Funding Opportunities Late June

Grant Deadlines:

Notice of Funding Opportunity for the EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds Fiscal Year 2024 Building Partner Capacity and Promoting Resiliency and Equity under Clean Water Act. The EPA is soliciting applications from eligible applicants to provide support for training and related activities to build the capacity of agricultural partners, state, territorial and Tribal officials and nongovernmental stakeholders in activities to be carried out to support the goals of the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 303(d) Program, the CWA 305(b) Program, the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program, the Nonpoint Source (CWA Section 319) Program, the Fish Monitoring/Advisory Programs, the Recreational Waters/Beach Monitoring Programs and the Water Quality Monitoring Program. Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov by July 17, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. EDT. Late submission will not be considered for funding. A full application package can be found at EPA-OW-OWOW-24-03.

EPA's Creating Resilient Water Utilities is offering free Technical Assistance (TA) to interested stakeholders. EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative provides the water sector and its stakeholders with practical tools, training, and technical assistance needed to increase their infrastructure’s resilience to these hazards. Request free help today and take steps to protect your community’s multi-million dollar infrastructure investments. The deadline to sign up for this TA is August 15 and will be available on a first come first served basis. If selected, CRWU would begin working with your community between October 2024 and July 2025. If you are interested in this FREE assessment, please click the link below. Click Here to Request a Free Risk Assessment;,  Mullins.Matthew@epa.gov

Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap: EPA is offering free technical assistance for communities with failing decentralized (septic) wastewater systems, or communities with no existing wastewater systems at all. Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards? Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents? Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems? If any of these conditions apply, then your community may be eligible for assistance
through this initiative. Communities – including homeowners and utilities – and all states, Tribes, and territories can request no-cost technical assistance. Technical assistance can help assess current wastewater infrastructure, recommend options, and support development of funding applications for the community. More information can be found here: https://www.epa.gov/water-infrastructure/closing-americas-wastewater-access-gap. Click Here to Request Free Technical Assistance; Email SepticHelp@epa.gov with questions

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the 2024 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) application period is now open. The 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 recreational public access. 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.  More information and application materials are available here at cpw.state.co.us/cwhp. Proposals must be received by Thurs., Oct. 10, 2024 at 5 p.m. Applicants are advised to contact their local CPW staff and the CWHP manager before submitting an application. Local CPW office contact information can be found on CPW’s website.

EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants  — Rolling Applications until November 21, 2024 — EPA’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience, and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. These place-based investments will be focused on community-driven initiatives to be responsive to community and stakeholder input. 

The Forest Service’s Forest Landowner Support program has a new funding opportunity focused on Tribal access to emerging private markets for forest resilience or climate mitigation. Eligible applicants include: Federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations/Villages, and Tribal Organizations. The deadline for NOFO 2 is August 21, 2024, at 11:59pm EST.

Grant Programs:

Community Navigator Program - The Watershed Center and Coalitions and Collaboratives, along with several other national and regional nonprofit organizations, are partnering with the US Forest Service on a community navigator initiative, which supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and building capacity for wildfire risk mitigation and climate resilience. To get in touch with a navigator, fill out a request form here

IRA Forest Landowner Support - Provides grant opportunities to entities and organizations delivering technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners - including Tribes, underserved landowners, and small-acreage landowners - to participate in emerging private markets for forest resilience and climate mitigation.

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.

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.

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.

City of Ft. Collins 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!

Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program.

Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.

Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.

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.

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).

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.

Job Announcements Late June

The Colorado Water Conservation Board is hiring a Grants Section Chief. This position will oversee the CWCB’s primary grant programs including the Water Plan Grant Program and the Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Program. This is a Hybrid position. Work is primarily performed from a home office, however the selected candidate will at times report to the office at 1313 Sherman Street - Denver, CO for meetings, training and projects as directed by the supervisor.

The National Park Service, Water Resource Division is accepting applications for a GS-12 Hydrologist. This is a term position not to exceed four years. The advertisement will close after the first 35 applicants. Those interested are encouraged to apply quickly. https://www.usajobs.gov/job/792923900. This position is located in an operating office within a bureau or bureau equivalent office within the Department of the Interior. This position has responsibility for leading or participating on hydrologic studies of considerable scope and complexity or serving as a project leader or member of an interdisciplinary team.

Water Education Colorado (WEco) is seeking their next leader to shepherd the organization into its next phase. The Executive Director is responsible for strategic direction and overall leadership of the organization. They will serve as the public face of the organization and work to collaboratively advance WEco’s mission: to ensure Coloradans are informed on water issues and equipped to make decisions that guide our state to a sustainable water future. The Executive Director will guide all programs and lead all fundraising activities. Learn more and apply today.

Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) seeks an Executive Director – an enthusiastic, creative, independent leader to build on our success and grow their organization as a full-time salaried employee position. MCWC was initially organized by a group of visionary community leaders as an informal partnership in 2009 and formalized as a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization in 2013. Our mission is to evaluate, protect and enhance the health of the middle Colorado River watershed through the cooperative efforts of watershed stakeholders. Learn more and apply.

San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) is hiring a Volunteer Coordinator. The Volunteer Coordinator, under the immediate supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for managing all tasks related to volunteers, including recruiting, training, scheduling, retaining and honoring volunteers. Since all SJMA divisions (Education, Stewardship, Visitor Information, and Special Events) have volunteer opportunities, the Volunteer Coordinator will work closely with the departmental directors to recruit, train, and mobilize volunteers for an array of diverse projects. SJMA is housed in the San Juan National Forest Headquarters (15 Burnett Ct) in Durango, Colorado, but this position will be a combination of remote, on-site, and field.

The Colorado River District is hiring a Geotechnical and Dam Safety Engineer to perform technical, project management, advocacy, and engineering work in close coordination with and under the general direction of the Director of Asset Management/Chief Engineer. This position includes analyzing, interpreting, and managing dam embankment instrumentation data and ensuring the integrity and safety of dam structures through diligent monitoring and technical studies. The role involves project management responsibilities, coordinating with consultants and contractors to complete dam, reservoir, recreation area, and mitigation area-related projects. This position is based out of Glenwood Springs near the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers.

The City of Greeley is seeking a Deputy Director for Water Resources. The Deputy Director for Water Resources is responsible for both ongoing water resource programs and implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Plan, protection of Greeley Water Rights and leading strategic water resources initiatives. Ongoing source water management and operations, water resource administration and state reporting, conservation programs, non-potable raw water system operations, dich company relations, regional water resource stake holding, Colorado River monitoring, and watershed health are all under the direction of the Water Resources Deputy Director.

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is hiring a Development and Marketing Director. The Development and Marketing Director (DMD) is a member of Rocky Mountain Field Institute’s senior leadership team and is responsible for driving donor programs, fundraising campaigns, and grant writing while overseeing marketing strategies, and other community engagement initiatives. The DMD will be crucial in increasing RMFI’s visibility, expanding the donor base, and securing financial support to advance the mission. This position is open until filled.

Northern Water is seeking a Grant Coordinator for coordinating the pre-award planning, organization, and preparation, as well as post-award administration of various grants, including those awarded by Northern Water to grantees. Working closely with different departments throughout the organization, the Grant Coordinator supports initiatives spanning water efficiency services, forest health, source water protection, and post-fire recovery, as well as infrastructure projects. Effective collaboration with project and program managers and finance and administrative staff is paramount to ensuring that grants adhere to regulatory, funding agency, and policy requirements.

Northern Water is seeking an Engineering Technician I. This is an entry level position that provides technical engineering support in areas such as water quality and water resources throughout Northern Water’s collection system under the general supervision of the Field Services Department Manager or delegated representative. This position provides technical engineering support in areas such as water quality and water resources throughout Northern Water’s boundaries.

