To: Emily Hunt, Metro Round Table From: Maya MacHamer, Boulder Watershed Collective Date: March 15, 2021 Re: Proposal description for James Peak Wilderness Area Water Quality Monitoring _____________________________________________________________________________________ The Boulder Watershed Collective (BWC) intends to submit a grant application to the Metro Round Table for James Peak Wilderness Area Water Quality Monitoring in the amount of $29,271. In 2020 the BWC (formerly the Fourmile Watershed Coalition) received funding from the SPBRT for water quality monitoring above and below high priority recreation areas in and around the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area in the Boulder Creek watershed. The project was in partnership with the city of Boulder, Boulder Ranger District (BRD) and Trout Unlimited to collect baseline water quality samples in smaller tributaries to monitor whether recreation and camping were negatively affecting water quality in streams as a result of human waste impacts. 2020 sampling indicated that some areas had elevated E coli levels and that there was a correlation with camping at specific sites. However, it was inconclusive whether E coli levels were human caused. Recreational use in headwater areas increased significantly due to the pandemic. Observations of public land use and impacts in 2020 reaffirmed that collecting baseline data in source water areas that are also popular recreational areas is critical to future protection. In 2021 the BWC intends on expanding our program into the James Peak Wilderness Area. The BRD reported that this area experienced significant increases in recreation in 2020 because there is no permit system, ample parking, it is easily accessible from the metro area and provides numerous trails provide around the Continental Divide. The James Peak area is a source water area for Denver Water who provide drinking water to 1.5 million people on the Front Range. For the expanded sampling we will be partnering with the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance who have volunteers to assist with sample collection and stream flow measurement. Requested funds will allow for geographical expansion, the cost of additional water sample lab analysis and reporting, and staff time for sample collection and volunteer management. This project addresses multiple MRT priorities including: 1) protect & enhance environmental and recreational attributes, 2) manage risks of climate change, and 3) effective communications and outreach. Increased water quality data which targets small order streams will inform management planning for the protection of environmental and recreational attributes. The headwaters of South Boulder Creek are identified in the 2010 SWSI South Platte Focus Area Map as a recreational focus area. Better understanding stream flow fluctuations of headwater tributaries as a result of climate change will aid in managing risks associated with shifting weather patterns. The integration of a reputable volunteer organization like the Indian Peaks Wilderness Alliance and data collection through a local watershed group like the Boulder Watershed Collective contributes to effective communications and outreach which support the larger objectives of the Roundtables and the Colorado Water Plan. Place based programs like this are designed to engage and educate the community and to generate a lasting baseline of public awareness and support for the protection of water resources, forests and responsible recreation. The proposed project will take place from June through September in 2022. Tasks include site prioritization, collection and analysis of water quality samples, stream flow measurement and volunteer training, engagement and education. Thank you for the opportunity to present this project. Please contact me with any questions. Sincerely, Maya MacHamer Director, Boulder Watershed Collective Last Update: September 18, 2020 Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Fund Grant Application Instructions All WSRF grant applications shall conform to the current 2020 WSRF Criteria and Guidelines. To receive funding from the WSRF, a proposed water activity must be recommended for approval by a Roundtable(s) AND the approved by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The process for roundtable consideration and recommendation is outlined in the 2020 WSRF Criteria and Guidelines. The CWCB meets bimonthly. If you have questions, please contact the WSRF Grant Program Manager (for all Roundtables) or your Roundtable Liaison: Ben Wade Sam Stein [email protected] [email protected] 303-866-3441 x3238 (office) 303-866-3441(office) WSRF Submittal Checklist (Required) YES NO This request was recommended for CWCB approval by the sponsoring