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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 AIS HRS spring grant apps 2017 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY REGULAR MEETING DATE: May 2, 2017 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Healthy Rivers Grant and Funding Requests STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Lisa MacDonald ISSUE STATEMENT: At a regular meeting on April 201h the Healthy Rivers Board (River Board) heard grant applications from five applicants. The River Board approved three grant requests. Two of which were under the $5000 threshold for BOCC authorization. The third was for$25,000 which will need BOCC authorization. The grant budget for 2017 is $98,060. This is the first round of grant requests. There will be a second round this fall. 1. Two students from Colorado Rocky Mountain School's (CRMS) freshman biology class submitted an application for funding on behalf of the class to add a microphone and night vision to an osprey camera they installed at a nest on their campus. The class partnered with Xcel Energy to relocate a nest on an eighty-foot transformer tower near the RFTA bus stop on Hwy 133 to their campus along the Crystal River. The River Board unanimously approved the $933 request. 2. The Aspen Global Change Institute submitted an application in support of the interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network (iRON). This project tracks and communicates soil moisture conditions in the Roaring Fork Watershed. The funds would be used in tandem with funding from other partners to support maintenance of the stations, public distribution of the information gathered by the network and analysis of the data from iRON in comparison to other indicators of water availability in the watershed. The River Board unanimously approved the $1500 request. 3. The Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC) submitted an application to fund an update to the Roaring Fork Watershed Plan. The plan was completed in 2012 and RFC feels now is the time to update the plan by adding elements that may not have been considered 5 years ago,removing pieces that may no longer be relevant and reviving stakeholder participation. They intend to engage stakeholders,make the plan and interface more user friendly and foster implementation actions through partnerships and grant funding opportunities. RFC asked for a $30,000 grant. The River Board unanimously approved a $25,000 grant. Attached are the applications that contain more detailed information. The River Board heard two other grant applications and have tabled the requests to a future meeting in order to plan a site visit and gather more information. The funding requests were scored and met the Board's grant protocol guidelines for review. The Board also heard a funding request at their February meeting by Mark Fuller with Ruedi Water and Power Authority(RWAPA) for the Aquatic Nusiance Species Inspection Program at Ruedi Reservoir. The purpose of the program is to prevent the introduction of the Zebra and Quagga Mussels and other invasive species into Ruedi Reservoir and downstream water bodies, including the Fryingpan River. The Pitkin County program has historically supported this program. The River Board unanimously approved a$9300 funding request. LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN: Ballot language objectives for the fund provide for the maintenance and improvements of water quality and quantity within the Roaring Fork Watershed as well as working in conjunction with various agencies to ensure ecological health, recreational opportunities and wildlife and riparian habitat and as such promotes the County's strategic goals of Flourishing Natural & Built Environment. BUDGETARY IMPACT: There is a net zero effect on fund balance, as the Healthy Rivers Fund has appropriated a 2017 pool from which to fund grant requests and sponsorships. RECOMMENDED BOCC ACTION: 1. Authorize the grant request from the Roaring Fork Conservancy Watershed Plan update in the amount of$25,000. 2. Authorize funding of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Program in the amount of $9300. ATTACHMENTS: CRMS Osprey Camera Grant Application Aspen Global Change Institute Roaring Fork Observation Network Application Roaring Fork Conservancy Watershed Plan Application River Board Master Score Sheets Ruedi Water and Power Authority funding request for Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspections at Ruedi Reservoir Dear Pitkin County Healthy Rivers, Our names are Charles Mowbray and Anja Simpson and we are applying for a grant of$933 on behalf of the Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) freshman biology class. This grant will provide us with the money to add a microphone and night vision to the osprey camera we are installing on an osprey nest on our campus. We have partnered with Xcel Energy to relocate a current osprey nest on an eighty foot transformer tower near the RFTA bus stop on Highway 133 and move it onto a platform our class has constructed and installed along the Crystal River on the CRMS campus. Organization background: We are a group of 9th grade biology students in the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. CRMS science classes in the past have done similar problem based projects, including building a working aquaponics