Announcements Late December

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.

The Water Leaders Program is now open. The goal of the Water Leaders Program is to positively impact the Colorado water profession by developing a pipeline of water leaders across diverse fields with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of Colorado water. The Water Leaders Program was uniquely developed with water professionals in mind. While the program covers examples of water-related leadership challenges and case studies, the primary focus is individual growth. Apply by January 17th! Click HERE for more information.

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."

Get Hooked on Winter Fishing in Colorado. Colorado offers some of the best winter fishing opportunities that any angler can enjoy. Continue Reading

With heavy hearts, CWA acknowledges and appreciates the life of a legend, Justice Greg Hobbs. The Directors of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and its Colorado Water Conservation Board, and Division of Water Resources released the following statements on the passing of Justice Greg Hobbs. Read More

Colorado Open Lands is to be featured in National Geographic for their San Luis Valley land and water preservation work! The National Geographic article explores solutions that groups like Colorado Open Lands are implementing to help this community maintain its history, culture, way of life, and main economic driver. Full article here!

Conferences & Events Late December

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.

DECEMBER 19th, 2021, 6-9pm | Full Moon Howler: Snowshoe/Hike | San Juan Mountain Association. One way to beat the darkness of this time of year is to get outside and enjoy it!  While experiencing the alpine glow of the Twilight Peaks and the rise of the full moon, strap on your snowshoes and join SJMA staff for an 60-90 minute interpretive walk.  Afterwards, take in the beauty of the moonlit landscape and mingle with like-minded folks while warming by the bonfire and sipping a nice hot beverage (hot cocoa and mulled wine will be provided by the Nordic Center). Click HERE for more information.

JANUARY- Come join the fun, learn about nature and ring in 2022 at Roxborough State Park. Park naturalists will lead you on a journey of discovery through our guided hikes and activities in January. Click HERE to learn more.

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. 

Funding Opportunities Late December

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.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife- Wetlands for Wildlife Program. 2021-2022 REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA). Competitive Grants for Wetland/Riparian. The intent of this funding is to support the two primary goals of the program: 1. Improve the distribution and abundance of ducks, and opportunities for public waterfowl hunting. 2. Improve the status of declining or at-risk species. The application deadline is Wednesday, January 26, 2022. For more information click HERE.

Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, Clint Evans, announced the 2022 application cut-off dates for eligible entities to participate in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE) in Colorado. There are two signups. Application packages are due on Friday, January 7, 2022 by 4:00pm MST for funding consideration in Signup 1 and on Friday, February 25, 2022 by 4:00pm MST for funding consideration in Signup 2. Ranking pools offered for parcel applications are General, Grasslands of Special Significance (GSS), GSS Gunnison Sage Grouse, and GSS Greater Sage Grouse. For more information click HERE.

The Babbitt Center for Land and Water Policy, a center of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, is pleased to announce its call for applications for Dissertation Fellowships for 2022. These awards of $10,000 support Ph.D. students at universities in the U.S. and Mexico who are conducting dissertation research that builds on, and contributes to, the integration of land and water policy to advance water sustainability and resilience, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. Babbitt Dissertation Fellowships are an important link between the Lincoln Institute’s educational mission and its research objectives by supporting scholars early in their careers. For more information, including the application guidelines click here. Contact Zach Sugg if you have any questions. The application deadline is March 1, 2022.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is pleased to administer a $2,000 one-year scholarship for a Colorado high school student interested in western water issues planning to attend a public institution of higher education in Colorado. Applications are due April 1, 2022. Read More

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.

Trainings & Workshops Late December

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.

Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.

San Juan Expedition Avy Course based at Thelma Hut. The AIARE Avy 1 Hut Course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. Based out of the Thelma hut on Red Mountain Pass, you will spend day and night with your peers and instructors learning the foundation of avalanche education. In a hut format, you spend more time skiing, more time learning from and observing your instructors, and more time in the mountains—all with lodging and food included. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field. Click HERE for more information.

MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.

Colorado Master Irrigator offers farmers and farm managers advanced training on conservation- and efficiency-oriented irrigation management practices and tools. This program is the product of efforts led by several local producers, district management representatives, and others. Colorado Master Irrigator is modeled on the award-winning Master Irrigator program created and run since 2016 by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in the Texas panhandle. Topic experts from Colorado and adjacent Ogallala states, serve as instructors over the 32 hours of the program. Colorado Master Irrigator's interactive class format is designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange among participants and instructors, helping forge useful contacts that graduates can reach out to after their participation in the program. Click HERE for more information.

The Clean Water Certificate (CWC) training program for workforce development provides high quality training opportunities that promotes job growth in the stormwater industry and delivers industry-specific, job-readiness skills and knowledge. Click HERE to learn more about this training program offered by the Center for Watershed Protection.

Silt Removal - Positive Impact on Crop Yields, Water Use Efficiency, & Irrigation Systems. Presentation from the 2021 World Ag Expo on sources of silt, its impacts, and current and new methods of removal. Watch the presentation here!

“Returning Rapids Project: A discussion with Peter Lefebvre and Mike DeHoff” | Colorado River Studies. The Returning Rapids Project seeks to document the recovery of river resources once inundated by a full Lake Powell, and now being exposed as reservoir storage declines. Peter Lefebvre and Mike DeHoff, principal investigators of the Returning Rapids project and professional river guides in Moab, Utah, are working to record these changes. They will share their preliminary findings and matched photographs in the talk. Watch the full video HERE.

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.

Job Announcements Late December

Coalitions and Collaboratives is seeking a Development and Outreach Coordinator. The position is responsible for contributing to and developing and implementing fundraising strategies, donor relations, events and outreach opportunities, and diverse media engagement. The Coordinator will work with the Executive Directors of COCO, Coalition for the Upper South Platte, Arkansas River Watershed Collective, Purgatorie Watershed Partnership, and other COCO affiliates to address their needs for development and outreach. Job description and application information HERE. The application deadline is January 31st, 2022.

The City of Black Hawk is seeking a Water Manager. This is highly responsible work in planning and coordinating a variety of capital programs/projects in the Public Works and Water Departments. This position includes capital improvement project contract administration and coordination; review of projects related to utility improvements; long-range planning activities; developing operations and maintenance plans; and monitoring existing programs and activities related to the Water Operations and Water Resources. For more information click HERE.

Denver Water is seeking a temporary position for a Watershed Planner/Scientist. This position will support our ongoing holistic watershed planning and source water protection efforts. It is water quality focused but will also provide exposure to all aspects of our source water protection programs including sediment management and forest health. The position is flexible in hours worked per week and will be a hybrid position allowing both work from home and from our new administration building. Click HERE for more information.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is currently seeking a full-time accountant to join its Denver-based team. This position will help manage the agency's diverse loan and grant programs for water projects in the finance section. Click HERE to learn more.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is currently seeking a full-time Water Resources Specialist, a position that will provide deputy supervision to the agency’s Interstate and Federal Information Section. This position will manage complex water management issues and policies and oversee implementation of multiple water programs from Colorado River matters to endangered species protection. Click HERE to learn more.

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.