The National Young Farmers Coalition is seeking a Development Associate. This role will support the Development team in administering and managing fundraising processes. You will help steward our fundraising operations by maintaining the Development calendar, donation portal, donor database, and project management tools (Classy, Salesforce, and Asana). Your contributions to our direct fundraising will include supporting prospecting research and processes, engaging a portfolio of mid-level donors, and supporting peer-to-peer campaigns. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (Caee) eeCorps program is now recruiting for AmeriCorps positions to start this September. Throughout their service, members focus on increasing environmental literacy for PreK-12 students and implementing the goals of the Colorado Environmental Education Plan through field trips, in-school and outreach programs, overnight backpacking and camping trips, skiing and biking instruction, summer camps, and so much more. During their terms, members receive a living allowance and ample opportunities for professional development and networking within the EE community and earn an education award upon successful completion of their service.

Conferences & Events Late June

June 20, 2024 | Roaring Fork River Float through North Star Preserve. Take a gentle float through important wildlife habitat in North Star Open Space with RFC and Pitkin County Open Space and Trails. We’ll provide some history of North Star, discuss wildlife highlights, and discuss recent restoration activities along this mild two-hour float. Float is appropriate for ages 14 and up. An inflatable kayak (ducky), paddle, and PFD are provided for each participant thanks to Blazing Adventures. Get all the details and register soon (each program is limited to 12 participants!) at https://roaringfork.org/events/.

June 20th, 2024 | Take me to the River | Coalition for the Poudre River. Join for the 2nd Annual Take Me to the River fundraiser to support and celebrate the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed (CPRW), your local watershed group working to improve and maintain the ecological health of the Poudre River through community collaboration.

June 21, 2024 | Watershed Summit | One World Water Center. The Watershed Summit, or “Shed” as it is affectionately known, has become a Colorado tradition. Each June stakeholders gather to discuss current and future water challenges and opportunities facing the state. This event is produced through a collaborative partnership between the One World One Water Center (a joint initiative of Metropolitan State University of Denver and Denver Botanic Gardens), Aurora Water, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, Denver Water and Resource Central.

June 22 – 23, 2024 | Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers in Carbondale overnight volunteer trail work project on June 22-23 near Bond, CO. This is RFOV's first year completing a project at Bohr Flats. In Partnership with Eagle River Coalition, RFOV staff, and volunteers will be learning how to create Zeedyk rock structures in a wetland area near Bond, CO. Zeedyk rock structures provide erosion control and wetland restoration. They were pioneered by author and scientist, Bill Zeedyk, and will be taught to volunteers by his long-time apprentice, Shawn Conner. Learn more and volunteer here. RFOV will provide breakfasts and dinners. If you need any backcountry gear, please email info@rfov.org and they can work with you to find needed gear."

June 26, 2024 | Moving Upstream: Navigating the Future of Water in the Pikes Peak Region, Pikes Peak Heritage Series at the Penrose House Garden Pavilion in Colorado Springs from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. El Pomar Foundation, in collaboration with Colorado Springs Leadership Institute and Colorado Springs Utilities, presents Moving Upstream: Navigating the Future of Water in the Pikes Peak Region. This event is a follow up to last year’s Pikes Peak Heritage Series event which focused on the history and current state of water in the region. The upcoming panel will convene local leaders working in water policy, conservation, and advocacy to bring awareness about our regional water plans, and how community members can get involved. RSVP for this Event.

June 28, 2024 | Join La Plata Open Space Conservancy for an enchanting Firefly Viewing Party and dinner on Friday, June 28th. Hosted graciously by Jerry and Karen Zink at their preserved haven, Sunnyside Farm. The event promises a rare chance to witness the fleeting beauty of fireflies, exclusive to Southwest Colorado for a brief period each year. Revel in the company of friends, great food, and refreshing drinks amidst nature's spectacle. Tickets and more information. Tickets are priced at $100 per person, with the added perk of return visits with children and guests to the property on evenings from June 29 to July 5. Donations encouraged for the later visits.

June 29th 2024 | Insight: Art for Climate Action. Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is excited to bring back its annual fundraiser, “Insight: Art for Climate Action,” set to take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the beautiful Larson Barn in Steamboat Springs. This extraordinary event aims to raise awareness and support for climate action through the power of art. Learn more, register, buy ticketsx.

