Announcements Late September

Public comment needed now on Colorado Water Plan draft

As TOPS celebrates its 25th year of preserving parks, trails and open spaces, our friends and partners at the Trails and Open Space Coalition (TOSC) have developed a unique "story map" that highlights three of the 70+ acquisitions facilitated by the TOPS program. The stories include narratives of three community members who were instrumental in helping to acquire and improve these properties for current and future generations of Colorado Springs residents. Click here to learn more and to view the Story Map!

Get those cameras ready! The RMFI NATURE! Photo Contest will open for submissions November 1-13, 2022 to kick off this year's Give! campaign. Find complete contest rules and information here!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife modifies voluntary fishing closures on sections of the Eagle River

October 11th, 2022 | Notice of Public Administrative Action Hearing on 2023 Intended Use Plan funding. The Water Quality Control Commission will hold a public Administrative Action Hearing to consider approval of the division's proposed FY 2023 Intended Use Plans (IUP) for the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (WPCRF) and the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF). You can find the Zoom link here.

Funding Opportunities Late September

USDA will invest $25 million this year for robust scientific approaches to on-farm conservation trials that focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management and soil health. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages and administers the program, and is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program until September 22, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $20 million in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners nationwide protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. Last year, NRCS funded $11 million in partnerships. Proposals from partners are due Sept. 23, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information.

The Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program (WSRF) is one of the grant programs that the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) operates.  The WSRF grant program consists of money set aside to complete basin projects in accordance with the Basin Implementation Plan (BIP) and Colorado Water Plan (CWP).  Each of the nine basins have their own account. The Yampa-White-Green Basin WSRF account is overseen by the YWG BRT.  The Basin Roundtable will review the project to verify that it meets the BIP or CWP goals for the objectives of the basin.  Applicants requesting funding from this account will also be reviewed by CWCB to confirm that their evaluation criteria are met. The proposed water project shall be evaluated using the WSRF Guidelines and the criteria for state support in Colorado’s Water Plan. In general, the proposal will be evaluated on how well it aligns with the respective Basin Implementation Plan(s). Preference is given to projects that have multiple benefits, multiple purposes and involve multiple stakeholders. Consideration is also given to the timing of projects with priority given to projects with an earlier start date. Application deadline is September 21st, 2022

The Metro Roundtable is seeking grant proposals for its 2022 Cycle 2 Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Basin Grant process. The Metro Roundtable encourages projects of statewide and local basin significance to address existing and future municipal and industrial demands while also meeting goals related to the long-term sustainability of agricultural economies and the natural environment.

The MRT membership has approved the prioritization of its available grant funds to support five specific topic areas related to the South Platte Basin Implementation Plan:

• Conceptual Project – In-Basin and Trans-basin

• Conservation and Reuse

• Environment and Recreation

• Implementation of IP&Ps

• Education and Outreach.

The deadline for the First round One-Page Summaries is September 26, 2022. For questions, please contact Bob Peters at bob.peters@denverwater.org with the subject line: “WSRF Request”.

WSRF Basin Account Grant Applications. ICYMI: The Roundtable increased the cap on WSRF Basin Account requests from $25,000 to $100,000 and is now considering applications at every quarterly meeting. The CWCB is not currently accepting requests to the WSRF Statewide Account. Applications due September 28th. 2022.

Colorado Ag Water Alliance announced that there is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability. These projects can include a wide variety of strategies that support drought resilience and adaptation to reduced water supplies: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. You are encouraged to reach out to us about your project ideas. The submittal deadline is December 1st, 2022.

CAWA Funding for Ag Drought Resiliency Projects- There is funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agricultural during drought while maintain profitability: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us about your project ideas. Deadline: December 1st Application available here

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP). The CWHP is a statewide program that supports CPW’s mission by offering funding opportunities to private or public landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public. The CWHP is an incentive-based program that funds conservation easements, public access easements, and fee title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife conservation and public access goals. Funding for the 2022 cycle is approximately $11 million and is made possible by revenue generated from the sale of the Habitat Stamp, hunting and fishing licenses, and through CPW’s partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO). 2022 funding preferences include working farms and ranches and properties adjacent to wildlife crossings. All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

The Colorado State Forest Service is accepting applications for funding to restore forested areas, improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk in Colorado through the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) Grant Program.

• Projects may be located on one or more ownership types including private, state, federal, municipal, county, etc. All grant funds must be used on lands within the state of Colorado.

