Funding Opportunities Late June

Water Plan Grants. The CWCB offers grants to advance the goals of the Colorado Water Plan. Adding storage? Have a multi-benefit project? Lots of project partners, collaboration? An innovative or landscape-scale project? It might fit well here. Roundtable letters of support, while not required, add value to your application. If you want their consideration, the Southwest Basin Roundtable requests a short proposal and presentation at a meeting. Deadline: July 1st

The Department of Local Affairs in Colorado has launched the Nonprofit Infrastructure Grant Program for small, community-based nonprofits serving underrepresented communities. The program aims to support infrastructure and capacity-building by providing funds for strategic planning, professional development and technology. Eligible nonprofits with budgets between $150,000 and $2,000,000 can apply from July 5 to August 31, 2023. Grants totaling $33,100,000 will be awarded, with selected organizations receiving up to $100,000. Interested applicants should contact their Regional Access Partner for assistance and submit applications through them. Grant recipients will be notified by January 31, 2024, and the program seeks to help nonprofits enhance their impact on historically marginalized communities.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.

Click here to access the funding opportunity on grants.gov and download the complete Notice of Funding Opportunity (also searchable using the opportunity number R23AS00089).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is allocating $550 million from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expedite investments to reduce pollution in disproportionately impacted communities. Grant funding will be available through the EPA’s new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking (EJ TCGM) program. This new program will fund up to 11 entities to serve as grantmakers to community-based projects that reduce pollution. Grantmakers will work collaboratively with the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. Grantees will develop an efficient, simplified process so that organizations that historically have faced barriers to receiving funding can more seamlessly apply for subgrants and address environmental harms and risks. The following types of organizations can apply:

• A community-based nonprofit organization;

• A partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations;

• A partnership between a Tribal Nation and a community-based nonprofit organization; or,

• A partnership between an institution of higher education and a community-based nonprofit organization.

Water Conservation Field Services Program Financial Assistance for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.  Development of Water Conservation Plans to meet state or local water conservation goals and water management improvements through system optimization review are supported by this grant. May 31, 2023  Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m., ET,

Federal Technical Assistance Grants. As part of the American Rescue Plan Act, a total of $5 million in federal funding has been allocated for technical assistance grants that will enable eligible entities to work with the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) contractors or to hire contractors to expand their capacity and expertise, in pursuit of federal funding opportunities that directly support the Colorado Water Plan objectives. The allowable uses of this grant funding are broad in scope, to allow for the wide range of federal opportunities available. Funding can be used for: preliminary project planning and design, preliminary permitting, development of estimated project costs, navigation of available federal opportunities, grant writing, and federal grant application submittal. Rolling application deadline.

The Request for Concept Papers for AIM Grant Funding has been posted! Download the instructions and the concept paper from COCO's AIM Grant Page under How To Apply HERE.

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 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 Late June

Scholarships applications are now open for the SCW Conference! The Sustaining Colorado Watershed Conference Scholarship covers registration fees and conference meals. The scholarship does not include accommodations or meals outside of the conference schedule. If awarded a scholarship, please note that a mandatory volunteer component must be fulfilled either before, during the conference (i.e., preparing packets, helping set up, etc.), or after. Volunteer information will be available to scholarship recipients upon award announcement. A $40 processing fee will be applied through the website when registering with the scholarship. The application questions must be answered to be eligible for a Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Scholarship. All scholarship applications are due by July 14th, 11:59 pm MDT.

The time has arrived to apply for a unique opportunity to hunt Lone Mesa State Park in southwest Colorado.The application for the hunting permit draw for Lone Mesa State Park opened June 2 and will be available online through 4 p.m. June 22.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is pleased to announce the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program application period is now open until October 10, 2023. The Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) is a statewide program that offers funding opportunities to landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreation access to the public.

Are you an agricultural water user on Colorado's Western Slope? If so, we need your input. This survey intends to explore the aspects of existing or future water conservation programs that individual users find preferable and/or problematic. Your participation is extremely valuable!

