fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • Conservation Compliance Reviews

    Conservation Compliance Reviews

    The local field offices will be reviewing the randomly selected tract list. Checking validity and to see if a HELC plan is already in place. If a plan already exists, a simple field visit should be made to ensure the plan is being followed. For those tracts w/o a plan in place NRCS should consider contacting the producers to request crop rotation/ tillage operations so they can see if the current system they are using follows soil loss and wetland rules.

    Compliance status reviews are conducted to ensure that USDA program participants are complying with the highly erodible land conservation (HELC) and wetland conservation (WC) provisions. Status reviews require an inspection of the tract for a wetland review and a review to determine if required conservation plans or systems have been implemented are being maintained for HELC.  If your tract was selected, you may have already received a letter or will in the near future.

    The rule of thumb to follow: about 30% cover to maintain compliance in a normal small grain rotation.  Remember each conservation plan is different.

  • Where Colorado Ranks Among Best-Paying States for Women in Construction

    Where Colorado Ranks Among Best-Paying States for Women in Construction

    The construction industry in the U.S. has no shortage of demand these days.

    The intense real estate market of the last two-plus years highlighted the shortage of housing stock in the United States. Construction companies have been trying to catch up: earlier in 2022, housing starts reached their highest levels in more than 15 years. Meanwhile, funds from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed in 2021 are now working their way to contractors and construction businesses. While increased costs for labor and materials, rising interest rates, and recession fears are causing concern in the industry, the long-term outlook for the field is promising.

     

     

    These recent trends could continue an upward trajectory for construction spending in the U.S. The construction industry faced lean years after the Great Recession, but has grown steadily since. Annual spending in the sector fell by more than a third from a peak of $1.21 trillion in 2006 to $758 billion in 2011. But over the ensuing decade, spending more than doubled. As of June 2022, construction spending in the U.S. totaled $1.76 trillion per year.

    But with high demand in the field, construction companies have struggled to find enough labor to meet their needs. Associated Builders and Contractors, an industry trade association, estimates that the field will face a total shortage of 650,000 workers in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 334,000 openings for construction jobs as of June.

    And in the search for construction labor, the industry is increasingly drawing on a segment of the population that has historically been underrepresented in the field: women.

     

     

    Women still represent a significant minority of the field’s workforce, but the ranks of women construction workers have grown in recent decades. In the 1960s, only around 6% of construction workers were women. This figure had doubled by the early 1990s, and after remaining flat for much of the 1990s and 2000s, the share of women in construction-specific occupations has been trending upward again in the years since the Great Recession. Today, more than 14% of construction workers are women.

     

     

    However, women’s presence in the field of construction varies by specific occupation. Nearly one in 10 painters and paperhangers are women, and women also represent 7.4% of solar and photovoltaic installers—one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. But in some other construction roles like cement masons, boilermakers, and brickmasons, women still represent less than 1% of the workforce.

    One reason why women have become a larger part of the construction workforce is compensation. The median wage for women construction workers exceeds the median wage for all women in 43 states. And some locations are especially favorable for women construction workers, including 11 states where the cost-of-living-adjusted median wage tops $50,000 for women in the field.

    To find the best-paying states for women in construction, researchers at Construction Coverage analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Researchers at Construction Coverage ranked states according to the median annual wage for women in the construction industry, adjusted for cost of living. Researchers also calculated the median annual wage for women in all occupations and the share of construction industry employment accounted for by women.

    The analysis found that women represent 11.5% of the construction industry in Colorado, and earn an adjusted median annual wage of $47,973. Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:

    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (adjusted): $47,973
    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (actual): $49,348
    • Median annual wage for women in all occupations (actual): $48,348
    • Female share of total construction industry employment: 11.5%

    For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (adjusted): N/A
    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (actual): $46,773
    • Median annual wage for women in all occupations (actual): $44,344
    • Female share of total construction industry employment: 10.2%

    For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Construction Coverage’s website: https://constructioncoverage.com/research/best-paying-states-for-women-in-construction-2022

  • Where Colorado Ranks Among Best-Paying States for Women in Construction

    Where Colorado Ranks Among Best-Paying States for Women in Construction

    The construction industry in the U.S. has no shortage of demand these days.

