applications are due by December 13, 2021. Click HERE to learn more.

During the annual Water Quality Forum retreat, a work group was created to update Water Quality Policy 23, “Procedures for Conducting Assessments for Implementation of Temperature Standards in Discharge Permits.” Stakeholder engagement will begin in January 2022, with three meetings devoted to updating the policy and a fourth meeting to identify outstanding issues and possible solutions for implementing temperature standards into permits. Participation in this workgroup is open to anyone. To sign up, visit HERE and check the “Temperature Limits in Permits” box. Please sign up by December 15, 2021.

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

RiverStop at the Rifle rest area needs volunteers. The RiverStop has opened its doors to visitors and locals but only for intermittent hours for now. If you or someone you know has time for a weekly four or six-hour stint, please email info@midcowatershed.org and use the subject line "RiverStop volunteer."

12-year-old Derek Slavsky, an avid fly tier, fly fisherman, and watershed champion raised $505 at Evergreen's Alternative Gift Fair last weekend, on behalf of the Colorado Watershed Assembly (CWA). He set up his booth as a fly tying desk and sold pre tied kits with 3 and 5 flies and promoted these as stocking or envelope stuffers for anglers. If anyone wanted additions to their kit (i.e., streamers, wollybuggers, etc), Derek tied them at the show. The enthusiasm by the greater Evergreen community for Derek's craft, passion for fly fishing and clean Colorado waters was overwhelming. All of Derek’s profits will be donated to CWA, as part of the community service project Derek is taking on this year. CWA sends a HUGE thank you to Derek for his hard work and commitment to our Colorado streams!

Anchor Fly has recently had the honor and great fortune of sitting down with Dr. Helen Neville, Trout Unlimited’s senior scientist. Helen is a leader in conservation science for native trout and in April of 2020  was recognized by the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society (AFS) with the Award of Merit. Take a look at the full article HERE.