The CDPHE's Water Quality Control Division conducts the State Revolving Fund Eligibility Survey annually to identify water, sewer, stormwater, and nonpoint source infrastructure improvement needs throughout the state. Survey closes June 30th, 2023. 

Elkhead Reservoir expected to top spillway again this year similar to 2011

Colorado Senate Bill 22-151 established the Colorado Wildlife Safe Passages Fund to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions across the state, which have long resulted in animal deaths, property damage, and human injuries and fatalities. The Fund has already led to several new wildlife crossing structures, and a collaborative group of agencies, organizations, and Tribes are continuing to address the areas in Colorado that suffer the most from these collisions. 

The Lower South Platte Children's Water Festival Committee is seeking presenters! The Lower South Platte Children’s Water Festival is already well-sponsored by a Colorado Water Plan grant, and they predict 491 students in attendance! Now we need your help to provide lively 25-minute presentations throughout the day! We will provide a continental breakfast, a boxed lunch, a T-shirt, and a thank-you gift for all presenters and assistants. If you are available to help us out and want more details, please SAVE THE DATE and RSVP by July 31st to: https://forms.gle/RTieGsNCjf8Z2MZ29

Arapahoe County is reaching out because we are still in need of volunteers for the Arapahoe County Fair – July 27-30, 2023. We hope you will consider volunteering for this wonderful community tradition. We are looking for additional volunteers to help during Heritage Hall. We are also looking for Main Stage Band Load In/Out Drivers, Rideshare Lot Attendants, Livestock Sale BBQ mobility Assistance Drivers, Parking Monitors, Volunteers for Pours on the Plains, and Volunteers for our Public Competitions.     Click here to check out all the volunteer opportunities and sign up today!

Trainings & Workshops Late June

June 20th & 27th, 2023 | Strengthening Nonprofits: Organizational Structure & Culture | Community Resource Center. Your organizational culture needs to be intentionally created and nurtured. But the staggering pace of change, coming from all sides, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Culture in the workplace has shifted dramatically, while structures have often not. How do organizational structures, such as management hierarchy, policies, decision-making power and privilege, affect your organizational culture? Join this two part series to discover new ways to better understand your culture and explore tools and practices to either embrace it or change it for the better. 

June 21st-22nd, 2023 | Introduction to Public Water Systems | EUCI. This course will introduce and review 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.

June 22nd, 2023 & August 29th, 2023 | SRF Regional Workshop | Colorado State Revolving Fund. During the workshops, they will cover topics including State Revolving Fund basics, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure funding options, planning, asset management, available technical assistance, and current and upcoming regulations. They will answer questions about specific projects and discuss situations unique to your community. Local government decision-makers, finance staff, and operators should attend. Private non-profits that operate drinking water systems should also attend. RSVP’s are open for the La Junta workshop - please RSVP by June 15, 2023.

June 22nd, 2023 | Meeting Donor Expectations: Insights from the 2023 Digital Outlook Report. COVID has accelerated the digital space in a way that makes it a bigger challenge than ever before to meet donor expectations. How can your nonprofit organization keep up? One way is to join us in this one-hour, interactive webinar that relies on the 7th annual Digital Outlook Report to provide the data, results, and case studies for a stimulating conversation on how nonprofit organizations big and small can thrive in the ever-changing digital world. 

June 27th, 2023 | Hydropower 101. Hydropower is becoming increasingly important in the global energy transition, and with new considerations such as the Inflation Reduction Act it’s crucial for all in the industry to attend this one-day course—whether as a review or as an introduction to hydro and its incentives. Hydropower 101 is designed not just for water personnel, but for engineers, environmental consultants, federal and state employees, and anyone else who is curious about this realm of the industry. Stories, current challenges, and open discussions are encouraged throughout the program.

