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The Nine Basins Bulletin is the newsletter from the Southwestern Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Water Information Program (WIP), a summary of the latest updates from southwest Colorado. In this email forum, we want to raise awareness, engagement, and coordination among our nine distinct watersheds—and share our successes with the state. It’s for you. We welcome your updates, jobs, events, and especially your feedback at info@swwcd.org.

Register for Water Law in a Nutshell

Meet Rusty Hinger, SWCD Director Since 2014

Q: In your nine years on the SWCD Board of Directors, what water lessons would you share with constituents?

Director Rusty Hinger: In my nine years on the SWCD board, the lessons I have learned are many. The big picture for me I guess starts with learning how the whole water system works from the continental divide to Lake Powell, how all 9 counties within SWCD are very different, and how important each county is to the Colorado River system.

Q: From your vantage point, what does SWCD do for southwestern Colorado?

Hinger: With the nine counties being under drought conditions for nearly 25 years, I am glad that SWCD is here. Being involved with SWCD—from legislation to the grant program—has opened my eyes to how important SWCD is to our local communities. I had no idea what SWCD did until I was appointed to the board.

Q: What else would you like to tell constituents?

Hinger: Everyone assumes that with the monsoon rains we’ve had this summer, we are in the clear. Well, we are far from out of the drought and still have a lot of work to do. Local water managers are integral to managing our water resources and planning for our future.

Rusty Hinger is Mineral County’s appointment to the SWCD Board of Directors. Read Director Hinger’s bio at swwcd.org.

Farm Bill Listening Sessions

On October 3rd and 4th, Senator Michael Bennet’s office will host a series of Farm Bill listening sessions in southwestern Colorado with agriculture policy staff from Washington, D.C. and Colorado regional staff members. Anyone with input on the Farm Bill process is welcome to attend.

Montrose | October 3rd | 8:00 – 9:15 am | Coal Creek Produce

Redvale | October 3rd | 11:30 am – 12:45 pm | Redvale Community Center

Dove Creek | October 3rd | 2:00 – 3:15 pm | Dolores County Public Service Center

Cortez | October 3rd | 4:00 – 5:15 pm | Montezuma County Administration Building

Durango | October 4th | 9:00 – 10:15 am | La Plata County Administration Building

RSVP to james_thompson@bennet.senate.gov with the event and location you would like to attend, your name, title and organization (if applicable), and contact information.

Across the Basins

FLC’s Colorado River Seminar Open to Public

Mondays | 4-5 p.m. | Center of Southwest Studies, Room 120 (The Lyceum)

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Colorado River Compact, Fort Lewis College and CSU’s Fall 2022 Interdisciplinary Water Seminar explores the law, governance, and management of the Colorado River in the context of aridification of the Colorado River Basin. Classes will be held in person on both campuses and virtually. View the seminar schedule or email kjmattos@fortlewis.edu for details.

Water Information Program Partner Spotlight

This month Mickey O’Hara, The Nature Conservancy’s Freshwater Project Director for Southwest Colorado, talked with the Water Information Program. Here’s a preview of our conversation:

Why does The Nature Conservancy value water education?

The Nature Conservancy believes in creating a world where both people and nature thrive. I’m biased, but I think the key to people and nature thriving in Colorado is stewardship of our water resources – and that starts with education. Agricultural producers, recreationists, native species, citizens, and local economies can all benefit from better stewardship of what we have. Water education is a key tool to inspire all Coloradoans, including our next generation of water leaders, to get more involved.

Read the full Q & A with Mickey here.

The Nature Conservancy is one of 28 local partners that support the Water Information Program, providing balanced water educational programs and content in southwestern Colorado.

Calling all Students: Showcase your Talents!

Learn about the Water Info Program and Water Plan

Wed Sept 28th | 6:30 p.m. | Smiley Cafe, 1309 E 3rd Ave, Durango

Water ‘22 Book Club Comes to Durango

Water ’22 is a year-long celebration of Colorado’s water, dedicated to the idea that “It all starts here.” Learn more about the educational campaign here.

Delph Carpenter & the La Plata River Compact

Photo credit: Delph Carpenter at his desk in the Colorado Senate chamber, 1911, courtesy of Colorado State University Archives and Special Collections

Funding Opportunities

Colorado State Outdoor Recreation Grants: September 30th

WSRF Basin Account Grant Applications: October 13th

CAWA Funding for Ag Drought Resiliency Projects: December 1st

Colorado Ag Water Alliance (CAWA) has funding available to support incubator projects on farms and ranches throughout Colorado. These projects will demonstrate innovative options to sustain agriculture during drought while maintaining profitability. These projects can include a wide variety of strategies that support drought resilience and adaptation to reduced water supplies: infrastructure upgrades, improved water measurement and management, water conservation, alternative crops and forages, soil health improvements, watershed and stream restoration, and herd size and stocking strategies. Please reach out to CAWA about your project ideas, so that they can work with you: coagwater@gmail.com.