• Recipients must match at least 50% of project costs (cash or in-kind) or 25% of project costs if located in an area defined as having “fewer economic resources”

• Approximately $15,000,000 (total) is available for this grant cycle

• Funds may also be used to purchase equipment to reduce hazardous fuels

• Applications are due October 19, 2022

• PDF application must be emailed to the applicant’s local CSFS field office

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 Legislature established the Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) Grant Program in 2017. This program provides state support through competitive grant funds that encourage community-level actions across the state that do the following:

• Reduce the risk of wildfire to people, property and infrastructure in the wildland-urban interface (WUI)

• Promote forest health and forest restoration projects

• Encourage use of woody material for traditional forest products and biomass energy

  This year, the Colorado State Forest Service has $15 million available to fund wildfire mitigation and forest health projects in Colorado communities through the FRWRM Grant Program. Apply by Oct. 19, 2022, and contact your local CSFS field office for help applying. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will invest $15 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation's water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species, and conservation in urban agricultural systems. Applications are being accepted now through October 11, 2022. CLICK HERE for more information. 

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.

Trainings & Workshops Late September

September 19th-November 23rd, 2022 | Community Wildfire Mitigation Best Practices Virtual 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. Selection to participate in the training will be based on your answers provided and on submission date.

September 20th, 2022 | Building Resilience in Your Water/Wastewater System. You and your water and wastewater system personnel are invited to receive FREE training on Building Resilience in your Water/Wastewater System. Operators who participate can get up to 0.4 training units. Training available on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in Steamboat Springs, and Thursday, Dec. 8 in Colorado Springs.

September 20th, 2022 | Free Training - Building Resilience in Your Water/Wastewater System | CDPHE. You and your water and wastewater system personnel are invited to receive FREE training on Building Resilience in your Water/Wastewater System. Operators who participate can get up to 0.4 training units.

September 20th-21st, 2022 | Fundamentals of Water Recycling for Municipal Recycled and Reclaimed Water: Distribution/Use. The course will focus on municipal recycled water programs, rather than individual industrial on-site reuse or single-family home “graywater” systems. Attendees will be exposed to water quality and availability considerations, distribution system development, reuse site requirements and best management practices, and customer relations, finishing up with a discussion of potential problems with developing a recycled water program and previously successful strategies and solutions.

September 21st-October 5th, 2022 | Water Course | Hutchins Water Center at CMU. This seminar series will provide you with a basic understanding of water issues, science, and policies in Colorado, with a topics including hydrology, water law, water quality, and rivers.

September 21st, 2022 | Strategic Planning | Community Resource Center. This course will provide Executive Directors and Board Members the tools and resources necessary to craft a compelling and relevant strategic plan that is practical, measurable, and can be implemented without the cost of hiring an outside consultant. Join CRC for a comprehensive, 2-part strategic planning workshop and learn the various processes that will engage board and staff in identifying the priorities of your organization and providing a roadmap for successfully meeting missions. Participants will learn about a streamlined strategic thinking and planning process and walk away with greater clarity on mission, goals, opportunities, and specific actions and next steps to move forward.

September 27th, 2022, 3-4:30 pm | The Art and Science of Grant Seeking. This workshop sets aside the misnomer of the term "Grant Writing" and explores the planning, creative analysis and strategic positioning necessary to craft and write successful proposals and applications to foundations. We will look at best practices in program planning, prospect research, application preparation, communication and budgeting to maximize your success in securing foundation grants. The workshop is designed for professionals and volunteers, whether new to the field or with several years of experience!

October 6th-7th, 2022 | Introduction to Public Water Systems. This course will introduce and overview how water is used, protected, conveyed, and metered in our public water systems. The instructors will review the basics of water supply and demand, water distribution, drinking water treatment, regulatory and environmental compliance and more.

October 20th, 2022, 12-1:15pm | Stream Management Plans: 101 | River Network. Join River Network and the Colorado Water Conservation Board to learn the basics of Stream Management Planning. Stream Management Plans (SMPs) are a priority activity in Colorado as a result of the state’s 2015 Water Plan, which called for 80% of locally-prioritized streams to have an SMP by 2030.

October 20th, 2022, 9am-12pm | Becoming a High Performing Nonprofit Board | Community Resource Center. Participants will learn the importance of serving on a nonprofit board and the expectations of each and every board member. Discussions will include meeting agendas, financial responsibilities, strategic planning, asking for money, recruiting new board members, and when it’s time to cycle off the board. In addition to board members, this training is also valuable for executive directors and any staff interested in increasing their knowledge of nonprofit governance.