    The intense real estate market of the last two-plus years highlighted the shortage of housing stock in the United States. Construction companies have been trying to catch up: earlier in 2022, housing starts reached their highest levels in more than 15 years. Meanwhile, funds from the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill passed in 2021 are now working their way to contractors and construction businesses. While increased costs for labor and materials, rising interest rates, and recession fears are causing concern in the industry, the long-term outlook for the field is promising.


    These recent trends could continue an upward trajectory for construction spending in the U.S. The construction industry faced lean years after the Great Recession, but has grown steadily since. Annual spending in the sector fell by more than a third from a peak of $1.21 trillion in 2006 to $758 billion in 2011. But over the ensuing decade, spending more than doubled. As of June 2022, construction spending in the U.S. totaled $1.76 trillion per year.

    But with high demand in the field, construction companies have struggled to find enough labor to meet their needs. Associated Builders and Contractors, an industry trade association, estimates that the field will face a total shortage of 650,000 workers in 2022. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 334,000 openings for construction jobs as of June.

    And in the search for construction labor, the industry is increasingly drawing on a segment of the population that has historically been underrepresented in the field: women.


    Women still represent a significant minority of the field’s workforce, but the ranks of women construction workers have grown in recent decades. In the 1960s, only around 6% of construction workers were women. This figure had doubled by the early 1990s, and after remaining flat for much of the 1990s and 2000s, the share of women in construction-specific occupations has been trending upward again in the years since the Great Recession. Today, more than 14% of construction workers are women.


    However, women’s presence in the field of construction varies by specific occupation. Nearly one in 10 painters and paperhangers are women, and women also represent 7.4% of solar and photovoltaic installers—one of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. But in some other construction roles like cement masons, boilermakers, and brickmasons, women still represent less than 1% of the workforce.

    One reason why women have become a larger part of the construction workforce is compensation. The median wage for women construction workers exceeds the median wage for all women in 43 states. And some locations are especially favorable for women construction workers, including 11 states where the cost-of-living-adjusted median wage tops $50,000 for women in the field.

    To find the best-paying states for women in construction, researchers at Construction Coverage analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Researchers at Construction Coverage ranked states according to the median annual wage for women in the construction industry, adjusted for cost of living. Researchers also calculated the median annual wage for women in all occupations and the share of construction industry employment accounted for by women.

    The analysis found that women represent 11.5% of the construction industry in Colorado, and earn an adjusted median annual wage of $47,973. Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:

    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (adjusted): $47,973
    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (actual): $49,348
    • Median annual wage for women in all occupations (actual): $48,348
    • Female share of total construction industry employment: 11.5%

    For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (adjusted): N/A
    • Median annual wage for women in the construction industry (actual): $46,773
    • Median annual wage for women in all occupations (actual): $44,344
    • Female share of total construction industry employment: 10.2%

    For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Construction Coverage’s website: https://constructioncoverage.com/research/best-paying-states-for-women-in-construction-2022

  • Intense, prolonged heat wave set to roast the West

    A heat dome will settle over the West this week and help produce record-challenging temperatures across the region. One location could reach as high as 119 degrees Fahrenheit.

    AccuWeather Global Weather Center – August 30, 2022 – In recent days and weeks, many of the Western states have avoided prolonged periods of intense heat that have been common this summer as the frequent rainfall and humidity provided by the North American monsoon have helped keep temperatures in check across the region. However, AccuWeather meteorologists expect a sharp pattern change to occur this week and usher in much higher temperatures.

    The frequent rainfall so far this month has made an impact on temperatures in the Desert Southwest. In Phoenix, for example, temperatures so far in August have been 1.5 degrees below average. While temperatures in the city generally peak at around 105 degrees Fahrenheit in August, the mercury has failed to reach the triple digits on many days. Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Las Vegas have also had below-normal temperatures so far this month.

    In the Northwest, which has been drier as of late, it’s been a slightly different story. In Portland, Oregon, temperatures have been about 4 degrees above average for August. Similar numbers are being reported in cities such as Seattle and Salt Lake City. The combination of high heat and little rain has led to the spread of wildfires as well, with several major blazes burning in the region. With this week’s expected pattern, relief is unlikely to arrive soon.

    An impressive ridge of high pressure will build across the West this week, allowing temperatures to steadily rise over time. With the jet stream pushed well to the north, the chances for meaningful, widespread rain will be close to zero with this pattern, according to AccuWeather Meteorologist Andrew Kienzle.

    Intense, prolonged heat wave set to roast the West (Full Story) >>

  • Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program will distribute $1.3 million in funding this fall

    Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program will distribute $1.3 million in funding this fall

    DENVER – From August 22 – September 30, 2022, organizations that expand access to Colorado’s outdoors for traditionally excluded youth can apply for financial support from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEGP), which will award $1.3 million in Outdoor Equity Grants this fall.

    While Colorado is famed for the world-class outdoor recreation opportunities it provides, many traditionally excluded communities in Colorado still face barriers to equitable access to the outdoors. The OEGP, signed into law last year by Governor Polis, increases access to outdoor opportunities for all Coloradans and provides resources to underserved youth and communities to help increase environmental learning opportunities, education, public health, and outdoor fun.

    “Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to announce the kickoff of the second round of grant applications,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Through the Outdoor Equity Grant Program, we can begin to reduce the barriers that prevent all Coloradans from experiencing Colorado’s state parks and public lands and to build an outdoor community that is inclusive of all.” 

    Nonprofits, government entities, school districts, for-profits, and federally recognized tribes that wish to increase outdoor access for traditionally excluded youth (including youth from low-income and communities of color, LGBTQ+ youth, Native and Indigenous youth, and youth with disabilities) and that have not previously received OEGP funding can apply for up to $150,000 during this grant cycle. 

    “The Outdoor Equity Grant Program was created by and for communities that have historically faced barriers to participating in the year-round recreation activities that our beautiful state offers,” said OEGP Board Member Brayhan Reveles. “My personal connection with the natural world is so important to me, however, the ways that traditionally excluded communities connect with the outdoors are sometimes overlooked. Recreating in the outdoors does not mean that you are training for hundred-mile endurance races or multi-day backcountry trips. It can be as simple as bird watching or taking a walk with a friend outside. We aim to fund organizations and programs that honor the many ways that people connect to the land, and invite all to apply.”

    The OEGP Board, a diverse board made up of individuals with experience in recreation and conservation and who come from the communities the grant program serves, will accept grant proposals from organizations that will support outdoor experiences for Colorado youth; show cultural competence in working with a target population of the OEGP; demonstrate a commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion; and that represent the geographic diversity of the state of Colorado. 

    The OEGP Board is committed to providing funding to organizations that have traditionally been unable to apply for grant programs due to organizational barriers, and encourage organizations of all sizes and with diverse missions to apply. The board will provide guidance through two virtual Q&A sessions for applicants on Thursday, September 8 at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The links to the Q&A sessions can be found on the OEGP website.

    The Outdoor Equity Grant Program, through funding from the Colorado Lottery, will accept applications for grants each year. This June, it announced $1.8 million in grant awards to 43 organizations across the state. Additional funding from Great Outdoors Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife was added to the inaugural grant cycle to increase the investment from $550,000 during the first year. This fall’s application process will solicit proposals from the second round of grantees for a total of $1.3 million in grants. The OEGP will eventually distribute up to $3 million annually to support outdoor education programs and conservation opportunities for underserved youth as the program fund grows with Lottery distribution in the coming years. 

    “We are excited to announce the next round of funding for the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The first round saw significant interest from a wide variety of organizations and we are hopeful our next round can reach even more organizations working to help increase youth access to the outdoors in Colorado,” said Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources. “We encourage organizations to attend the Q&A sessions and apply for grants. Colorado’s outdoors are for all and the Colorado Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to supporting a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment for all visitors to our public lands.” 

    Groups can apply from August 22 – September 30, 2022. Find out more on the Outdoor Equity Grant Program website: https://cpw.info/outdoorequitygrant.

    ###


    Spanish translation below.

    El Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad en las Actividades al Aire Libre de Colorado distribuirá 1.3 millones de dólares en subvenciones este otoño

    DENVER – Del 22 de agosto al 30 de septiembre de 2022, las organizaciones que amplían el acceso a la naturaleza de Colorado para los jóvenes tradicionalmente excluidos pueden solicitar apoyo financiero del Programa de Subvenciones para Actividades al Aire Libre de Colorado (OEGP por sus siglas en inglés). El OEGP distribuirá 1.3 millones de dólares en subvenciones para actividades al aire libre este otoño.

    Aunque Colorado es famoso por las oportunidades de recreación al aire libre de clase mundial que ofrece, muchas comunidades tradicionalmente excluidas en Colorado todavía se enfrentan a barreras para el acceso equitativo al aire libre. El OEGP, establecido como ley el año pasado por el gobernador Polis, aumenta el acceso a las oportunidades al aire libre para todos los habitantes de Colorado y proporciona recursos a los jóvenes y las comunidades desfavorecidas para aumentar las oportunidades de educación ambiental, la salud pública y la diversión al aire libre.

    “El departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado se enorgullece de anunciar el inicio de la segunda ronda de solicitudes de subvención”, dijo la directora interina del departamento de Parques y Vida Silvestre de Colorado (CPW por sus siglas en inglés) Heather Dugan. “A través del Programa de Subvenciones en las Actividades al Aire Libre, podemos empezar a reducir las barreras que impiden a todos los habitantes de Colorado experimentar los parques estatales y las tierras públicas de Colorado y construir una comunidad al aire libre que sea inclusiva para todos”. 

    Las organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro, las entidades gubernamentales, los distritos escolares, las impresas y las tribus reconocidas a nivel federal que deseen aumentar el acceso a las actividades al aire libre para los jóvenes tradicionalmente excluidos (incluidos los jóvenes de bajos ingresos y las comunidades de color, los jóvenes LGBTQ+, los jóvenes nativos e indígenas y los jóvenes con discapacidades) y que no hayan recibido anteriormente financiación del OEGP pueden solicitar hasta $150,000 durante este ciclo de subvenciones. 

    “El Programa de Subvenciones para la Equidad en las Actividades al Aire Libre fue creado por y para las comunidades que históricamente se han enfrentado a barreras para participar en las actividades recreativas que ofrece nuestro hermoso estado durante todo el año”, dijo Brayhan Reveles, miembro de la Junta Directiva del OEGP. “Mi conexión personal con el mundo natural es muy importante para mí, sin embargo, a veces se olvidan las formas en que las comunidades tradicionalmente excluidas se conectan con el aire libre. Recrearse en la naturaleza no requiere entrenar para carreras de resistencia de cien millas o viajes de varios días por el campo, puede ser algo tan sencillo como observar a los pájaros o dar un paseo con un amigo al aire libre. Nuestro objetivo es financiar organizaciones y programas que honren las múltiples formas en que las personas se conectan con la tierra, e invitamos a todos a presentar su solicitud”.

    La Junta de la OEGP, una junta diversa compuesta por personas con experiencia en recreación y conservación y que proceden de las comunidades a las que sirve el programa de subvenciones. La Junta aceptará propuestas de subvenciones de organizaciones que apoyen las experiencias al aire libre de los jóvenes de Colorado; que muestren competencia cultural al trabajar con una población objetivo de la OEGP; que demuestren un interés en la justicia, la equidad, la diversidad y la inclusión; y que representen la diversidad geográfica del estado de Colorado. 

