BOARD00099 ‎(2)‎

• Board Meeting Date: 1/23/2007
• Description: OWCDP Section - Water Efficiency Grant Request from the Colorado Watershed Network
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

- 2 -

The CWN is requesting a Water Efficiency Grant in the amount of$118,124 over the next 1.5 .
years to develop and deliver a broad K-12 water education program. CWN has proven its
leadership in educating the citizens of Colorado in water resources over the last 10 years, and by
partnering with national Project WET, Division of Wildlife (DOW), River Watch, and other
partnering agencies, CWN will further the goals of the CWCB by providing comprehensive
water education to our future leaders.

The CWN recognizes the signification of sustainable water management among the present and
future generations, and believes that Colorado should be a leader in water education due to the
critical role water plays in our arid headwaters state. CWN proposes to hire a statewide education
coordinator who will build on CWN's extensive River Water teacher network as well as existing
relationships with watershed organizations. In addition, the coordinator will work closely with
national Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) to promote awareness of, and respect for,
water resources and encourage wise use and a personal responsibility in sustainable water
management. Project WET will be used as a "keystone" water education curriculum.

The applicant has demonstrated a total matching contribution of 55% of the total project budget.
$45,940 of the match comes from Colorado Division of Wildlife, $17,000 comes from
University of Northern Colorado, $37,500 comes from training costs, and the remaining $42,219
will be contributed by the CWN in both in-kind and cash. The OWCDP staffhas evaluated the
grant application and finds that it meets the CWCB Guidelines for the Water Efficiency Grant
rogram.

I ecommendation:

~he OWCDP staff recommends that the Board award a Water Efficiency Grant in the amount of
$118,124 to the Colorado Watershed Network (CWN) to aid in achieving their goal to educate
Colorado K-12 students and teachers about water and the importance of using this resource
kisely.

lttachments

.

. Colorado Watershed Network Grant Application (including scope of work & project
budget).
. Letters of support and matching contributions from partnering cities.
. Application evaluation criteria ranking sheet, scored by OWCDP staff.

41

Flood Protection. Water Project Planning and Finance. Stream and Lake Protection
Water Supply Protection. Conservation Planning