2023 SW Water Conservation District Grants: December 9th (2023 guidelines and application now available on at swwcd.org)

Colorado Water Funding Opportunity Navigator: CWCB 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.

Irrigation Infrastructure Resource Hub: Have a water funding need but don’t know where to start? DARCA and the River Network teamed up to create this hub.

WaterSMART Program Portal: This site houses Reclamation's schedule for funding through WaterSMART and Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration as well as opportunities for Multi-Benefit Projects to Improve Watershed Health.

How to “Make it Rain” When it’s Not Raining: Watch this Colorado River District webinar to get a great walkthrough of available funding opportunities and the related processes.

Colorado Wildfire Mitigation Funding: Find here a list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.

Mark your Calendar

September 28: Colorado Water Plan Listening Session-Robust Agriculture

September 29-30: San Juan Mining and Reclamation Conference (Ouray)

October 1: Volunteer Willow Planting (Silverton)

October 10: Stream Management Planning 101 Virtual Workshop

October 19: Water Professionals Happy Hour (Durango, Union Social House)

October 26: Colorado WaterWise Water Conservation Symposium (Denver)

October 25: Interbasin Compact Committee

October 26: Water Info Program’s Water Law in a Nutshell Course (Durango)

October 27: Southwest Basins Roundtable (Durango)

October 29: Five Rivers TU Animas River Clean Up (Santa Rita Park)

November 15: Water 22 Author Talk, Jonathan Thompson “ The River of Lost Souls”(Durango)

November 16: Water Professionals Happy Hour (Durango, Union Social House)

Career & Engagement Opportunities

Lake Durango Water Authority: General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Lake Durango Water Authority (LDWA). Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the manager performs complex administrative, financial, technical and managerial work to ensure compliance with Board goals, policies, and all applicable governmental regulations; plans, directs and coordinates services, activities and operations of all facility equipment, functions and projects; manages Authority staff, contractors and vendors; coordinates the efficient and effective use of Authority resources, finances, personnel and equipment to achieve short- and long-term goals and objectives; prepares applications and manages grants; and participates in Board of Directors and related meetings. Full position description is available at www.lakedurango.org:

Applicants should have an Associate Degree with five years of experience in utilities or related field management. Colorado water certifications are desired but not required. Interested candidates shall submit a cover letter and resume to the LDWA Manager at the following address: LDWAmanagersearch@gmail.com

Hiring Range: $70,000 – $90,000, depending on experience and licenses. Position will remain open until filled.

Dolores Water Conservancy District: SCADA System Operator

The SCADA System Operator is primarily responsible for the operation of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System during the irrigation season. During the non-irrigation season, assigned duties may vary. Applicant must be proficient with computer systems. A background in PLC’s and irrigation systems a plus. FLSA Status: Non-exempt (Hourly). Wage Range: $16.50-$26.57 per hour, depending on experience. Contact Ben Harclerode, District Engineer, for a complete job description and application: bharclerode@doloreswater.com, 970-882-2164 x5

Southern Ute Indian Tribe: Water Quality Specialist (Sept 30th)

National Young Farmers Coalition: 2022 Colorado Water Fellowship (Oct 10)

Ditch and Reservoir Company Alliance: Water Ambassador Program (Dec 1)

Town of Telluride: Water/Wastewater Lead Operator, Water/Wastewater Plant Driver/Operator

Conservation Legacy: Various Openings (Durango)

San Juan Mountains Association: Visitor Information Specialist (Pagosa), Education Intern (Durango)

La Plata Electric Association: Various Positions

RiversEdge West: Development Director, Riparian Restoration and Monitoring Coordinator (Grand Junction)

Submit Your Water Photos!

Thank you to Jenn Flentge (SGM) for sharing this shot of the panel Q&A at the 3rd Annual Water Connections hosted by SWCD, FLC and SGM. Around 70 people discussed the value of water after watching the PBS documentary Farm to Faucet produced by Pagosa Springs-based Christi Bode Skeie.

We all connect to water. Share with us by submitting a photo to info@swwcd.org that shows you or your loved ones interacting with water—playing or working — or depicts your favorite southwest Colorado water body or basin. We’ll post it in a future Nine Basins Bulletin.