June 29, 2024 | 16th annual Ridgway RiverFest. The Uncompahgre Watershed Partnership is planning a great Ridgway RiverFest again this year and we need your help to pull it off! We need volunteers for 2-4 hour shifts from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival is from noon to 5 p.m. but we also need help setting up and taking down. Volunteers will receive a free shirt and free drink voucher. Please sign up to help, and grab a friend to sign up with you! If you have questions, please contact Tanya at info@uncompahgrewatershed.org.

June 29, 2024 | Troutfest Colorado 2024 at Coors Field presented by the Colorado Wildlife Council, at Coors Field, Denver, CO from 2pm to 6pm. It’s a one of a kind summer festival and celebration of community, conservation, and education. Register in advance and bring the entire family FREE of charge and enjoy exhibitors, youth activities, interactive booths, ballpark concessions, music, stadium tours, and much more.

June 30, 2024 | Join Colorado Water Trust for River Cleanup on the South Platte with Pategonia Denver. Denver Parks & Rec will bring trash bags and trash pickers, and we’ll weigh the trash at the end to see how much we picked up. We’ll be set up on the landing under REI Denver (1416 Platte St, Denver CO 80202). RSVP for the event here.

July 11th, 2024 | Denver Water Operations Complex Tour. Come learn about Denver Water's 35-acre Operations Complex. This operationally efficient campus was designed to showcase the future of sustainable, urban water use. The complex models a One Water strategy with onsite wastewater treatment that provides water for flushing toilets, rainwater capture for irrigation, and passive stormwater management. The 1.5- hour tour focuses on the LEED Platinum-certified Administration Building, which is net zero energy, offset with 1.3 MW of onsite solar power.

July 11, 2024 | San Juan Mountains Association (SJMA) has teamed up with the National Forest Foundation, Hardrock 100, and the San Juan National Forest to host a community event to help protect the Animas watershed by naturalizing campfire rings placed too close to South Mineral Creek. Ice Lake Trailhead - Lunch is provided!  If you have gloves, please bring them but we'll have limited PPE on site. Sign Up to get out, get dirty, and give back!

July 13, 2024 | CROSSCURRENTS a day of music and fun will be returning to Confluence Park from 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm. This FREE riverside festival features several live musical sets, water activities hosted by Confluence Kayaks, a kids zone hosted by the amazing SPREE program, food trucks, beverages, and more! The full music lineup is confirmed for this event! Live sets will be played from two stages throughout the event, with a headline performance from Girl Talk!  The day will be filled with performances by MOTO BANDIT, South of France, Dogtags, Goldilox, Crl Crrll, and Dommy Tumont.

July 18, 2024 | An Evening on the Lake at 6:00 pm at Hallam Lake sponsored by the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies. A benefit for environmental education.

July 20th, 2024 | Denver Champion Tree Walking Tour from 8:00 am - 11:00 am. This is a 3-mile walking tour that will feature nearly 30 of Colorado’s Champion trees and some of the history around community forestry in Denver at South High School in Washington Park, and surrounding neighborhood. There is a suggested donation of $25/per person. Proceeds benefit The Colorado Tree Coalition. For more information and to register, coloradotrees.org/events.

August 11th, 2024 | CSU Spur Hydro and Terra Buildings Green Roof Tour. Join for a tour of the 7500 square foot green roof on the Hydro and Terra Buildings at the CSU Spur Campus. Made up of 8 layers of material, this vegetated green roof absorbs rainwater and reduces stormwater run-off. Additionally, water from the roof is collected and piped directly into the water tap for research, directed to the ground level into a bioswale, and used for irrigation on other areas of the property.

August 20-22 | Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference. An exploration of pressing issues facing the water industry against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at the stunning Cheyenne Mountain Resort. This conference offers a diverse array of topics, from legislative updates shaping water policy to discussions on wildlife conservation and management. Dive deep into the complexities of the Colorado River Basin, exploring its ecological significance, management challenges, and the interplay between communities and water resources in the hydro-social context. The 2024 Summer Event will feature 5 Pre-Conference Workshops. Learn More and Register.