system which our school grows herbs and tilapia for consumption in our school cafeteria, developing an algae mitigation plan for the owners of the Kap K Ranch in Basalt Colorado, constructing baseline water quality and macroinvertebrate data on Cattle Creek which had been deemed a watershed of concern by the Roaring Fork Conservancy, and the Avalanche Ranch Geothermal Project where the geology program identified where the owners should drill for geothermal water. This type of problem based learning allows us to reach out and connect with the greater community, as well as the broader national and international community of naturalists and scientists. Project description: The class project is to move the current nest out of harm's way. This was accomplished by putting a cap on the existing transformer tower and by building a nesting platform for the birds in proximity to the old nest. Our class believes that a critical aspect of conservation is the act of connecting people to nature. As important as we believe it is to provide an alternate nesting habitat for these birds we also believe that if we can connect both the school community and the broader community to these birds we will increase the likelihood that people will become invested in their well being. For this reason we (a) chose a nesting site that provides peaceful and healthy environment but is also highly visible from our campus and (b) have decided to install an osprey cam that will live stream their nesting activities to the public. Budget and Grant Money: Thanks to a generous grant from Alpine Bank we have have already purchased a top of the line Axis Designs dome camera. Our budget was not big enough, however, to purchase night vision and a microphone. Upon consulting with experts from Cornell University and other groups who have done similar projects we have found that these two elements greatly enhance the viewing experience. We would like to apply for a grant that would allow us to purchase these additional items as well as complete the electrical wiring between the camera and the nearest faculty residence. Budget Breakdown: ETS Weather Proof Microphone and Gang Box $180 1 M Multi-Connector Cable for Power Audio and I/O Connectivity $150 Varioi2 with 3 Angle Options Included Night Vision $450 Shipping $75 250 feet Romex wire: $78 Total: $933 Because of the nature of which this project is broadcast to the public via livestreaming to a website that will also include a description, video, and podcast of the project we believe the outcomes and accountability of these funds will be easily measurable and transparent. As has been the case with previous problem based units in the science department at CRMS, future biology classes will inherit the upkeep of this project and will be happy to present and report out to the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers board on the ongoing status of the project. Property Address: Colorado Rocky Mountain School 500 Holden Way, Carbondale Colorado, 81623 Closing: We want to thank you for giving us this wonderful opportunity to apply for a grant to enhance this project. This is been a delightful and valuable learning experience and we are so excited about further opening this window into the bird's world and creating an amazing opportunity to see these birds up close and in action. Sincerely, Charles Mowbray and Anja Simpson (Current 9th Grade Biology Class Members) 2017 Combined Scoresheet Wille Nixa Jochems Berg Tasker Taylor Combined Average not in CRMS Osprey Cam 2017 attendance Goals of the River Board 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives and on-going projects/priorities of the River Board. 1. Must be complete, clear and concise, with specific dollar amounts in total and for each element of the project; 2. Must fulfill the intent of the ballot language. 95 50 95 100 90 86 Vialbility of the Project 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project is practical, will be completed as proposed and/or may require other resources to be fully completed, and the extent to which the project can be repeated in other locations such that it will not be limited to a single event. 1. Must address an essential need; 2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies. 100 100 95 100 100 99 Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by the public. 1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs; 2. Must serve and be appreciated people who live and/or work in Pitkin County&the Roaring Fork Watershed; 3. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy; 4. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding. 75 80 95 90 100 88 History of the Requesting Party 0-100 possible points The extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or efforts and is known in the community. 90 80 95 0 50 63 Budget, Measurements and Accountability 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board. 1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports, measurements and accountability; 2. Specific measures of progress and success; 3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/others. 90 90 95 100 100 95 Totals 450 400 475 390 440 431 Q.