June 27th-28th, 2023 | Geographic Information Systems for Water and Wastewater Utilities | EUCI. The use of Geographic Information Systems in utilities is becoming more and more prevalent as many companies update their CAD systems to have more functioning asset management technologies.   While GIS in utilities is similar in many data collection and management functions, there are some distinct differences in the water and wastewater sectors.  This course will go through the fundamentals of GIS and how it applies to the industry.

July 7th, 2023 | Field Drawing Workshop with Patrick Kikut, MFA | Roaring Fork Conservancy. This workshop will focus on creating field drawings in the landscape of the Basalt area.  We will start with a short presentation that discusses the history, challenges, and rewards of creating work in the field.  Patrick will share examples of his work and talk about the impressive field drawings created by Thomas Moran (1837-1923).  Working on site (locations to be determined) students will work on paper to create their compositions.  The workshop will conclude with a casual group critique where we will share our work, ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss the strengths and areas that might need more development.  Students will work on paper in sketchbooks or on drawing pads.  Drawing materials like graphite, pen, or hard pastel pencils are welcome.  Also, colored pencils and watercolors can be used to add color.

July 18th, 2023 | HR for Small Organizations: People Strategies on a Budget | Community Resource Center. How do you do human resources when you don’t have an HR dept? This workshop will focus on the fundamental importance of good HR practices for your organization, and provide you with resources that small organizations can use to strengthen their practices. We will explore why good HR practices matter, and how they strengthen your entire organization and its standing in the community. A guest speaker will address the legal aspects of HR, and you will leave with tools to use immediately in implementing stronger HR practices.

July 18th-20th, 2023 | Project Archeology at CANM. Project Archaeology is an educational organization dedicated to teaching scientific and historical inquiry, cultural understanding, and the importance of protecting our nation’s rich cultural resources.This summer, Project Archeology participants will be investigating the Puzzle House Pueblo within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

July 17th-August 3rd, 2023 | Earth Corps Field Studies Program | RMFI. Earth Corps is an 18-day field studies course that provides motivated, environmentally conscious undergraduate students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Colorado mountains. The program began in 2002 and in 2014, it won the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education Higher Education Award. The application deadline is April 10, 2023.

July 17th-18th, 2023 | Water Transmission Pipeline Engineering and Management. As the population of the metropolitan areas in the United States continues to grow, the reliability of large diameter (>24 inches in diameter) water transmission pipelines become more critical than ever. This course will also provide insight into how different pipeline materials degrade over time. Join to gain an insight on how to approach large diameter pipeline management.

July 18-20, 2023 | Denver: The science of animal agriculture. A NEW, three-day professional development opportunity focused on immersive learning experiences in science education. From veterinary science to climate impacts of livestock production to food production, participants will learn directly from industry experts and be equipped with lessons and resources that can be immediately used in the classroom. While this session will be science-focused, it is open to all preK-12 grade formal and informal educators from Colorado and surrounding states. Registration of $45 includes 1.5 Continuing Education Units (22.5 clock hours) and 1 graduate level credit from Colorado State University.

July 20th, 2023 | Get Grants | Community Resource Center. Join CRC for a comprehensive grant writing workshop and learn best practices in grant writing and tips for success when writing the Colorado Common Grant Application. We will understand the essential elements included in a grant proposal and how to craft a compelling case for support through interactive exercises. A review of grant terminology, sources of grant funding, and research tools including the Colorado Grants Guide™ will be discussed.

August 3rd-4th, 2023 | Forest to Faucets Teacher Workshop. Each year, SJMA, Mountain Studies Institute, Water Information Program, and Fort Lewis College host a two-day, hands-on exploration of our local watersheds for teachers. This program is designed for local teachers to help their students understand where water comes from – besides the faucet. The curriculum guide is based on the children’s book “My Water Comes from the San Juan Mountains”.