September 4th-6th, 2024 | Colorado Forest Collaboratives Summit | Save the Date.

September 5, 2024 | Colorado WaterWise 2024 the Colorado WaterWise Symposium at the Denver Marriot Westminster from 9:00am-4:30pm. This event brings together water professionals from across Colorado to learn from leading experts on a variety of topics including, water conservation, technology, land-use development and water nexus, legislative updates and more. Registration is OPEN!

September 11th-13th, 2023 | San Luis Rural Philanthropy Days. Save the date.

September 20th, 2024 | The Colorado River District’s Annual Water Seminar. Save the date.

September 27th, 2024 | 15th annual Environmental Learning for Kids ELK 'n Eggs fundraiser breakfast from 7:30 am - 9:00 am at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Reserve your seat today for this always fun and fresh event. Register Now.

October 1-4th, 2024 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference | Save the Date

October 1 & 2, 2024 | Save the Date for the C-9 Summit meeting of the Colorado nine (9) Basin Roundtables, the Interbasin Compact Committee, the Colorado Water Conservation Board and other interested parties for thoughtful discussion around current water issues and collaboration. Day 1 will include pre-conference tours and events around Crested Butte as well as an evening reception and dinner. Day 2 will include a full-day conference at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts from 8 AM - 5 PM. Agenda, registration, and tour details will be announced in the coming weeks.

October 4th-6th, 2024 | Rocky Mountain Cell Friends of the Pleistocene Field Trip. Come explore the paleoclimatology and geomorphology of central Utah! This Friends of the Pleistocene (FOP) trip is motivated by recent and ongoing research into how one of the world’s greatest landscapes developed. Presenters will focus on Quaternary features and highlight recent and ongoing research into how the extraordinary features of this region developed.

October 8 - 10, 2024 | Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference: Flowing Through Change. The Sustaining Colorado Watersheds (SCW) Conference has been held annually for the past 18 years to bring together knowledgeable and engaged community members, scientists, ecologists, water managers, educators, community leaders, young professionals, policymakers, and regulators to share knowledge, network, and discuss current issues facing Colorado’s watersheds.s.

Trainings & Workshops Late June

June 1 - July 14, 2024 | The Colorado Explorer Campaign. In an effort to offer free and fun outdoor experiences, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is partnering with the Town of Erie, Castle Rock Parks and Trails Foundation, City of Brighton Parks and Rec, Chimney Rock National Monument, Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service to encourage outdoor exploration and learning using a familiar tool almost everyone has in their back pocket, their smartphone. The Colorado Explorer Campaign uses Agents of Discovery®, an educational technology platform that enables educators to create their own augmented reality games - think Pokemon Go for parks and education. Anyone can join by downloading the free Agents of Discovery mobile app and completing “Missions” or themed activities at participating locations. For more information, visit the Agents of Discovery Colorado Explorer website.

June 21, 2024 | AgNext and the Society of Range Management are sponsoring Research on the Range. Join CSSRM & AgNext for a day of learning & discovery on methane measuring, virtual fence, management principles, plant ID and monitoring. This is a full day workshop from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm in Nunn, Colorado. Researchers whose work focuses on the Semi-Arid Grasslands Research Center, part of the Central Plains Experimental Range, a 15,500 acre short grass prairie with an average of 12 inches of annual precipitation, will introduce you to their work on virtual fencing and methane monitoring with Anna Shadbolt and Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, grazing principles for today's land managers led by Justin Derner and Anna Shadbolt, and there will be line-point-intercept training for plant biodiversity and associated plant identification led by a cadre of range professionals.

June 24 – 25, 2024 | National Stormwater Center - Colorado CSI MS4 Webinar. Designed for Municipal personnel (MS4), this course will focus on permit regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States.  Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials of qualified. 