� Gj,G.6 Q=� CEINS March 30, 2017 To: Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams healthyrivers@pitkincounty.com From: Elise Osenga, Research and Education Coordinator Aspen Global Change Institute 104 Midland Ave., Suite 205, Basalt CO, 81621 Dear Members of the Healthy Rivers Board, The Aspen Global Change Institute wishes to be considered for a grant in the amount of $1,500 in support of the interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network(iRON), a project that tracks and communicates soil moisture conditions in the Roaring Fork Watershed. Soil moisture forms an important component of the water cycle, acting as an intermediary between the precipitation that falls from the sky,the water available to plants, and the water that runs off to contribute to stream flow in our rivers. In Colorado,between 44% and 81% of the precipitation that falls each year is lost through evaporative processes before the water ever reaches a river. Air temperature is one of the determining factors of how much water is lost, and as average annual temperatures are projected to rise in Colorado over the coming decades, it becomes increasingly important to understand the relationship between air temperature and soil moisture. In turn,better understanding this relationship provides insight into the future of the Roaring Fork Watershed's biodiversity and water supply. In the effort to better understand the relationship between climate and soil moisture conditions,AGCI has partnered with numerous local organizations to establish the iRON, a network of 9 stations that spans the diverse elevations of the Roaring Fork Watershed. 7 of these sites are on Pitkin County properties. These stations,which measure soil moisture,rainfall,temperature, and more, are intended to serve a dual purpose: to support research on climate change in mountain ecosystems and to provide locally relevant information to land managers, conservation groups, and the general public of the Roaring Fork Community. The funds requested from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams would be used in tandem with funding from other partners to help support maintenance of the iRON stations,public distribution of information gathered by the network, and analysis of data from the iRON in comparison to other indicators of water availability in the watershed. A description of the project as it relates to Healthy Rivers grant criteria can be found on the following page. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Elise Osenga,Research and Education Coordinator Eliseo@agci.org I (970) 925-7376 Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Grant Criteria: AGCI—interactive Roaring Fork Observation Network(iRON) A. Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board The Healthy Rivers Board works to protect water quality and quantity in the Roaring Fork Watershed and to secure flows that that protect human and natural river uses. The iRON project promotes these goals by providing data and outreach about an often forgotten but critical component of the water cycle: soil moisture. Data and observations about the relationship between snow, rain, and soil moisture will help provide a more complete picture of the local water cycle and how conditions may change in response to a warming climate. B. Viability of the Project The iRON was established in 2012 with partnership from Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, City of Aspen, and ACES. Since then, the number of stations and outreach about them has grown based entirely on local support, including support from: the John Denver Aspenglow Fund, the Aspen Field Biology Laboratory, the Independence Pass Foundation,the Aspen Community Foundation, Colorado Mountain College, City of Glenwood Springs, and individuals who have committed time and expertise to the project. The project was recently presented at a Pitkin County BOCC joint session: http://pitkincounty.ompnetwork.org/node/80943 Moving forward, AGCI continues to foster existing local partnerships while reaching out to new partners who benefit from the project's research. Additionally, AGCI already shares its data with the International Soil Moisture Network and is currently working to establish opportunities for funding and collaboration with research institutions in Colorado and elsewhere. C. Public Need,Accessibility, and Appreciation The iRON is unique resource; within the state of Colorado,no other monitoring network offers data from such a broad range of elevations within a single watershed. Using the iRON to help increase local understanding of our ecosystems and our water cycle is a key goal of the project. All data from the iRON are available on agci.org/iron, along with educational information about the history of the valley, learning resources, and a project blog. Additionally, AGCI conducts field trips with CMC students and has worked with the Roaring Fork Conservancy to lead a high school field trip as well. Two CMC students have been selected as 2017 interns for the project. Continued PR plans include additional outreach both in-person and through AGCI's social media platforms. D. History of the Requesting Party AGCI is a local 501c(3)non-profit, established in 1989. Our mission is to further understanding of Earth systems science in service of society. On a local level, we have done this through activities such as public scientific lectures,partnerships on projects such as the Forest Health Index, and the generation of the 2006 and 2014 Climate Change and Aspen reports. E. Budget, Measurements, and Accountability