June 22nd, 2022, 5:30-7pm | Forest Ecology, Collaborative Forest Management, Defensible Space Webinar. Boulder County Nature Association and Left Hand Watershed Center have joined forces to bring you classes on forest ecology and fire mitigation. Each class will focus on a different topic, so participants can attend one or both. In this evening talk on Zoom, we will provide an overview of some general forest ecology principles, the legacy of fire suppression and changes in the forest that have occurred, and the desired future conditions ecologists see for our forests. The current work that is occurring in the St. Vrain Watershed across many partners and communities to respond to forest management needs across boundaries will be discussed. Lastly, Wildfire Partners, a resource for homeowners in Boulder County, will provide an overview of defensible space principles, and resources available to home/landowners.
June 22nd-23rd, 2022 | Water Desalination Plant Design and Management | EUCI. This course introduces a general overview to the benefits and challenges of a water desalination plant using reverse osmosis (RO) technology starting from raw water intake and ending with the water disruption station. The instructor will review the pretreatment system, high pressure block, membrane design, controls, post treatment, and how to manage high implementation costs. After this course, attendees will have a better understanding of the DWRO plant’s components and be able to understand plant design elements, plant management, plant operation, cost mitigation and maintenance. We will review examples for each item and technology covered, along with explanation videos throughout.
June 23rd-24th, 2022 | Long Term Capital and Financial Planning for Municipal/Public Water and Wastewater Utilities. This course will address the benefits of effective long-term financial planning, the factors that drive capital expenditure needs (e.g. new customer growth, regulatory compliance, etc), and the common funding sources (both internal and external sources) available for capital projects. In addition, since the utilization of debt has become increasingly prevalent in the public utility industry, it is imperative for managers and directors to become informed and knowledgeable of the process and requirements for issuing bonds.
The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership presents 14 videos to help community members learn about how water is managed, restored and monitored in the upper Uncompahgre River watershed. Take advantage of this new education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and waste water treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series here.
Master Irrigator Program- San Luis Valley. Over four sessions, this 32-hour program reviews water law and administration, history of water development, and gives participants the tools and strategies to improve water and energy use efficiency and conservation, soil health, and profitability on their operations. Those who complete the course will also receive a $2,000 stipend. To be eligible for this course you must farm in either Rio Grande, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Saguache or Mineral County. Details will be available soon here.
The American Stormwater Institute, LLC now offers courses in a live setting and online that deal with developing the knowledge and skills required to conduct stormwater inspections. Our courses are based on a “Real World” attitude of finding implementable solutions to the challenges that stormwater inspectors face every day. The state and federal regulations require that “QUALIFIED PERSONS” conduct inspections related to stormwater permits. The overarching goal of the ASI classes is to ensure that our students are well qualified to conduct these inspections. For a list of all classes offered click HERE.
Non-standard MS4 Permit PDD Template and Program Strategy Templates. SPLASH members and SEMSWA worked with CP Compliance to create resources to educate permittees. It may also assist permittees with implementation of the new Non-standard MS4 Permit. Please click HERE to access the material.
San Juan Expedition Avy Course based at Thelma Hut. The AIARE Avy 1 Hut Course is designed to give you a full introduction to backcountry travel. Based out of the Thelma hut on Red Mountain Pass, you will spend day and night with your peers and instructors learning the foundation of avalanche education. In a hut format, you spend more time skiing, more time learning from and observing your instructors, and more time in the mountains—all with lodging and food included. When you take your level one with San Juan Expeditions you will get hands-on experience analyzing the avalanche hazard and using your observations to make decisions in the field. Click HERE for more information.
MSU Denver developed the noncredit Water Studies courses for people interested in safeguarding this precious resource. Students will learn history, law, management, and water trends in Colorado and the American West. The courses have recently been improved, offering the same high quality, but shortened to meet your busy schedules. The course structure has been redesigned for each class to be one month long to improve the learning experience and accommodate the schedules of busy professional students. Click HERE for more information.
Colorado Master Irrigator offers farmers and farm managers advanced training on conservation- and efficiency-oriented irrigation management practices and tools. This program is the product of efforts led by several local producers, district management representatives, and others. Colorado Master Irrigator is modeled on the award-winning Master Irrigator program created and run since 2016 by the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District in the Texas panhandle. Topic experts from Colorado and adjacent Ogallala states, serve as instructors over the 32 hours of the program. Colorado Master Irrigator's interactive class format is designed to encourage peer-to-peer exchange among participants and instructors, helping forge useful contacts that graduates can reach out to after their participation in the program. Click HERE for more information.
Silt Removal - Positive Impact on Crop Yields, Water Use Efficiency, & Irrigation Systems. Presentation from the 2021 World Ag Expo on sources of silt, its impacts, and current and new methods of removal. Watch the presentation here!