    La Junta de la OEGP se compromete a proporcionar financiación a las organizaciones que tradicionalmente no han podido solicitar programas de subvención debido a las barreras organizativas, y anima a las organizaciones de todos los tamaños y con diversas misiones a presentar su solicitud. La junta proporcionará consejos a través de dos sesiones virtuales de preguntas y respuestas para los solicitantes el jueves 8 de septiembre a las 9 de la mañana y a las 4 de la tarde. 

    El Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre, a través de la financiación de la Lotería de Colorado, aceptará solicitudes de subvenciones cada año. En junio de este año, se anunciaron subvenciones por valor de 1,8 millones de dólares para 43 organizaciones ubicadas en distintos rincones del estado. La financiación adicional de Great Outdoors Colorado y Colorado Parks and Wildlife se añadió al ciclo de subvenciones inaugural para aumentar la inversión de 550.000 dólares durante el primer año. El proceso de solicitud de este otoño solicitará propuestas de la segunda ronda de beneficiarios para un total de $1.3 millones en subvenciones. El OEGP acabará distribuyendo hasta 3 millones de dólares anuales para apoyar programas de educación al aire libre y oportunidades de conservación para jóvenes desatendidos a medida que el fondo del programa crezca con la distribución de la Lotería en los próximos años. 

    “Estamos muy contentos de anunciar la próxima ronda de financiación para el Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre de Colorado. La primera ronda vio un interés significativo de una amplia variedad de organizaciones y esperamos que nuestra próxima ronda pueda llegar a aún más organizaciones que trabajan para ayudar a aumentar el acceso de los jóvenes al aire libre en Colorado”, dijo Dan Gibbs, Director Ejecutivo del Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Colorado. “Animamos a las organizaciones que trabajan a asistir a las sesiones de preguntas y respuestas y a solicitar las subvenciones. El aire libre de Colorado es para todos y el Departamento de Recursos Naturales de Colorado se dedica a apoyar un entorno acogedor, inclusivo y accesible para todos los visitantes de nuestras tierras públicas.” 

    Los grupos pueden solicitarla del 22 de agosto al 30 de septiembre de 2022. Obtenga más información en el sitio web del Programa de Subvenciones de Equidad al Aire Libre: https://cpw.info/outdoorequitygrant.

  • NRCS NOW Accepting Applications for Innovations in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Soil Health

    Applications Due September 22, 2022.

    DENVER, CO – USDA’s will invest $25 million this year for robust scientific approaches to on-farm conservation trials that focus on climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management and soil health. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages and administers the program, and is accepting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program until September 22, 2022.

    Through CIG, partners work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations. The On-Farm Trials component of CIG supports widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agricultural solutions, irrigation water management, nutrient management and soil health.

    “Through science and innovation, we can develop solutions to tackle the climate crisis, conserve and protect our water, enhance soil health, and create economic opportunities for producers,” said Terry Cosby, Chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “Through On-Farm Trials, partners can work directly with farmers and ranchers to test and adopt new strategies on agricultural lands, accelerating the development and application of conservation that works for producers and the land.”

    For FY 2022, to ensure that equity is incorporated in the planning and delivery of On-Farm Trials, at least 10% of the total funds available for On-Farm Trials are set aside for proposals that entirely benefit historically underserved (HU) producers. Additionally, applicants competing for the HU set-aside can waive non-federal match requirements.

    Applications for On-Farm Trials are being accepted now through September 22, 2022. Private entities whose primary business is related to agriculture, nongovernmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers, and non-federal government agencies are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov offsite link image    .

    About CIG On-Farm Trials

    On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches.

    The Soil Health Demonstration Trial (SHD) component of On-Farm Trials focuses exclusively on conservation practices implementation and systems that improve soil health.

    A critical element of each On-Farm Trials project is evaluation. Partners must propose robust scientific approaches to their On-Farm Trials, resulting in data and analyses of the environmental, financial and, to the extent possible, social impacts of the trials.