The $1,500 requested from the Healthy Rivers Board would be used as general support for the iRON, with specific emphasis on public outreach and education. At the end of a 12 month period, a written report would be provided that details project findings from the previous year, outreach events and activities, and metrics from online interactions. This request forms a limited portion of the overall costs of running the iRON, which is supported by grants from multiple partners. For further information, contact Elise Osenga at Eliseo@agci.org or 970-925-7376 2017 Combined Scoresheet Wille Nixa Jochems Berg Tasker Taylor Combined Average not in AGCI 2017 $1500 attendance Goals of the River Board 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives and on-going projects/priorities of the River Board. 1. Must be complete, clear and concise, with specific dollar amounts in total and for each element of the project; 2. Must fulfill the intent of the ballot language. 95 100 95 100 100 98 Vialbility of the Project 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project is practical, will be completed as proposed and/or may require other resources to be fully completed, and the extent to which the project can be repeated in other locations such that it will not be limited to a single event. 1. Must address an essential need; 2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies. 95 100 95 100 100 98 Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by the public. 1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs; 2. Must serve and be appreciated people who live and/or work in Pitkin County&the Roaring Fork Watershed; 3. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy; 4. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding. 80 100 95 100 100 95 History of the Requesting Party 0-100 possible points The extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or efforts and is known in the community. 100 100 95 100 100 99 Budget, Measurements and Accountability 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board. 1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports, measurements and accountability; 2. Specific measures of progress and success; 3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/others. 100 100 95 100 85 96 Totals 470 500 475 500 485 I 486 R 'ARING FOR CONSERVANCY Bringing People Together to Protect Our Rivers Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Board 123 Emma Rd, Suite 204 BOARD OF Basalt, CO 81621 DIRECTORS March 29, 2017 Pat McMahon President Diane Schwener RE: Request for Funding to Update the Roaring Fork Watershed Plan Vice President Jeff Conklin Secretary Dear Board Members, Jennifer Sauer Ted TreasurerBorchelt Attached you will find Roaring Fork Conservancy's (RFC) request to fund an Stephen Ellsperman update of the Roaring Fork Watershed Plan. Completed in 2012, the Plan Dick Kipper brought together stakeholders from throughout the valley to create a working Jim Light Rick Lofaro document to serve as a"roadmap" for local water management and resource Executive Director protection. We see this as a prime opportunity to update the plan by adding Rick Neiley elements that may not have been considered 5 years ago, removing pieces that Don Schuster Larry Yaw may no longer be relevant,and reviving stakeholder participation. We intend to re-engage stakeholders, make the plan and interface more user friendly and foster implementation actions through partnerships and grant funding opportunities.We hope to work with the Healthy River's board members and PROGRAM STAFF Pitkin County on facilitating and accomplishing common goals whenever Rick Lofaro possible. Executive Director Heather Lewin Watershed Action RFC is requesting$30,000 in funds from Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Director Streams for this project. Christina Medved Watershed Education Director Thank you for your consideration. Liza Mitchell Education&Outreach Coordinator Sincerely, Chad Rudow Water Quality Coordinator Sheryl Sabandal joVir.4"-- Development Associate Office Manager Heather Lewin Sarah Woods Watershed Action Director Director of Philanthropy P.O.Box 3349 Basalt,Colorado 81621 1970.927.1290 I www.roaringfork.org RRARIIR FORK YR1FRSNFVLAI GRANT CRITERIA 2017 A. Goals of the Healthy Rivers Board RFC is seeking$30,000 in funding for the costs associated with updating the 2012 Roaring Fork Watershed Plan (the "Plan"). Completed in 2012,the Plan brought together stakeholders from throughout the valley to create a working document to serve as a "roadmap"for local water management and resource protection. After 5 years, many projects under the Plan's umbrella are underway or completed including but not limited to: work associated with the Crystal River Management Plan, Rio Grande Park Stormwater Improvement Project, Basalt RICD, Riparian Campaign and Workshop, several Riparian restoration and plantings, gauging initiatives on the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers, and several targeted education and outreach events. We see this as a prime opportunity to update the plan by adding elements that may not have been considered 5 years ago, removing pieces that may no longer be relevant, and reviving stakeholder participation. We intend to re-engage stakeholders, make the plan more user friendly and facilitate implementation actions through