October 26th, 2022 | Water Law In A Nutshell Full Day Course. This full day seminar will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, Federal and interstate compacts and more.

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 September

September 17th, 2022 | Love Your Gorge | Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership. Join UWP and the Ouray Ice Park in beautifying and maintaining the watershed around the Uncompahgre River Gorge. For 2022, we need some volunteers to pick up litter above the gorge along trails and roads, while some will be going into the gorge to pick up litter. Only experienced climbers with helmets will be permitted in the gorge. We also plan to remove some invasive plant species this year to help native species thrive. Plus, we will help control erosion that has become an even more obvious problem during the heavy rains this year that have caused large flows of coarse sediment into the Uncompahgre River.

September 21st, 2022 | The Stories Told By Trees: Forest Recovery From Fire. The forest ecosystems affected by the 2018 Lake Christine Fire, 2020 Grizzly Creek Fire, or the 2022 prescribed Hunter Creek Fire have many stories to tell. Join ACES Forest Programs Director, Adam McCurdy, and explore the ecological stories and regeneration/recovery of the forest ecosystems that were burned as well as the underlying climate related stories we have in this valley. Participants will spend time walking around the burn zones, learning the stories of what is going on in the forest after the fire.

September 22nd, 2022 | Star Party | San Juan Mountain Association. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is hosting a free Star Party at the Visitor Center and Museum on the Autumnal Equinox. All are welcome! Join us along with other amateur astronomers and enthusiasts alike for a family friendly event exploring human connections to the stars, constellations, and celestial objects. The guest speaker will be renowned archaeologist Mary Weahkee of Santa Clara Pueblo. Mary works as an archaeologist for the State of New Mexico and will discuss bridging the gap between cultures using the sky as a common experience.

September 22nd, 2022 | Forest Bathing Walk | The Boulder Watershed Collective. Forest bathing, or forest therapy, is a relational practice we invite you to join us for on Thursday, September 22nd, from 8:30-11:30am, setting forth from the Flagstaff Nature Center. It will be about taking time to unplug, slow down, and connect with our amazing senses while in the forest we are so fortunate to be near. Through a series of sensory awakening invitations, this practice and our walk will foster our relationship with the Natural World, ourselves, and others.

September 22nd-23rd, 2022 | Yampa Basin Rendezvous. This event will bring together members of the local community, researchers from the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E), and regional subject matter experts for two days of exploration, discussion, and field learning focusing on how scientists and community can work together to build resilience in the face of the western water crisis. Attendance for the two-day workshop is free but requires registration. This event is organized by Yampa Valley Sustainability Council, Colorado Mountain College, Friends of the Yampa, Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E), and Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation.

September 24th, 2022, 8am-2pm | Clear Creek Cleanup. Volunteers will be cleaning 22 miles of the Peaks to Plains Trail including Clear Creek Canyon Park and portions of the US Highway 6 canyon corridor. Afterward, celebrate at the new Gateway Trailhead with food trucks, live music, and a raffle for prizes.

September 29th, 2022 | Cheers for Conservation. Join Colorado Open Lands for the 29th Annual Cheers for Conservation celebration at Five Fridges Farm in Wheat Ridge, CO - permanently conserved with Colorado Open Lands since 1991.

September 29th, 2022 | Wild and Scenic Film Fest. Celebrate and support MCWC by coming to the 2022 Wild and Scenic Film Fest! The Film Fest is MCWC’s largest fundraiser of the year. They share beautiful independent films that inform and inspire people to take action. Our audience comes together to share their love of the river and outdoors, to laugh, to cry and to get excited about how they can make an impact. Bring your family and friends for a great night of films and show your support for the Middle Colorado Watershed Council.

September 29th-30th, 2022 | San Juan Mining & Reclamation Conference: Reconnect & Reboot. The primary goals of this annual conference are to educate the public and other stakeholders on the science and policy of mining, mine lands remediation, and water quality as it relates to non-point source pollution, to improve mining practices, and addressing water quality impairments through workshops, field tours, and presentations. Each year the conference is hosted in a different San Juan community to highlight the host area’s mining heritage and successes in conducting mine remediation and water quality improvement projects.

October 4th, 2022 | Ft. Collins Stream and Wetland Field Tour and Pub Talk. The Society of Wetland Scientists is co-hosting the event with the Society for Ecological Restoration in Ft. Collins. Membership in either organization is not required to attend. For more information go to the SWS Rocky Mountain Chapter webpage and look under the Events tab.