June 27, 2024 | Collaborative Forest Learning Restoration Program Peer Learning Session: Demystifying Reporting from 11:30 pm – 1:00 pm Mountain Time, Sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and hosted by the National Forest Foundation. Peer Learning Session Objectives - Bring the CFLRP community together to explore efficient and effective annual reporting. - Gather reflections on leveraging data and engaging with partners to craft compelling stories about on-going collaborative projects. - Provide national CFLR Program updates from Forest Service including reporting timeline and processes, and staffing updates. - Explore how annual reports are used to advocate for CFLRP at a national scale. Suggested Audience : The suggested audience for this peer learning session is current and alumni participants in the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program from both the Forest Service and partner organizations. Anyone is welcome to join this session, but please note that the focus will be on the CFLR Program rather than collaborative restoration more broadly. Register Here.

July 2, 2024 | National Stormwater Center - WATER QUALITY STANDARDS, 303 (d) LISTS, TMDL's. Do you have impaired water bodies in your municipal jurisdiction? Having difficulty identifying and reducing the sources of pollution? Get the certification you need to help you meet interim and term goals on your NPDES MS4 Stormwater Permit or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for impaired water bodies listed (303 (d)) under (40 C.F.R. §130.7(b) (5)).

July 6th, 2024 |Rotational Grazing Intensive. This intensive will provide an overview of nutrient cycling, grassland ecology and how it is shaped by ruminants, and a deep dive into the prairie ecology of our bioregion. In the afternoon, we will go over the fundamentals of how to design and set up rotational grazing systems, including figuring out stocking rates, choosing species of livestock, acquiring, and setting up the most appropriate types of fencing, plotting out seasonal and daily grazing patterns, and defining regenerative access pathways to water and critical infrastructure.  

July 8-12, 2024 | AgriCULTURE Institute - Fort Morgan: Agriculture on the Eastern Plains. TWO multi-day courses designed for teachers. This is not your typical PD session - think summer camp for adults. Attendees learn about Colorado agriculture; tour farms, ranches, and production facilities; and gain innovative, standards-based ways to incorporate food, fiber, fuel, and natural resource topics into academic curricula.

July 11, 2024 | State Revolving Fund Regional Workshop. Alamosa workshop to be held at Adams State University, SUB (Student Union Building) 309, from 9:00 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. They will cover topics including: SRF basics (including details about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding in the SRF program), Funding options for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, Planning, asset management, available technical assistance, Current and upcoming regulations regarding lead and emerging contaminants. Please RSVP to the Alamosa workshop by Friday, June 28. Lunch will be provided.

July 15–16, 2024 | Online with one additional regional cohort day: Rocky Mountain Region will be Thursday, July 18 - Rocky Mountain Regional Cohort Summer Institute for Climate Change Education. Wild Rose Education is proud to be leading a cohort of Rocky Mountain Regional educators from Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Idaho during the Summer Institute for Climate Change Education, hosted by Climate Generation. This three-day experience will have powerful and engaging keynote speakers, meaningful discussion about the intersection of social justice and climate change, and collaborative conversations between a national network of climate change education leaders. Educators (formal and non-formal) will leave feeling reinvigorated for the new school year and prepared to educate your students to be global citizens. Scholarships are available.

July 16-18, 2024 | AgriCULTURE Institute - SLV: Agriculture in the San Luis Valley. TWO multi-day courses designed for teachers. This is not your typical PD session - think summer camp for adults. Attendees learn about Colorado agriculture; tour farms, ranches, and production facilities; and gain innovative, standards-based ways to incorporate food, fiber, fuel, and natural resource topics into academic curricula.

July 17th, 2024 (8-week course) | Water Sustainability in the Western U.S. CSU course, hosted by CSU Global. This CSU Fort Collins course is open to students, working professionals, and anyone interested in learning about this pivotal resource that has defined this region's past and is poised to determine and impact its future. No prerequisites needed. 8-week course, 100% online.

July 23, 2024 | State Revolving Fund Regional Workshop. Akron workshop to be held at the Akron Senior & Community Center, from 9:00 a.m.- 4:15 p.m. They will cover topics including: SRF basics (including details about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding in the SRF program), Funding options for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, Planning, asset management, available technical assistance, Current and upcoming regulations regarding lead and emerging contaminants. Please RSVP to the Akron workshop by Friday July 12. Lunch will be provided.