August 10th, 2023 | Glenwood Springs Water & Fire Resiliency Tour | Colorado WaterWise. On this tour, we'll learn from Glenwood Water Department staff about the critical steps they took to protect their watershed and water quality in order to be able to continue to supply safe, clean water to their residents immediately following the fire and into the future. These actions have included a new pipeline to create a redundant system at the Roaring Fork pump station, a mixing vault outside the City's water plant to support water quality and provide additional system redundancy, upgrades to the water plant that allow for advanced water quality treatment given continued impacts from the burn scar area, and upgrades to No Name Creek's diversion structures to protect the raw water delivery system, reduce sediment load, and improve plant performance. Depending on weather and snowpack, this tour will visit the No Name Intake System or the City's Water Plant and Roaring Fork Intake.

Watershed Academy’s new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module Ready - The EPA Watershed Academy has released their new Hazard Mitigation Planning and Water Resource Management Module. This module is intended for water quality and hazard mitigation professionals that are interested in integrating water quality issues and/or nature-based solutions into state or local Hazard Mitigation Plans (HMPs), and highlights the benefits of working across water quality and hazard mitigation programs. Modules in this series can be used as training tools to help planners from both worlds explore activities of mutual interest and benefit. Case studies and examples are provided to assist hazard mitigation planners with integrating water resource programs into HMPs and help watershed planners understand the synergies between water resource plans and HMPs.Visit this link to begin the course!

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 live and online courses 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.

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.

Job Announcements Late June

CSU Spur is seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join the Education Team as Education Facilitators. These individuals will be part of a team designing and delivering programs at the CSU Spur campus in Denver that inspire life-long learners to tackle global problems around food, water, and health, and will play a key role in the future of educational offerings at a brand-new state-of-the art campus. CSU Spur accepts applications on an ongoing basis for this position and reviews them on a quarterly basis or as openings become available. Current deadlines for quarterly review are August 7, Oct. 30, and Jan. 29, 2024.

The City of Loveland is hiring a Civil Engineer I/II. The Civil Engineer I/II performs professional engineering and project management for water and wastewater projects. In addition, they provide expertise and the ability to lead a team of individuals in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of transmission, distribution, pumping, and treatment process related systems.  This position is a resource for other employees and operations staff in providing technical knowledge in hydraulics, internal design, and constructability reviews. Resumes will be reviewed after June 16, 2023. This position will remain open until filled.

The Boulder Watershed Collective is seeking a Forest Program Manager. This position focuses on developing small to mid-scale forestry projects (20-400 acres) in strategic areas. It also includes working with communities to increase their capabilities and capacity to support wildfire risk reduction projects in many forms and/or as recommended in Community Wildfire Protection Plans. The Forest Program Manager is challenged to work with landowners, communities, and agency partners to co-develop multi-objective forest restoration and wildfire mitigation projects. All applications must be received by June 16, 2023.

RiversEdge West is seeking a Private Lands Biologist Partner. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and RiversEdge West (REW) have partnered to create the Private Lands Biologist Partner position. The Private Lands Biologist will be responsible for delivering conservation programs and riparian restoration practices on private lands in Western Colorado with a focus in Mesa and Delta Counties. The program will deliver technical resources to landowners and other land managers that integrate riparian restoration practices and NRCS supported conservation practices. Success will be achieved via direct contact with landowners with the goal of developing good working relationships. Improved relationships with private landowners will produce more effective on the ground practices which will be supported by REW resources and incentives provided by the NRCS and US Farm Bill. Applications must be received by 5:00pm June 30th, 2023, for consideration.

The Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed is hiring a Post-Fire Recovery & Rivers Project Manager. The Post-Fire Recovery and River Project Manager will help lead CPRW’s efforts to improve watershed health and resilience by coordinating stakeholders and managing projects related to fire mitigation and recovery from the Cameron Peak Fire. The project manager will lead the oversight, coordination, and management CPRW’s post-fire restoration projects on public and private lands. Applications due by close of business on July 10, 2023.

The West Region Wildfire Council (WRWC) is accepting applications to fill their GIS Specialist position. The GIS Specialist is the inhouse technical expert for all Geographic Information Systems (GIS) related needs and functions for West Region Wildfire Council (WRWC) staff as well as for select partner/collaborative projects and initiatives. The GIS Specialist is responsible for developing and managing all GIS-related workflows, geospatial database administration and management, and the creation/building/management of static and online map products. The successful candidate will work with the Council staff as well as select external partners to assist WRWC with increasing community, ecosystem, and watershed resilience to wildfire in western Colorado. The position will be open until filled.