October 6th, 2022 | 2022 Confluence at the Confluence: Nutrients Then And Now. Join for this in-person event to learn about the progress and success of the Nutrients Management Control Regulation in the 10 years since its passing.

October 6th-7th, 2022 | 2022 Symposium on Conservation Impact | Salazar Center. This year, the Salazar Center’s fourth annual International Symposium on Conservation Impact will focus on transboundary conservation, specifically across the US-Mexico border—which spans nearly 2,000 miles across six distinct ecoregions and shapes a landscape that is home to more than 15 million people. Conversations will explore topics such as opportunities and barriers to conservation in the border region, climate change impacts, balancing the diverse needs of the region, Indigenous leadership, and learning from the region’s distinct history and biogeography. The event will be held October 6-7 in Denver, with an option for virtual participation as well.

October 26th, 2022, 9am-4pm | 2022 Water Conservation Symposium | Colorado WaterWise. Colorado WaterWise invites you to the 2022 Water Conservation Symposium! Join more than 100 other water professionals from across Colorado for a day packed with networking, professional development and engagement. Don't miss out on the early bird pricing for both members and non-members.

November 2nd-3rd, 2022 | Water in the West Symposium | CSU Spur. As in past years, the Water in the West Symposium will bring together speakers and audiences from across sectors — from utilities and government agencies, to businesses and agriculture. The conference is back in a hybrid format this year, sharing best practices and connecting professionals — both inside and outside the water sector — in pursuit of multi-sector, non-partisan solutions to water challenges.

November 17, 2022 | RMFI Fall ShinDIG. Come celebrate with with RMFI as they look back on the season's accomplishments and honor their amazing partners and volunteers! The event is free to attend in person; we'll also offer a free livestream for our out-of-state supporters. Food and drink will also be provided along with live music, awards, and celebration!

December 8th, 2022 | South Platte Forum. This year, the South Platte Forum will be taking place at a new location, the Lionsgate Event Center. Lionsgate is a locally owned venue with idyllic scenery. You can read more about their story here. Building off the positive feedback from 2021, we will once again host a one-day conference on Thursday December 8, 2022. As always, the Forum will include a full agenda of timely topics and expert speakers.

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

Job Announcements Late September

The Southwest Program Manager position at the Land Trust Alliance offers an exciting opportunity to play a leadership role in the land conservation community.The Southwest Program Manager also plays an important role in building and maintaining effective partnerships with regional and state associations of land trusts and/or landscape-level collaborations to advance our mutual goals. The successful candidate must have working knowledge or previous experience working with land trusts and the ability to build and sustain close, working relationships with diverse stakeholders in the context of complex regional conservation and land use issues. Applications close September 19th, 2022.

Rivers EdgeWest is seeking a Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator. The position will be located in Grand Junction, Colorado, and will require travel throughout Mesa and Delta Counties. Some fieldwork locations will require rafting and camping. Office work will be split between REW and the BLM office locations. The incumbent is expected to work closely with BLM and partner personnel in the region, with direct supervision provided by REW. Applications must be received by 5:00 pm September 30, 2022, for consideration.

Mountain Area Land Trust is seeking a Communications Director. The Communications Director works closely with the Executive Director and Development Director to effectively communicate to the public the mission and accomplishments of the Mountain Area Land Trust. The primary duties include lead the planning and organizing of MALT’s annual fundraising event, create successful special events and outreach programs and increase awareness through communication with donors and the community.

The Larimer Conservation District Forest seeks a highly motivated, independent, organized, and outgoing natural resource professional to join the team as a Conservation Forester. This position will work closely with LCD’s current forestry staff to complete all aspects of the program’s responsibilities. The focus for this position will be to act as the team’s lead for project monitoring (pre- and post-project inventory & analysis) as well as ensuring that proper planning documents are in place.

Rivers EdgeWest (REW) is seeking a creative and outgoing leader to join their high functioning team making positive impacts on rivers in Colorado and the greater Western U.S. The candidate must be collaborative in nature and possess strong written and verbal skills, as well as broad knowledge of fundraising in a non -profit setting. The Development Director position will manage the planning and implementation of strategies to procure funding resources that support REW’s strategic and operational goals. The Development Director will have demonstrated knowledge, skills and ability to research, and acquire funding in a natural resources and environmental education context. Please send cover letter, resume, and three references in one document via email to rlloyd@riversedgewest.org, with the title “Development Director Application 2022”. Word and PDF files only. Position will remain open until filled.