partnerships and grant funding opportunities. We will also re-work the online plan interface to have a clear and accessible list of the top 5-10 urgent actions and make other action items accessible by category so that those looking to get involved have easy access to both projects and relevant stakeholders. When the Plan was written 5 years ago,there was no Colorado Water Plan, no Colorado Basin Implementation Plan, and limited Stream Management Planning.All of these efforts are now underway and have significant impact on the Roaring Fork Watershed and our water resources. RFC will: • Contact stakeholders from the 2012 process to update work in progress and document future work or potential work. o Work with interested stakeholders to identify funding sources for plan implementation and partner on projects when appropriate. • Use stakeholder engagement and research to update Plan with additions of current needs and deletions of actions already complete or no longer relevant. o Cooperative work with the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative • Update RFC's website to make top urgent actions visible and priority actions accessible. By keeping this unifying plan up to date, the community benefits through improved dialogue and input, strategic partnerships, effective use of resources and funds, guidance for riparian and aquatic protections, shared information and data, and facilitation of outreach and education efforts.The goal of the Plan most strongly aligns with the Healthy Rivers goal of(1) maintaining and improving water quality and quantity in the Roaring Fork watershed- many of the action items relate directly to this point-as this is essential for a healthy,functioning watershed. Goals (2), (3), and (4) also align with action items within the plan and may illuminate future partnerships for the Healthy River's Board to further their goals. By successfully updating the plan, RFC hopes to build new opportunities, and/or revive past conversations that highlight prospective projects to accomplish plan objectives and work through implementation.The Plan will function as a means to bring people together to protect and enhance the Roaring Fork Watershed through coordinated efforts and strategic prioritization. We hope to work with the Healthy River's board members and Pitkin County on facilitating and accomplishing common goals whenever possible. ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY ROARING FORN NAIERSNE LAN B.Viability of the Project RFC will complete the update over the next 12 months. Significant stakeholder engagement will take place through the spring, summer, and early fall. Plan updates will be ongoing and published on RFC's website by March of 2018.The Roaring Fork watershed has often led the way in water resource studies, planning and projects. Updating the Plan and further fostering implementation of its key recommendations will be of great benefit to the watershed and can serve as a template for others to follow across the state. Without this update,the Plan risks becoming dated and losing some of its impact. Waiting to update will mean a much lengthier, more extensive and costlier project as the plan will require more work. In that time,we may lose the opportunity to achieve essential and beneficial projects because they may not be included or prioritized in the current plan. We have already spoken to Ruedi Water and Power Authority and the Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative steering committee, essential members of the first writing of the Plan.They are both supportive of the project and intend to be involved throughout. In addition, an RFC intern began the process of contacting many of the original stakeholders last summer and we have received initial buy in and valuable feedback from the people he spoke with, laying the groundwork for this summer's formal update. C. Public Need,Accessibility and Appreciation RFC will engage not only previous stakeholders, but also interested members of the public through the Watershed Collaborative and assorted outreach activities. Once the update is complete, RFC will take ownership of implementation and continue to engage the public throughout the process.There are no other groups pursuing a watershed plan in the Roaring Fork Valley. As one of the largest watershed organizations in the state, RFC continues to work to protect and enhance our water resources for the benefit of the community. Community Outreach will include: • Roaring Fork Watershed Collaborative meetings; • Information sharing and "suggestion box" at select events throughout the summer; • Public awareness and communication at RFC's summer events including Watershed Explorations; • Social Media updates on Facebook, Instagram, and RFC's website; • Press release and public presentation of Plan updates and new usability features; and • Additional public outreach as the process deems appropriate and necessary. In its original publication,the Plan was branded with a water drop caricature named Eddy.The revitalization of the Plan will come with a resurgence of Eddy as a branding tool to unite projects under the umbrella of the plan. RO,4i?I!i FORK gdP,I Eri''ED—`r FLAN As the watershed organization serving the Roaring Fork Valley, RFC's non-partisan, science-based work benefits both residents and visitors. With some of the most robust baseline data and