The Lower South Plattee Water Conservancy District and the Children’s Water Festival Committee is seeking a Children's Water Festival Coordinator. This Position is a contract position with Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District and would assist the LSP Children’s Water Festival Committee. Hours will be submitted and billed to the District.The Festival Coordinator will provide coordination, administrative and event support for the festival during the planning stage as well as the week of the event. The Water Festival is held Mid-late September. Other duties would be performed between April and September.

Pawnee Buttes Seed in Greeley, CO has an opening for a Sales Representative. At Pawnee Buttes Seed, we sell more than just seed. We also provide guidance to help you get the right seed for your need. We specialize in seed for pasture, reclamation, turf, and CRP, but we offer much more. This self-starting, highly organized and results-driven individual will work in our Greeley office and generate business by selling our quality seed products to a wide range of customers. This position requires a proven track record of establishing new customer base and growing an existing customer base.

The City of Boulder is looking for energetic communication and outreach professional to join its team to support the Utilities Department’s Storm and Flood Program. As a Communications Senior Project Manager, you will find an unparalleled development opportunity to work with an array of local government professionals; develop communications and outreach strategies to connect the community with key projects and services; and use creativity to tackle complex projects. And you will do all of this in one of the nation's premier local governments and most innovative and beautiful cities.

Colorado Water Trust is seeking a Water Transactions Coordinator. This position will evaluate, develop, implement, and steward flow restoration projects throughout Colorado using collaborative, voluntary, market-based approaches. They will work in a team environment under the direction of the Executive Director, with a self-starting and entrepreneurial ethos. The ideal candidate will share our passion for Western water and healthy rivers, be adept at innovative thinking to advance Colorado Water Trust’s goals, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, in addition to technical skills. The right person for this role will be comfortable communicating complex technical information to a variety of audiences, and be persistent despite occasionally skeptical audiences and challenging, long-term projects.

Mountain Studies Institute is seeking a Forest Program Science and Monitoring Manager. The Science and Monitoring Manager will design and implement forest and landscape monitoring programs, recruit, hire, manage and mentor seasonal field crews, oversee the collection and storage of monitoring data, analyze and synthesize resulting data, interpret and communicate monitoring results to a wide variety of audiences, seek and manage resources to support monitoring programming, and engage in collaborative conversations about desired conditions and adaptive management practices. The Science and Monitoring Manager will supervise other staff.

The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition is hiring a Stream Restoration Project Manager. Under the general direction of the BTWC Director, the Stream Restoration Project Manager works with landowners and partners to restore river function and riparian habitat, improve water quality, adaptively manage & monitor stream projects, and build resilience to climate change and other disturbances. The position will participate in and lead stream restoration project identification planning, coordination, management, and monitoring efforts.

Conferences & Events Late June

June 22nd, 2023 | Watershed Summit | Denver Botanic Gardens. The Watershed Summit, or “Shed” as it is affectionately known, has become a Colorado tradition. Each June stakeholders gather to discuss the state's current and future water challenges and opportunities. With the past year having seen increased stress on Colorado and regional water resources and the accompanying heightened news coverage, the 2023 event will focus on leveraging heightened public awareness to effect change. Shed ’23 will be a fully in-person event at Denver Botanic Gardens, concluding with the ever-popular happy hour event sponsored by Stem Ciders and Howdy Beer.

June 23rd-24th, 2023 | Fire Ring Dispersal Hiking & Camping Project. Join BHA Chapter Leader Leslie Kaminski and Alex Miller of San Juan Mountains Association for a fire ring dispersal project. Come prepared to do some work, enjoy hiking and camping in the Uncompahgre National Forest and get to know fellow conservation-minded folks, members, partners, and chapter leaders from Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and San Juan Mountains Association! Volunteers will decommission unapproved fire ring sites by removing rocks, trash, and debris during a full work day Friday and 1⁄2 day Saturday. Saturday afternoon, stay for an optional hike to explore the area and talk more about how you can help comment on the GMUG Forest Plan rewrite.