roundtable. YES xx NO I have read and understand the 2020 WSRF Criteria and Guidelines. YES x NO Grantee will be able to contract with CWCB using the Standard Contract.1 Application Documents included: YES xNO Exhibit A: Statement of Work2 (Word – see Template) YES x NO Exhibit B: Budget & Schedule2 (Excel Spreadsheet – see Template) YES xNO Letters of Matching and/or Pending 3rd Party Commitments2 YES x NO Map2 YES x NO Photos/Drawings/Reports YES NO Letters of Support Contracting Documents3 YES NO Detailed/Itemized Budget3 (Excel Spreadsheet – see Template) YES NO Certificate of Insurance4 (General, Auto, & Workers’ Comp.) YES NO Certificate of Good Standing(4) YES NO W-9 Form4 YES NO Independent Contractor Form4 (If applicant is individual, not company/organization) YES NO Electronic Funds Transfer (ETF) Form4 1Click “Grant Agreements”. For reference only/do not fill out or submit/required for contracting 2 Required with application if applicable. 3 Additional documentation providing a Detailed/Itemized Budget maybe required for contracting. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with the CWCB Project Manager to determine specifics. 4 Required for contracting. While optional at the time of this application, submission can expedite contracting upon CWCB Board approval. WSRF Grant Application |1 Last Update: September 18, 2020 Schedule CWCB Meeting Application Submittal Dates Type of Request January October 1 Basin Account Basin/Statewide Account/Water March December 1 Plan Grant Match1 May February 1 Basin Account July April 1 Basin Account September June 1 Basin/Statewide Account November August 1 Basin Account 1 If either the basin or statewide match includes matching funds from a pending Water Plant Grant, both must be submitted by December 1st deadline for March Board meeting review. Water Activity Summary Name of Applicant Boulder Watershed Collective Name of Water Activity James Peak Wilderness Water Quality Monitoring Approving Roundtable(s) Basin Account Request(s)1 Metro Roundtable $20,771 Basin Account Request Subtotal $20,771 Basin Account Request Subtotal Approved by Roundtable $ Statewide Account Request(1) $ Total WSRF Funds Requested (Basin & Statewide) $20,771 Total Project Costs $29,271 1 Please indicate the amount recommended for approval by the Roundtable(s) Grantee and Applicant Information Name of Grantee(s) Boulder Watershed Collective Mailing Address 1740 Fourmile Canyon Drive FEIN 84-2674914 WSRF Grant Application |2 Last Update: September 18, 2020 Grantee and Applicant Information Grantee’s Organization Contact1 Maya MacHamer Position/Title Director Email [email protected] Phone 303-817-2261 Grant Management Contact2 Catherine Price Position/Title Program Manager Email [email protected] Phone 903-235-7754 Name of Applicant (if different than grantee) Mailing Address Position/Title Email Phone 1 Person with signatory authority 2 Person responsible for creating reimbursement invoices (Invoice for Services) and corresponding with CWCB staff. Description of Grantee Provide a brief description of the grantee’s organization (100 words or less). The Boulder Watershed Collective’s (BWC) mission is to protect and restore the health and function of the Boulder Creek watershed, and support watershed-related collaboration statewide. The BWC strives to be a stewardship driven watershed organization that cultivates environmental leadership while creating community resiliency and vitality. Program areas include water quality, river health, resilient forests, wildlife and education and engagement. Type of Eligible Entity (check one) Public (Government): municipalities, enterprises, counties, and State of Colorado agencies. Federal agencies are encouraged to work with local entities. Federal agencies are eligible, but only if they can make a compelling case for why a local partner cannot be the grant recipient. Public (Districts): authorities, Title 32/special districts (conservancy, conservation, and irrigation districts), and water activity enterprises Private Incorporated: mutual ditch companies, homeowners associations, corporations WSRF Grant Application |3 Last Update: September 18, 2020 Type of Eligible Entity (check one) Private Individuals, Partnerships, and Sole Proprietors: are eligible for funding from the Basin Accounts but not for funding from the Statewide Account. x Non-governmental organizations: broadly, any organization that is not part of the government Covered Entity: as defined in Section 37-60-126 Colorado Revised Statutes Type of Water Activity (check one) x Study Implementation Category of Water Activity (check all that apply) x Nonconsumptive (Environmental) x Nonconsumptive (Recreational) Agricultural Municipal/Industrial Needs Assessment Education & Outreach Other Explain: