Funding Opportunities Early September

Grant Deadlines:

River Network will soon release a funding opportunity for urban and community forestry projects led by federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations/villages, Tribal organizations, organizations working in Tribal communities, and community-based non-profits. The Rooting Resilience Program, with funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service, Urban and Community Forestry Program, will provide funding and technical assistance to community-based projects that build resilience and capacity for the planning and implementation of forestry projects. Learn more or submit an interest form HERE.

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.  

DOLA RFP Opportunity - Land Use and Housing Legislation Implementation - Proposals Due September 11. Scopes of Work will include, planning for housing, compliance and review, and strategic growth and natural lands peports and guidance for comprehensive plans. Learn more HERE.

The Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Drought Response Program’s Drought Resiliency Projects (DRP).  This funding opportunity supports the implementation of drought mitigation projects that will build long-term resilience to drought.  Through this funding opportunity, Reclamation provides financial assistance for projects that, when implemented, will increase water supply reliability and improve water management. The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on August 15th, 2024 at 11am MDT to discuss eligible applicants, project types, and the evaluation criteria for the DRP funding opportunity. Click here to join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event.  The funding opportunity is available on grants.gov by searching for opportunity number R25AS00013. Applications are due by October 7th, 2024 at 4pm MDT

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. 10th, 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.

Every year the Water Quality Control Division, Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program sends out a request for applications (RFA) for NPS funding. Before the RFA is released, the NPS Program provides an opportunity for project sponsors to solicit feedback about NPS project concepts. The purpose of the feedback is to help project sponsors clearly define and develop their NPS water quality restoration or protection project idea and receive technical advice in advance of the application process. While submittal of a Concept Paper is optional, for those project sponsors interested in receiving feedback on a NPS project idea, the NPS Program requests submittal of a Concept Paper. Project concept paper deadline October 11, 2024 by 5 p.m. (MST). Learn more HERE.

Upper Colorado River Basin System Conservation and Efficiency Program’s second phase is known as "Bucket 2" and will utilize the remaining $450 million of Inflation Reduction Act funding dedicated to address water issues in the Upper Colorado River Basin. The Bucket 2 program is organized into two components. The "Bucket 2 Environmental Drought Mitigation" or "B2E" component of phase two provides funding to public entities and tribes for projects that provide general environmental benefits or ecosystem/habitat restoration benefits that address issues directly caused by drought. The Request for Applications under the title, "Upper Basin Environmental Drought Mitigation (B2E)" opened Monday, July 22 and will remain open until Monday, October 14. Learn more HERE.

Nature in the City would like to help you and your community create more access to nature and improve wildlife habitats throughout Fort Collins! In 2024, Dream It Up Planning Grants up to $8,000 are available. Nature in the City has funds from the Community Capital Improvement Program to apply towards community-driven projects that provide increased access and stewardship to high-quality natural spaces. Applications open September 1st and close October 20th. Learn more HERE.

WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) funding opportunity provides funding for projects that result in quantifiable water savings, implement renewable energy components, and support broader sustainability benefits. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; increase the production of renewable energy; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to sustainability in the Western United States. Applications are due November 13, 2024. Learn more HERE.

EPA’s Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants  — Rolling Applications until November 21st, 2024 —The deadline to request the free Technical Assistance (TA) to help develop Community Grant Program applications is August 16th, 2024. TA requests will not be accepted after that date. 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.

WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP) funding opportunity provides funding for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, outdoor landscaping, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. The total project cost for the purchase of materials and installation of materials cannot exceed $250,000. Applications are due January 14, 2025. Learn more HERE.

The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has approved a special release of the Colorado Watershed Restoration Program. The Program will focus on the development of Wildfire Ready Watershed plans and implementation of projects designed to mitigate post wildfire impacts. Applications will be accepted for capacity building, planning, engineering, and implementation to address the susceptibility of values at risk to post wildfire hazards. The CWCB will accept applications on a rolling basis starting January 11, 2023 until all available funds are obligated. Read the grant description HERE.

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 to 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 submission. 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.

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 Early September

The Yampa-White-Green Basin Roundtable has two roundtable seats up for application. Environmental At-Large: one member representing environmental interests and selected from nominees submitted by one or more regionally, state-wide or nationally recognized environmental conservation organizations that have operated in Colorado for at least 5 years. Voting member. Industrial At-Large: one member representing industrial interests. Voting member. A letter of interest as to why you qualify is required. Return Completed Form and letter of interest to Kristin Skowronski at admin@yampawhitegreen.com. Application and letter of interest are due August 30, 2024. Applicants will be voted on at the September 11, 2024 Roundtable meeting. Learn more HERE.

The South Platte Basin Roundtable is hiring a Recorder. The Roundtable Recorder (recorder) is a CWCB-contracted role that helps support the basin roundtables and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) with holding a basin roundtable's regular roundtable meetings and maintaining compliance with the Colorado Open Meeting Laws (COML), DNR Handbook and the CWCB Guide. This work generally includes coordinating with/supporting the roundtable chair on agendas, taking meeting minutes (using the meeting minute template), posting documents (e.g. agendas; minutes) online, managing Zoom/webinars, website support, coordinating with the roundtable chair, etc. Additional detail is provided below. The recorder must be able to contract with the state to obtain a purchase order (PO) and agree to comply with state requirements including regular communication with CWCB. Learn more HERE. If you are interested in applying, contact Sean Chambers, SPBRT Chair, at sean.chambers@greeleygov.com.

Groundwork Denver is looking to hire an Executive Director. Reports to the Groundwork Denver Board of Directors and supervises the Associate Director, Finance Manager, Development Director, and HR/Office Manager, the Executive Director develops and implements the organization’s strategic direction, works hands-on with staff and Board members to align new strategies with all aspects of the organization’s program, fundraising, and administrative activities. Learn more HERE. 

Water Education Colorado is seeking a Membership and Development Manager. Ideal candidates share our passion and commitment to the future of water, recognizing the value of our policy-neutral approach to building a water-aware Colorado and informing decision making and civic engagement at all levels. They are gifted at communicating organizational vision and impact, and have a successful track record in raising funds from diverse revenue sources. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority consideration will be given to applications received by August 1.

Water Education Colorado 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.

Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) is seeking a full-time Project Manager to work in coordination with the Executive Director on Integrated Water Management Plan (IWMP) projects, River Watch activities, and River Stop management. Learn more and apply.

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.

Northern Water is seeking a Water Efficiency Planner to promote water efficiency, implement sustainable water management and expand our outreach and impact. This individual will assist with developing and implementing conservation services that maximize the value of water used in residential, commercial and municipal settings. Focus areas include various end uses of water, cost-benefit analyses, landscapes, water loss and water smart development. Tasks involve coordinating stakeholder groups, outreach and program monitoring. The Water Efficiency Planner will research and report on local, regional, statewide and national water efficiency policy, laws, regulations and programs.

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.

Little Thompson Water District is seeking a Civil Engineer I. Under the supervision of the District Engineer, responsible for the review of proposed developments and the associated water system infrastructure improvements required for providing water service within the District service boundaries, including the preparation of water service commitment documents as necessary.  Additional responsibilities include the planning, designing and construction oversight of water system facilities including capital improvement and maintenance projects. Work can include system hydraulic analysis, facility design, system mapping, CAD document preparation, specifications development and other related work as assigned. Learn more HERE.

Join the City of Durango as a Backflow Administrator and help protect the sustainability of our water systems. In this role, you will perform both routine and technical work, ensuring compliance with state and local ordinances through proactive outreach, education, and enforcement. Learn more HERE. 

The Yampa Valley Sustainability Council is hiring a Resilient Water Program Manager, who will be a key member of the Resilient Land and Water Priority Area at YVSC, reporting to the Resilient Land and Water Director and working collaboratively with a range of program staff to support, establish, manage, monitor and report on the science-driven and community-engaged initiatives. The Resilient Water Program Manager sits at the interface of science and community action, and strives to connect relevant research and data with increased public understanding of how water in the West is changing due to climate change and what we can do about it. Learn more HERE.

Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a Project Manager/Senior Project Manager, who is a self-motivated and competent person to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources and native and wild fish populations in the headwaters of the Colorado River. Approximately 60% of the position will support post-fire watershed restoration efforts in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. The position will also develop and implement other projects in the Colorado headwaters including removal of fish barriers, irrigation improvements, water rights transactions, water conservation efforts, stream restoration, and other cooperative measures that protect or restore fish habitat. Learn more HERE.

Colorado West Land Trust is seeking to hire an Administrative Assistant. The Administrative Assistant advances the mission of Colorado West Land Trust by providing critical administrative support to facilitate the efficient operation of the organization. This position will provide broad administrative support under the direction of a single supervisor. Learn more or apply HERE. 

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT), located in Del Norte, Colorado, seeks a Director or Manager of Development and Outreach. This position is responsible for both the management of RiGHT’s fundraising plan, event management, and individual donor program, as well as working with the Executive Director to ensure communications, fundraising activities, and calendar are strategically aligned with the goals of the organization. Application closes September 30th. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Conferences & Events Early September

September 4th - 6th, 2024 | Colorado Forest Collaboratives Summit: Scaling and Sustaining Local Impact | Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado. Place-based collaboratives work in close partnership with state and federal agencies to achieve big-picture goals that require local expertise, buy-in, and implementation. Working to match goals and opportunities across varying local, regional, state, and federal scales has proven challenging. Southwest Colorado has long been a hot spot for innovative multi-level collaboration that successfully bridges large-scale initiatives to local action. At the 2024 Colorado Forest Collaboratives Summit, we draw from successes and challenges in Southwest Colorado and beyond to understand: How can we bridge the gap between local work and large federal opportunities? How can we adapt and sustain work at the local scale when high-level directives change?

September 5th, 2024 | Colorado WaterWise 2024 the Colorado WaterWise Symposium at the Denver Marriott 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 5th, 2024 | Water Education Colorado is hosting their 18th annual President’s Reception. Gather for a fun-filled evening of celebration, networking, and awards as we honor exemplary water leadership, and raise money for the critical mission of informing Coloradans on water! Get your tickets HERE.

September 6th & 7th, 2024| Blue River Festival - Join us in celebrating and preserving the beauty and value of the rivers and lakes around Summit County at their Blue River Festival Launch party September 6th! Volunteer and make a huge difference in our community by joining BRWG for their annual county-wide river cleanup and volunteer after-party on September 7th. Learn more HERE.  

September 8th, 2024 | Fall South Platte Stewardship Day, 8am – 11:30am - Volunteer at the Pacifico Preserves Fall South Platte Stewardship Day presented by Mile High Flood District, DaVita, and The Nature Conservancy. All volunteers will receive breakfast burritos donated from Snooze! This event is free and open to the public, but prior registration is required. Learn more or register HERE.

September 9th & 10th, 2024 | 2024 Water Quality Control Commission Annual Planning Work Session. See agenda HERE.

September 11th - 13th, 2023 | San Luis Rural Philanthropy Days. This unique conference provides a forum for quality professional development opportunities close to home as well as networking with other community leaders in the region and relationship building opportunities with statewide funders. RPD® not only creates the space to educate each other on regional needs but also works towards collaboratively addressing community-wide issues in the region. This opportunity only occurs once every four years in the San Luis Valley region which is composed of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache counties. Register HERE.

September 13th, 2024 | Gala After Dark. Dance the night away at Gala After Dark as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Greenway Foundation! Your ticket includes open bar, small bites, and silent disco with 3 live DJ’s. Learn more or buy tickets HERE.

September 14th, 2024 | 20th Annual Grand Valley River Cleanup. Join RiversEdge, Grand Valley Paddling Club and The Gear Junction West for five different river cleanup sections through the Grand Valley. Learn more or sign up to volunteer HERE.

September 14th, 2024 |  North Fork Poudre Healthy Watershed Tour & Open House. Learn about river restoration on private and public lands! Join the North Fork Poudre Site Conservation Team (SCT) for a watershed tour and open house to learn about stewardship that benefits people and nature. We'll tour several river restoration projects on both private and public lands within the Red Feather Lakes area that are improving riparian health and wildlife habitat while making our watershed more resilient to future wildfires. Learn more or register HERE.

September 14th, 2024 | Public Lands Today and Tomorrow: A Field Tour of Forestry and Fire Resilience in the St. Vrain Watershed. Join us for a field tour led by members of the St. Vrain Forest Health Partnership. Explore upcoming forestry treatments on U.S. Forest Service lands around Gold Lake and learn about the exciting work happening on Boulder County Parks and Open Space. See firsthand how public land managers are strengthening the resilience of our communities and ecosystems to wildfire. Learn more or register HERE.

September 16th, 2024 | Xeriscape Walking Tour - FC Moves, in partnership with Utilities and Natural Areas, will be hosting several xeriscape garden biking and walking tours. Curious about converting your yard to a native or xeriscape garden? Learn more about waterwise landscapes, the Xeriscape Incentive Program, native plants and pollinators, and other important information on these tours. Click HERE to register.

September 20th, 2024 | The Colorado River District’s Annual Water Seminar. As temperatures rise and populations grow, the strain on our water systems becomes more pronounced. Nowhere is this more evident than in the communities of the West Slope, the headwaters of the Colorado River. Since the early 2000’s, unpredictable snowpack and earlier, hotter summers have stressed water supplies, diminished environmental water quality, and impacted local economies that depend on healthy rivers for agriculture and recreation. Click HERE to register for virtual or in-person attendance.

September 23rd, 2024 | Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Vaudeville Glenwood screening. Save the date.

September 24th, 2024 | RiverBank - Join Colorado Water Trust for RiverBank, their biggest event of the year. Over 250 people in the water community come together to celebrate our partnerships and raise funds to restore water to Colorado’s rivers. Join us for a fun-filled evening of food, drinks, networking, a silent auction, the presentation of the David Getches Flowing Waters Award, and more. Learn more HERE.

September 25th, 2024 | Get ready, Western Slope! Connecting Colorado is coming your way! Join us for engaging breakout sessions aimed at increasing the capacity of your Nonprofit Organization. We’ll also feature a dedicated track specifically tailored for nonprofit executives. Connect with fellow nonprofit professionals in your region to exchange ideas, find solutions and celebrate successes through roundtables and panel discussions. Use the code 'FRIENDOFCNA' for $15 off. Learn more HERE.

September 26th, 2024 | Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Ute Theater, Rifle screening. We share beautiful independent films that inform and inspire people to take action. Our audience comes together to share their love of the river and outdoors, to laugh, to cry, and to get excited about how they can make an impact. Join MCWC in our mission to evaluate, protect, and enhance the health of our watershed.

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.

September 28th, 2024 | Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Ute Theater, Rifle screening. We share beautiful independent films that inform and inspire people to take action. Our audience comes together to share their love of the river and outdoors, to laugh, to cry, and to get excited about how they can make an impact. Join MCWC in our mission to evaluate, protect, and enhance the health of our watershed.

October 1st - 4th, 2024 | Colorado Wildland Fire Conference - The collaborative event features a wide variety of presentations exploring the conference theme of “Meeting the Moment”. Learn more or register HERE.

October 1st & 2nd, 2024 | Water leaders from around the state will meet in Crested Butte for the Colorado 9 Basin (C9 Summit) at the Center for the Arts Crested Butte. The event brings the CWCB Board, the nine basin roundtables, and the Interbasin Compact Committee (IBCC) together with other interested water professionals. Day 1 (October 1) will include pre-conference tours and an evening dinner reception. Day 2 will include a full-day conference at the Crested Butte Center for the Arts from 8 AM- 5 PM (virtual attendance will also be allowed). This is a free event, but registration is required and space is limited. Register HERE.

October 2nd, 2024 | SWS and SER Professional Certification Social Event, 5:30 - 7:30 @ New Image Brewing - The Society of Wetland Scientists Rocky Mountain Chapter and Society for Ecological Restoration Rocky Mountains are co-hosting an educational and networking event for early professionals and potential mentors. New Image Brewing @ 9505 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge.

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 8th - 10th, 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.

October 21st and 22nd, 2024 | Colorado Groundwater Conference - Save the Date.

Fireforest, a 16-minute film tells the story of what happened there through the accounts of a U.S. Forest Service fire specialist, a Larimer Conservation District forester, and the Drala land manager. Together, they urge us to see fire and forest management as natural and essential parts of the landscape. By shifting the way we perceive fire and actively preparing forests to receive it, we can create hope for living with wildfires. See upcoming screenings HERE.

November 12th, 2024 | Cherry Creek Conference – Save the date.

November 13th and 14th, 2024 | Save the date - CSU Spur Water in the West Symposium

Trainings & Workshops Early September

September 4th, 2024 | Join Colorado Open Lands for a live online presentation to learn how our tool – the conservation easement – has protected species such as elk, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, cutthroat trout, and more! Live Presentation and Q&A on Wednesday, September 4 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. Register HERE!

September 6th, 2024 | Informational Webinar for B2E funding opportunity, 1 – 2 p.m. MST. During the webinar you will hear from Reclamation leaders and program administrators who will describe the program and host a question-and-answer period for attendees. Join the webinar HERE.

September 10th - 12th, 2024 | Northern Colorado Prescribed Fire Train Exchange (NOCO TREX) - Grasslands Prescribed Fire Workshop in Greeley will have two components: 1) Grasslands Prescribed Fire Workshop in Greeley September 10-12th; 2) On-call implementation window for 5 days (M-F) of prescribed fire in Northern CO between Sept 16-Oct 31, 2024. Apply HERE.

September 11th & 12th, 2024 | After The Flames Webinar Series - Join COCO and Phoenix Award recipient and National Post-Fire Program Leader, Cara Sponaugle, in a two-part webinar series on the U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response Program. Workshop attendees will gain an understanding of the USFS approach to burned area assessments; learn how multiple agencies cooperate in post-fire settings to accomplish post-fire risk mitigation; and learn how post-fire experience in Europe and North America will help develop knowledge needed to develop a post-fire assessment process to meet their response needs. Learn more HERE.

September 17th - 19th, 2024 | Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Training in Aspen, CO is an EPA WaterSense labeled Professional Certification Program for Irrigation System Audits. The course provides landscape professionals with hands-on demonstrations and education on proper plant selection, landscape water use, irrigation system design and maintenance, controller programming and operation, and sustainable landscaping. Learn more HERE.

September 18th, 2024 | Climate Resilience Training for Water Sector Utilities: Resiliency is a part of public safety. In an effort to ensure safe and resilient water systems for rural communities, EPA’s Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative and EPA Region 8 are hosting a free in-person training for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities, including Tribal utilities in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. This training will cover topics including tools to build a climate risk assessment, adaptation strategies to mitigate drought, wildfire, severe weather, flooding, and other climate threats, a utility case study from Cortez Sanitation District (CO), regional climate trends and projections, and utility infrastructure financing. Learn more or register HERE.

September 23rd & 24th, 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.

October 5th, 2024 | Plant a Residential Rain Garden! Join Groundwork Denver in installing a rain garden for a Sheridan neighbor! You’ll learn about local environmental justice issues, how rain gardens help restore the ecosystem, and how to plant a rain garden. Then, we’ll get to installing the rain garden! What are rain gardens? They look a lot like any other garden, but are specially-designed to conserve water, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance local water quality. Register HERE.

December 2nd & 3rd, 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.

EPA's Office of Research and Development and Office of Water host this free webinar series to communicate current research, regulatory information, and solutions for challenges facing small drinking water systems. See the upcoming schedule or past recordings HERE.

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 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. Students must register by September 9th.

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.

The River Network’s August 2024 edition of River Voices is now out. This month, our summer of federal funding continues, with a deeper dive into how groups can access current funding opportunities. Learn about EPA’s WaterTA support and hear from the American Flood Coalition about funding for resilience. Listen HERE.

Introducing the brand new NRCareers.org: Your ultimate resource for career development in the environmental sector. You may have been familiar with the PDF "A How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources." This website contains all the same great information from the original PDF, but now you can search the content directly and enjoy quicker updates without needing to download a lengthy guide! The newly redesigned website, developed by CAEE and the Colorado Youth Corps Association, include career possibilities, who hires, how to apply, and career prep.

GRAD592 Fall 2024 Course Focus: Jobs, Careers & Leadership in Water Resources - From wastewater operators to water lawyers to watershed scientists, water-related careers span a broad gamut of disciplines and backgrounds. Learn about needed skills/education, trends and opportunities in water resource careers directly from Colorado water practitioners and experts – as well as their own personal water career journeys. Learn more HERE.

Announcements Early September

Introducing the brand new NRCareers.org: Your ultimate resource for career development in the environmental sector. You may have been familiar with the PDF "A How-To Guide for Pursuing a Career in Natural Resources." This website contains all the same great information from the original PDF, but now you can search the content directly and enjoy quicker updates without needing to download a lengthy guide! The newly redesigned website, developed by CAEE and the Colorado Youth Corps Association, include career possibilities, who hires, how to apply, and career prep.

In June 2024, the Colorado Healthy Headwaters Working Group (HHWG, co-chaired by Abby Burk of Audubon Rockies and Jackie Corday, Corday Consulting) with the support of Water For Colorado hosted a process-based stream restoration workshop in Carbondale, Colorado. They have gathered resources for workshop attendees and others who are involved in stream restoration in Colorado HERE.

PBS News science correspondent Miles O’Brien hosted a live discussion on July 24, 2024 called “Tipping Point: Colorado River Reckoning,” that looks at some of these challenges and answers your questions. Watch it HERE.

The EPA has released a Community Water System Service Area Boundaries map to describe the geographic area that receives drinking water from a given community water system. Knowing these boundaries help to connect water system data (such as, compliance status) with data about the populations that drink the water (such as, demographics). Ultimately, this data can be used to improve drinking water planning, environmental justice analysis, emergency response, and more. The service area boundary dataset includes both modeled and actual boundaries available for some states.

The EPA has released an experimental Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms Forecasting Research tool where researchers are working on ways to forecast when and where cyanoHABs may form. The data on this page are from a beta test of an experimental cyanoHAB forecasting model. Learn more HERE.