June 24th, 2023 | Birds & Blooms Native Plant Garden Fest | Denver Audubon. Join Denver Audubon for a Birds and Blooms Native Plant Garden Fest, an event that will showcase innovative ways to attract birds to your backyard by utilizing various food sources offered by native plants. Take a leisurely stroll through our beautiful native plant gardens and discover the intricate diets of wild birds and how native plants can help create a diverse ecosystem right in your own backyard. Engage in informative conversations with Audubon staff and volunteers about the advantages of bird houses and bird baths.

June 27th, 2023 | BIL Federal Funding Webinar. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper are hosting two Federal Grant Webinars to review federal funding opportunities within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). These two workshops will bring together representatives from five federal agencies, providing cross-agency descriptions of funding and grants available through the BIL as well as recommendations for successful grant applications.

June 29th, 2023 | Case Studies in Collaborative Land Conservation | Salazar Center. Climate change is not just a global issue, but a local and regional reality. Action is needed at all levels, and the integration of landscape conservation strategies and the natural solutions the landscape conservation community can implement at scale must be considered and supported as part of the climate solution to mitigate and adapt to our changing climatic conditions.

July 8th, 2023 | Troutfest Colorado | Colorado Trout Unlimited. Troutfest Colorado is July 8th at Coors Field! It’s a one of a kind summer festival and celebration of conservation, education, and fly fishing. Bring the entire family FREE of charge with registration and enjoy exhibitors, youth activities, interactive booths, ballpark tours and concessions, casting presentation and demo opportunities, fly tying, and much more!

July 8th-9th, 2023 | Cimarron State Wildlife Area Fence Pull. Another incredible opportunity in the Cimarron Mountains! Join BHA Chapter Leaders and Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) for a weekend of fence pulling, camping, community, and delicious food at the Cimarron State Wildlife Area on July 8 & 9 with an option to camp Friday night on the 7th. CPW will be opening up their cabin for volunteers to sleep in over the weekend but folks are more than welcome to camp out under the stars. After a day of pulling fences on Saturday you can take some time to relax, explore the area, or do some fishing. In the evening the BHA Colorado Chapter will provide volunteers with a delicious BBQ dinner prepared by Jimmer's BBQ and ice cold beverages. This is a great time to get to know fellow conservation-minded folks, other BHA members in the area, and your local Chapter Leaders. Registration is required.

July 13th & 14th, 2023 | Water Quality Forum Retreat. The 2023 WQF Retreat will be on July 13-14, on the CSU Spur Campus in the Hydro Building. 4777 National Western Drive, Denver 80216. There is a flat fee of $125 to attend the event. The retreat agenda outline is below. As updates are made to the agenda, they will be posted to the WQF website.

July 17th-19th, 2023 | Connecting Land & Water for Healthy Communities | American Water Resources Association. Join for the second AWRA Summer Conference: Land and Water. This conference will bring together stakeholders across multiple disciplines, types of organizations, and professions to address the design, integration, and implementation of the programs necessary to better connect land and water planning and policy.

August 3rd-4th, 2023 | West Slope Field Trip | River Network. Explore two indicators of river health—floodplain connectivity and flow regime—and practice your facilitation skills through this 2-day field trip! Learn about the Upper Gunnison Watershed Management Plan with Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District, connect with other SMP leads, and build a community of practice to collectively enhance work on SMP/IWMPs throughout the state. More details to follow.

August 12th-16th, 2023 | American Phytopathology Society Plant Health 2023 Conference. Join us at the Sheraton Downtown Denver to explore this year’s meeting theme, "LINKS to a Sustainable Future," with programming that illuminates the interconnectivity of local and indigenous knowledge to the future of global agriculture.