Funding Opportunities Late September

Grant Deadlines:

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.

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. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm ET, October 23, 2024. Learn more or submit an interest form 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.

Colorado Ag Water Alliance (CAWA) is seeking proposals for their Drought Resiliency Program that focuses on developing effective strategies for agricultural water users and managers to adapt to reduced water supplies. CAWA seeks to support projects that are shovel-ready and need support for implementation and evaluation. CAWA does not fund general irrigation efficiency improvements as part of this program.Successful projects will test concepts and collect data that can demonstrate the ability to decrease water use and/or increase long-term resilience to reduced water supplies. CAWA will also consider the potential for a project to be replicated or scaled for larger impact as well as pursuing and securing public funding for implementation. Learn more HERE. 

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.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost. The WIFIA program has funding available on an ongoing basis. Learn more HERE. 

The Department of Natural Resources-Executive Director's Office is pleased to announce $4 million available for the 2024 Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) Workforce Development Grant. COSWAP is a permanent state program designed to address the urgency and need for wildfire mitigation work on the ground and to provide training opportunities for workforce development. This Workforce Development Grant funding can be used on all land ownership types across the state. This grant is designed to increase the number of people supporting Colorado’s wildfire mitigation workforce, primarily by supporting the workforce development partners listed below. Projects and training must be completed by December 31, 2025. Applications due November 1, 2024. Learn more 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.

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.  

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 Late September

The Freshwater Trust (TFT) is seeking a Project Implementation Coordinator for their Colorado River Program. This position will build on those efforts by developing, supporting, and implementing on-the-ground projects. The Project Implementation Coordinator will help TFT, its partners, and Colorado West Slope communities tap into the time-limited funding opportunity provided by water and conservation related investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to modernize irrigation infrastructure, build drought resilience, and restore ecosystem function in the Colorado River and its tributaries. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Are you a recent college graduate looking to gain meaningful experience in the field of water quality and environmental management? Join the City of Greeley’s Water Quality Program as a Seasonal Source Water Intern. In this role, you will play a key part in updating the City’s Source Water Assessment Report for the lakes system that supplies the Boyd Lake Water Treatment Plant. This is a unique opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a practical setting, working on essential tasks such as fieldwork, data analysis, and report preparation. Learn more HERE. 

The Town of Erie is looking to fill a new role to join our Environmental Services team, an Environmental Analyst. The Environmental Analyst should enter the job with an overall understanding of the local and regional status of energy and environmental policy/regulations and is expected to work in collaboration with other neighboring communities, regulatory bodies, and experts to develop sufficient knowledge in the role. Under the general direction of the Director of Environmental Services, the Environmental Analyst works closely with other departments including but not limited to: Planning & Development and Town Council. In this role, you will be performing professional and technical work in the investigation, inspection, and enforcement of the Towns oil and gas and other environmental regulations and provide written comment on statutory initiatives and regulatory development associated with oil and gas facilities and operations that potentially affect the Town. Learn more HERE. 

Join the RiversEdge West (REW) team and help improve the health of river systems and the communities that depend on them! REW and the BLM have partnered to create the Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator position. The position will be responsible for coordinating riparian restoration and monitoring programs on lands managed by the BLM and other riparian areas along the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Western Colorado, as well as provide community outreach and education.The program will bring high quality restoration and best management practices to riparian lands to benefit fish and wildlife habitat, improve river function, enhance recreational and agricultural uses, and foster partnerships and collaboration. The role also requires ensuring that all project initiatives and restoration efforts are in alignment with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) resource management plan(s), adhering to federal guidelines and contributing to long-term land stewardship goals. Applications will be reviewed starting September 23, 2024. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Learn more or apply HERE. 

Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU) is seeking a part-time Western Regional Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Coordinator. This 9-month position will work an average of 10 – 15 hours per week. As Western TIC Coordinator, you fill a key role to the overall success of Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Program. You will help TIC Educators, Volunteers, and Chapter Leaders learn, prepare for, and understand TIC processes, equipment, maintenance, and the overall TIC program.We are accepting applications through Sept. 20th at 8 pm MST. Learn more HERE.

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is searching for a passionate and inspirational Education Director that is committed to providing high-quality education programs across diverse platforms. The Education Director will lead RMFI’s educational initiatives aimed at promoting environmental conservation and stewardship. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing educational programs for high-school aged students and adults that engage diverse audiences and support RMFI’s conservation goals. The Education Director will collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community partners to enhance environmental literacy and inspire a commitment to protecting our public lands. They provide leadership and guidance to the education department to ensure professional standards are upheld and organizational objectives are met. The Education Director must have experience in trail construction and maintenance as well as experience teaching environmental/conservation education and curriculum development. This position serves as an integral member of the leadership team in guiding the organization while supporting annual planning, budgeting, fundraising, strategic planning, board participation, and decision-making about the future of Rocky Mountain Field Institute. Learn more HERE. 

The Sonoran Institute is seeking a Director of the Growing Water Smart program. The Director is responsible for directing and overseeing the design and implementation of the Growing Water Smart program, focused on an integrated approach to municipal water and land use planning, in states throughout the Colorado River Basin, including the US-Mexico border region. The Director will manage the program’s keystone training and assistance workshops and related projects by overseeing consultants, liaising with program partners, managing the program budget, cultivating program donors. 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 Yampa and White watersheds in Northwest Colorado. The position will develop and implement projects in these watersheds 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.  Duties will also include active and effective participation in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for cold-water fisheries. Learn more 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. 

The Big Thompson Watershed Coalition (BTWC) seeks a highly organized, experienced, and motivated self-starter to independently oversee BTWC’s current forestry projects and to assist with the organization’s community outreach programs. Under the general direction of the BTWC Director, the Forestry Project Manager will predominantly participate in and lead forest restoration project identification, planning, coordination, management, and monitoring efforts. Our ideal candidate will have over four years of professional working experience with these tasks in the fields of forestry, watershed science, ecological restoration, natural resource stewardship and will enjoy working with people. Additional training and experience in the following topics will be highly applicable to the job: collaborative planning, stakeholder engagement, conflict resolution, contractor oversight, and western water resource ownership and management. Local knowledge of the Big Thompson River and water system and its diverse water use needs are extremely beneficial to this position, but not required. Preferred application submission by Monday 9/30/2024. Learn more HERE.

Conferences & Events Late September

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 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 24th, 2024 | Barr-Milton Watershed Association Annual Meeting - Please join the Barr-Milton Watershed Association for our annual meeting and BBQ at Barr Lake State Park. We’ll tour the new head gate project at the inlet to Barr Lake, hear updates from Barr Lake and Barr-Milton Watershed Association, and more. Lunch and beverages are provided. See you there! Seats are limited so please RSVP by Sept. 17th to Sami at miller.sami@outlook.com.

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 - Vaudeville Revue in Glenwood Springs. 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.

September 28th, 2024 | Fraser River Clean up - Join Headwaters River Journey and Trout Unlimited to clean up the Fraser River between Fraser and Winter Park. Conducting trash cleanup along both shore areas of the river. If you have waders, your ability to get items out of the river itself would be a huge help. Sign up HERE. 

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 12th, 2024 | 7th annual Love Your Gorge - Join UWP and the Ouray Ice Park in beautifying and maintaining the watershed around the Uncompahgre River Gorge. This volunteer event starts with three hours of work around the park and gorge, and ends with lunch, giveaways, and a tour of the park.

October 19th, 2024 | Rotary D5450 WASH Symposium: NURTURING RESILIENCE - Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions and practical workshops at the CSU Spur Hydro Building. Learn from experts in the field of water, sanitation, and hygiene about Nurturing Resilience in our communities. Connect with like-minded individuals and organizations passionate about making a positive impact. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and equipped to create lasting change! Learn more or register HERE. 

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 Late September

September 17th, 2024 | Environmental Justice Technical Assistance Webinar Series from 2:30 – 3:30 pm ET (11:30 am – 12:30 pm PT). This webinar will be held jointly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Representatives from the Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers (EJ TCTACs) will discuss their services. Learn more 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.

October 19th, 2024 | Water Law in a Nutshell - This full day seminar will cover all aspects of the law related to water rights and ditch rights as applied in Colorado. Subject matter includes the appropriation, perfection, use, limitations, attributes, abandonment and enforcement of various types of water rights. Additional subject matter will include special rules for groundwater, public rights in appropriated water, interstate compacts, and more. Learn more or 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 Late 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.

Check out the Water Webinars hosted by the City of Glenwood Springs. One of the main goals of the River Commission is to engage the public by providing information related to the importance of our local water resources and riparian ecosystems.  Organizing webinars to address various river related topics and issues has been a means to achieve this goal. Check out some of the videos HERE.