    NRCS intends to use the results of On-Farm Trials project evaluations and analyses to explore the development of new NRCS business practices, guidance documents, technical tools and conservation practice standards or modifications to existing ones.

    For more information about the Conservation Innovation Grants program, visit the NRCS website.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

  • USDA to Invest $15 Million in Innovative Projects for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Urban Agriculture and Addressing Invasive Species

    Applications Due – October 11, 2022.

    DENVER, CO –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will invest $15 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species and conservation in urban agricultural systems.

    “The challenges that farmers and ranchers face require innovative solutions to support their continued ability to produce the food and fiber we all depend on,” said Randy Randall, Acting State Conservationist in Colorado. “Invasive species are a continual problem, from weeds in cotton in the East to western bark beetles and other pests in the West. Climate change has led to more extreme weather and less available water for agriculture. At the same time, we are seeing opportunities for growth. Urban farming has increased, along with an interest in local foods and resilient food systems. We’re eager to help our nation’s farmers and ranchers address these challenges and opportunities, and science and innovation will help get us here.”

    For the fiscal 2022 award process, at least 10% of the total funds available are set aside for proposals that entirely benefit historically underserved (HU) producers. This HU set-aside will ensure that equity is incorporated in the planning and delivery of CIG projects to align with NRCS’s Justice 40 goals. HU applicants can also waive the non-Federal match requirements.

    Applications are being accepted now through October 11, 2022. Private entities whose primary business is related to agriculture, nongovernmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers and non-federal government agencies are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov. offsite link image

    About CIG 

    The national CIG program has two parts: CIG Classic and CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials. Through CIG Classic, grantees develop new tools, technologies and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. CIG On-Farm Trials support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches. Last month, USDA announced $25 million in funding for CIG On-Farm Trials.

    For more information about the Conservation Innovation Grants program, visit the NRCS website.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

  • USDA Boosts Conservation on Grazing Lands and Support for Farmers and Ranchers

    Proposals Due September 22, 2022.

    DENVER, CO –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $12 million in partnerships that expand access to conservation technical assistance for livestock producers and increase the use of conservation practices on grazing lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through its Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) until September 22, 2022.

    “Privately owned grazing lands cover nearly 30 percent of the national landscape, which means we have a tremendous opportunity to address climate change and conserve natural resources through voluntary, private lands conservation,” said Randy Randall, Acting NRCS State Conservationist for Colorado. “NRCS enlists a wide variety of conservation practices to help livestock producers. These partnerships will also help us expand the footprint of conservation on grazing lands and could help better reach historically underserved producers.”

    Project proposals for GLCI Cooperative Agreements will identify and address barriers to accessing grazing assistance for producers. These partnerships are encouraged to include outreach and support for reaching historically underserved producers. Projects must address one or more of the following priorities:

    • Address local natural resource concerns.
    • Use climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices and principles.
    • Encourage existing and new partnerships through emphasizing equity in advancing the resource needs of underserved communities.
    • Identify and implement strategies to quantify, monitor, report on and verify conservation benefits associated with grazing management systems.

    Through GLCI, NRCS will leverage the partnerships to increase availability of technical assistance for farmers and ranchers engaged in grazing activities and act as navigators for grazers seeking additional resources. The opportunity encourages knowledge and expertise in working with historically underserved producers, with a desired outcome of strong participation by historically underserved producers in new and existing grazing coalitions. GLCI intends to expand and establish new peer-to-peer networks for grazers and direct financial support for grazing mentors working with new, beginning, or transitioning grazers.

    Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to the following entity types based in any of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands):

    • Nonprofit organizations having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) (other than institutions of higher education)
    • Farmer or rancher organizations
    • State and local conservation governmental agencies
    • Agricultural Extension Services
    • Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
    • Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
    • Land grant universities including 1890 or 1994 land grant institution (7 U.S.C. 3222 et seq.), Hispanic-serving institution (20 U.S.C. 1101a), or other minority-serving institution, such as a historically Black college or university (20 U.S.C. 1061), a tribally controlled college or university (25 U.S.C. 1801), or Asian American and Pacific Islander-serving institution (20 U.S.C. 1059g)

    For more information and to apply, visit the funding opportunity on grants.gov. Applications are being accepted now through September 22, 2022.

  • USDA to Invest $15 Million in Innovative Projects for Climate-Smart Agriculture, Urban Agriculture and Addressing Invasive Species

    Applications Due – October 11, 2022.

    DENVER, CO –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced it will invest $15 million this year for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic program. Through CIG, grantees work to address our nation’s water quality, water quantity, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while supporting agricultural production. This year’s funding priorities are climate-smart agriculture, addressing invasive species and conservation in urban agricultural systems.

    “The challenges that farmers and ranchers face require innovative solutions to support their continued ability to produce the food and fiber we all depend on,” said Randy Randall, Acting State Conservationist in Colorado. “Invasive species are a continual problem, from weeds in cotton in the East to western bark beetles and other pests in the West. Climate change has led to more extreme weather and less available water for agriculture. At the same time, we are seeing opportunities for growth. Urban farming has increased, along with an interest in local foods and resilient food systems. We’re eager to help our nation’s farmers and ranchers address these challenges and opportunities, and science and innovation will help get us here.”

    For the fiscal 2022 award process, at least 10% of the total funds available are set aside for proposals that entirely benefit historically underserved (HU) producers. This HU set-aside will ensure that equity is incorporated in the planning and delivery of CIG projects to align with NRCS’s Justice 40 goals. HU applicants can also waive the non-Federal match requirements.

    Applications are being accepted now through October 11, 2022. Private entities whose primary business is related to agriculture, nongovernmental organizations with experience working with agricultural producers and non-federal government agencies are eligible to apply. For more information and to apply, visit grants.gov. offsite link image

    About CIG 

    The national CIG program has two parts: CIG Classic and CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials. Through CIG Classic, grantees develop new tools, technologies and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. CIG On-Farm Trials support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches. Last month, USDA announced $25 million in funding for CIG On-Farm Trials.

    For more information about the Conservation Innovation Grants program, visit the NRCS website.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

  • CPW’s Species Conservation Dashboard shows agency’s work protecting sensitive species

    CPW’s Species Conservation Dashboard shows agency’s work protecting sensitive species

    This is one of five black-footed ferrets released at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area in Larimer County on Nov. 19, 2021. The black-footed ferret is the only ferret species native to North America and was twice thought to be extinct due to habitat loss, widespread poisoning of prairie dog colonies and disease. The new Species Conservation Dashboard will make it easier to track progress being made to protect more than 350 species like the black-footed ferret in Colorado.

    DENVER – During his presentation on planning and implementation for Colorado’s Species of Concern at the July Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting, CPW Species Conservation Unit Supervisor David Klute presented the Species Conservation Dashboard, a new tool that will show progress being made to protect more than 350 species in Colorado through the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP).

    Colorado’s SWAP documents the status of knowledge about many wildlife species of conservation need, the threats to the species and habitats upon which they depend, and articulates strategies that can be employed to lessen those threats.

    Tracking all of the efforts toward protecting sensitive species creates a lot of data. Prior to CPW’s Conservation Dashboard, the only way for the public to view information about the plan was to read through a PDF. The new dashboard is a way to explore the progress being made on more than 350 species and 2,500 conservation actions being taken through four different lenses. Visitors to the dashboard can filter data by:

    • Individual species
    • Groups of species
    • Action
    • Threat

    Klute’s presentation included a walk-through of the dashboard and identified agency successes (e.g., black-footed ferrets, Gunnison Sage-grouse), and places where more work was needed (e.g., reptiles). You can view his presentation by going to 2:36 on Day 2 of the Commission meeting posted here.

    Klute said future iterations of the dashboard would include improvements like spatial information and additional progress and project information from both CPW and conservation partners. The dashboard will be integrated into the 2025 revision of the SWAP.

    Visit CPW’s website to learn more about the State Wildlife Action Plan.