Job Announcements Early October

REW and the BLM have partnered to create the Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator position. The position will be responsible for coordinating riparian restoration and monitoring programs on lands managed by the BLM and other riparian areas along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Western Colorado, as well as providing community outreach and education. Applications must be received by 5:00pm October 7, 2022 for consideration.

The National Young Farmers Coalition (Young Farmers) is excited to announce that we are opening applications for a new executive director, or two co-executive directors, to lead our coalition in building a brighter and more just future for agriculture. This new leadership will uphold and amplify the mission and vision of Young Farmers, guide us through implementing the ambitious goals set forth in our Strategic Plan, and lift up the voices of young and BIPOC farmers across the country as a true force for positive change. The priority deadline for applying is October 21, 2022 with resumes being accepted until the position is filled. See the full job announcement here.

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT), located in Del Norte, Colorado, seeks an experienced Director for its Land Protection Program. RiGHT is a small, community land trust accredited by the Land Trust Alliance that has been conserving the land, water and way of life in Colorado’s San Luis Valley since 1999. Just this year, we closed on our 53rd conservation easement, ensuring protection into perpetuity of almost 30,000 acres of working farms and ranchlands, riparian corridors, wetlands and other ecologically valuable landscapes. Applications are due November 15th, 2022.

Summit County is seeking a Resource Specialist/Senior Resource Specialist. The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, be an efficient problem solver and self-starter, and have the ability to work effectively and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously with diverse individuals and agencies. Experience in project management, recreation planning, capacity management, natural surface and paved trail planning and construction, conservation, successful grant writing, and GIS/GPS skills are strongly preferred.

Palmer Land Conservancy seeks a Communications Manager to connect, inspire and engage the Palmer brand with current and prospective members and stakeholders across southern Colorado. This position reports to the Vice President of External Affairs and is responsible for growing and managing Palmer’s communications programs through compelling and inspiring storytelling to mobilize the next generation of land lovers. The Communications Manager will also work closely with the Membership and Events Manager, and other Palmer staff.

REW is seeking a Development Director. This 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. Position is open until filled.

Conferences & Events Early October

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 11th-14th, 2022 | The Hispanic Access Foundation presents Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Indigenous People’s Day, and uplifting the nexus between Latino, Black, Indigenous and other communities of color and the lands, waterways, ocean and climate we call home.

October 11th, 2022 | Healthy Soils Launch Party. Join Zero Foodprint, the Regenerative Recovery Coalition and the Colorado Department of Agriculture at the official launch of the Healthy Soils Challenge! We will be celebrating with dishes created by Chef Kelly Whitaker and the culinary team from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science led by Chef Patrick Hartnett, paired with drinks, and inspiring conversations about the important role that regenerative agriculture plays in building strong and resilient food systems in Colorado. You will have a chance to network and connect with regenerative agriculture and food systems leaders, chefs, media outlets, funders, farmers, ranchers and policymakers. Brief program at 6:30.

October 19th, 2022 | Shavano Rock Art Guided Hike. In partnership with the Ute Indian Museum, CWLT invites you to tour the conserved Shavano Valley Rock Art site on October 19th, 1:30-3:30. Museum docents will be your guides through the sacred Shavano Valley petroglyphs near Montrose to explore iconography dating back to 1000 BC. The cost of this tour is a $10 pp donation to the Ute Indian Museum. Limited to 20 guests.

October 21st & 28th, 2022 | Rainbarrel Workshops. Ready to install a rain barrel? SPLASH has partnered with the Colorado Stormwater Center to present two rain barrel workshops in October! Each workshop will include a presentation from the Colorado Stormwater Center and then assistance with building your 55-gallon rain barrel. At the end of the workshop, you will have a 55-gallon rain barrel and connector kit. We also will send you an installation guide to connect your new rain barrel to a downspout. You will need to be able to take home your rain barrel at the end of the workshop. Sorry, but we will not be able to store your rain barrel for pick up at a later date.

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 7th-8th, 2022 | Annual Colorado Groundwater Conference | American Ground Water Trust. The annual Colorado Groundwater Conference is an objective, information-exchange event and networking opportunity for water managers, regulators, environmental organizations, agriculture, industry and water utility end users and their scientific, engineering and legal advisors, local government officials and state legislators. This is AGWT's 29th program in Colorado since 2000.

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!