September 23 & 24, 2024 | National Stormwater Center - Colorado CSI MS4 Webinar. Designed for Municipal personnel (MS4), this course will focus on permit regulations and compliance to restore and maintain the waters of the United States.  Permits require certifying officials to select qualified stormwater personnel. Gain an in-depth understanding of stormwater permits, the six minimum control measures, how to conduct inspections, and the authority, demeanor, and discretion of stormwater inspectors to enhance your credentials of qualified. 

Webinar Recording: Overview of Prescribed Fire Liability in State Law. Lawyer Sara Clark provides an overview of prescribed fire liability in state law, including definitions of liability and how state laws defining liability interact with certified burn manager programs, tribal sovereignty and cultural burning, and prescribed fire insurance. This webinar is intended for those who are new to the issue of prescribed fire liability or those more experienced who would like an overview of the subject, especially anyone about to engage on similar policy initiatives in their state or jurisdiction.

Online Course: Leave No Trace 101 Course. This is an introduction to Leave No Trace and the actions we can collectively take to protect our planet. In this course we share helpful information with a simple framework of minimum impact practices to apply when spending time outdoors.

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 noncredit 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 education resource to learn about your watershed including mine reclamation, water monitoring, recreational use, water conservation, drinking water and wastewater treatment and distribution, aquatic life, water scarcity, agricultural use, management, infrastructure, and more. Watch the video series 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 the 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.

Announcements Late June

From June 11 to July 9, 2024, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking public feedback on the draft process to select the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) to help determine which species are a conservation priority in the 2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).  Public feedback will be accepted online via the EngageCPW website . This is the first opportunity for input on the 2025 SWAP, but there will be others throughout the planning process. The draft SWAP is due to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2025. CPW posted an SGCN Draft Selection Criteria to gather input from the public on how CPW will identify and categorize species. Species include amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, mollusks and crustaceans, and reptiles. CPW is still developing the process to determine the SGCN for plants and Invertebrates. For more information on CPW’s mission and conservation work, visit https://cpw.state.co.us/Conservation

Colorado Parks and Wildlife announces expansion of Aira to state parks - To continue advancing Governor Polis’s goal of a Colorado for All, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the expansion of Aira availability to the state parks system. Aira is a digital tool to help Coloradans and visitors who are blind or have low vision access state services in real time. The Aira Explorer mobile app provides access to visual interpreters when navigating state-operated locations and digital services, including state parks. Through the Governor’s Office of Information Technology’s (OIT) Technology Accessibility Program (TAP), Aira provides free 30-minute sessions and users can connect for additional sessions if needed.  Aira promotional video from Chatfield State Park highlights the partnership between Aira and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Learn more about how to access and use Aira at oit.colorado.gov/accessibility/aira. Download the app from your mobile device via the Apple Store or Google Play and let your friends and family know about this beneficial service.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is excited to announce a new category of fishable waters called Colorado Quality Waters. These 53 lakes and streams contain productive, quality fisheries with public access, providing a top-tier experience for anglers. CPW’s talented team of fish management biologists identified and nominated these waters based on fish sampling records, surveys, and professional biological assessments. The waters were nominated for providing exceptional angling opportunities for one species or a variety of species. View a list of Colorado Quality Waters here.

A Colorado State Revolving Fund transfer of Wastewater Emerging Contaminants Funds Q & A session is set for June 27, 2024. The Colorado State Revolving Fund (SRF) program intends to pursue an SRF transfer that will include moving Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) emerging contaminants funds from the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund (WPCRF) to the Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF). This decision is based on the current lack of demand for wastewater EC funding versus a higher demand for drinking water EC funding. All are invited to attend a virtual presentation and Q & A session on June 27, 2024 with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for additional information on the planned transfer of EC funds at 11:00 a.m. This link will be your admittance to the session. No registration is needed. The meeting will discuss the planned transfer and the reasons behind it. There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and comments.