Trainings & Workshops Early October

October 5th, 2022, 12 pm -1:30 pm | Water Law 101 | WEco. Attendees will hear from Eric Potyondy, water attorney and Fort Collins assistant city attorney, and Susan Ryan, Holland and Hart of counsel who advises on water law. Eric and Susan will provide a foundation for better understanding the laws that encapsulate the water discussions happening in Colorado today, and how they are applied to water across the state. All are welcome and registration is free, but this webinar was designed particularly for municipal elected officials and managers.

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 12th-13th, 2022 | Green Infrastructure for Stormwater and Wastewater. This course will be led by Kieran Sikdar, Director of Green Infrastructure for WEST Consultants, Inc. and will provide a comprehensive overview of green infrastructure terminology, planning and site selection, design best practices, modeling, construction, maintenance, and monitoring while providing a number of real-world examples and looking at the barriers and solutions to green infrastructure implementation in your region like communities with combined sewer overflows and constructed wetlands applications for both stormwater and wastewater.

October 13th-November 16th, 2022 | 3 Part Fall Series Development- Donor Prospecting, Retention, and Stewardship | Colorado Nonprofit Association. Nonprofits need donors (individual, corporate and foundation) to be sustainable. In session 1 of this 3-part series, you will learn how to identify prospective donors, why prospecting is important and what we need to consider when seeking out new donors. Session 2 will focus on building and/or improving skills and tools around “the ask” and Session 3 will teach you how to use donor stewardship to maintain your audience and grow their support.

October 18th-19th, 2022 | Digital Twins for Water and Wastewater. This Digital Twins for Water & Wastewater course addresses the concepts, applications, and values of digital twin solutions for water & wastewater systems both “inside and outside the fence” of the treatment plant. The course covers collections, distributions, and treatment systems of digital twins, and is tailored towards operations, engineering, and management staff from utilities implementing or considering implementing digital solutions in water & wastewater. Attendees will gain high-level knowledge of the main concepts of digital twin applications, including real world considerations and applications for digital twin initiatives and the value of such solutions.

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.

October 28th, 2022 | Noxious Weed Management & Pesticide Applicator Workshop. Join Morgan Conservation District and Mountain West Pest on November 2nd! This workshop will provide all seven required core credits for pesticide applicator license recertification and one credit in Rangeland (107). This workshop is recommended for those needing pesticide recertification credits or those wanting information about controlling noxious weeds.

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!

Funding Opportunities Early October

Coalitions & Collaboratives, Inc. is excited to announce another round of funding! The AIM Grant is a unique funding opportunity targeted at increasing local communities' capacity to reduce wildfire risk and increase resiliency. The grant application is a two-step process. First, a request for Concept Papers. Second, if invited, an online application. The request for Concept Papers will be released this Friday, September 30, 2022 by end of day, with all Papers due by October 31, 2022 at 5:00 PM MT. The team will be hosting an interactive informational, question, and answer webinar on Wednesday, October 5, 2022 at 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM MT. Please register HERE to attend or to receive the recorded webinar via email.

NFWF has new funding from the Walton Family Foundation that is focused on funding process-based wetland and riparian restoration projects in the Colorado River Basin, with an ultimate goal of recharging local aquifers, extending spring runoff later into the season, and providing habitat and fire refugia for native fish and wildlife species. See below: 

• RESTORE Colorado - applications due Nov 10; webinar recording available here

• Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund - applications due Nov 3; webinar to be held on Sep 29

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.

Announcements Early October

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!

Check out the Fall 2022 issue of High Country Angler e-zine

Aquatic research scientists on Colorado’s Western Slope have embarked on multiple projects to protect three native fish species endemic to the Upper Colorado River Basin and its tributaries. A new documentary film titled ‘The Native 3’ helps tell that story. The film, released Friday on CPW’s YouTube and Facebook pages, captures the work of researcher Zachary Hooley-Underwood as he works in critical spawning streams for roundtail chub, flannelmouth sucker and bluehead sucker with the goal of preventing further hybridization with non-native species such as the white sucker. The film was produced by Sean Ender of Peak to Creek films.

October 7th, 2022 | Water 22’ Student Showcase. The Water '22 Student Showcase Call for Submissions, presented by Water Education Colorado in partnership with Colorado Humanities, encourages all Colorado students, grades K-12 to create a work that reflects a place, thing, or activity they love connected to water that is within their local watershed or river basin. The creation could be about a favorite park, an animal population that lives in the neighborhood, a hobby, a landscape feature, or a local business that is dependent on water, to name a few. Four students across all categories will receive cash awards ranging from $250-$2,000 based upon their demonstration of passion and creativity as awarded by the judges.

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.