comprehensive ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY RRARIIR FORK YR1FRSNFVLAI studies in any watershed,funding and capacity can directly limit next steps.The recommendations from studies, evaluations, and investigations to better our watershed are more than we can accomplish because we want to ensure that every endeavor is completed to the highest standard of quality. With this funding, identified projects can be reprioritized, new projects illuminated, and work within the watershed organized to be completed in the most effective and efficient way possible. Funds will allow a dedicated staff member to focus on this work, so that current projects in progress may continue without interruption. D. History of the Requesting Party Now in our 20th year, RFC is well-known locally and state-wide as an organization with the ability to build consensus on complex water issues by bridging the gaps between hard science, local and regional land use and energy policies, recreational interests,the requirements of a rural agricultural community, and the varied interests of residents in the Roaring Fork Valley. Key activities and accomplishments include: • Spearheading development of the Crystal River Management Plan (CRMP), 2008 State of the Roaring Fork Watershed Report, and the multi-jurisdictional 2012 Roaring Fork Watershed Plan; • Participating in the development of the Roaring Fork Regional Water Efficiency Plan; • Completing nearly 20 scientific studies in the Roaring Fork Watershed, including the recently completed Comprehensive Lower Frvingpan Assessment and Cattle Creek Stream Health Evaluation; • Bringing county and municipal planners from multiple jurisdictions together to address land use issues affecting groundwater and surface waters; • Regularly informing elected officials and other regional decision makers on complex watershed issues, and helping citizens address their concerns about rivers, streams and groundwater; • Reaching over 100,000 individuals, youth and adult, with hands-on,field-based watershed education programs; • Protecting 280 acres of riparian habitat in Conservation Easements forever; and • Maintaining a user-friendly website and Facebook page, and issuing regular newsletters with information on critical and noteworthy watershed issues. RFC was the lead consultant and Ruedi Water and Power Authority(RWAPA) was the sponsor on both the 2008 State of the Roaring Fork Watershed Report and 2012 Roaring Fork Watershed Plan.This successful collaboration continued with RFC helping RWAPA and the Community Office for Resource Efficiency(CORE)with development of the 2015 Roaring Fork Water Efficiency Plan, a collaboration we intend to continue as we work to update the Watershed Plan. RFC has been an active participant in the Colorado Basin Roundtable's (CBRT) and the Non-Consumptive Needs Assessment (NCNA)Subcommittee's work over the last few years and provided much of the information used to build the NCNA Matrix for the Roaring Fork Watershed, also contributing to the Colorado Basin Implementation Plan. RFC regularly works with 9 staff members and 3 associates, as well as a strong network of partners, interns, and volunteers to fulfill its mission: To inspire people to explore, value and protect the Roaring Fork Watershed. Its partners include local, regional, state and federal governments, private interests, nonprofits, universities and individuals. See a list of our partner organizations here. We have a committed and knowledgeable 12-member board as well as a group of 10 "River Stewards,"who ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY pg. 3 V ROlNI16 FORA Yl7ERSNFO�YLl1 facilitate outreach and events with young adults. We have been in existence for more than 20 years and have a proven track record of completing projects. Our Executive Director, Rick Lofaro has been with the organization for eighteen years and Heather Lewin for six years. RFC is supported by over 1,000 individual contributions annually. Organization funding is also provided through program and consulting fees, grants, special events, and in-kind support. RFC is a Colorado nonprofit corporation in good standing with §501(c)(3) status. E. Budget, Measurements and Accountability RFC requests$30,000 to be allocated as follows: TASK FUNDS REQUESTED Stakeholder Outreach, Engagement, and Public $15,000 Relations Plan Content and Accessibility $10,000 Update (including website) Oversight and Administration $5,000 RFC will report to the Healthy River's board at the six month mark(October 2017) and present a final product, report and presentation at the one year mark(April 2018).These reports will include: progress reports, financials, lessons learned, and next steps. Final report will also include a digital update of the Roaring Fork Water Plan. ROARING FORK CONSERVANCY pg.4 2017 Combined Scoresheet Wille Nixa Jochems Berg Tasker Taylor Combined Average rcvanng rurk conservancy vvatersnea rian upaate rcequest cull 3u,uuu not in River Board approved $25000 attendance Goals of the River Board 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project meets the stated goals, objectives and on-going projects/priorities of the River Board. 1. Must be complete, clear and concise, with specific dollar amounts in total and for each element of the project; 2. Must fulfill the intent of the ballot language. 100 100 90 100 100 98 Vialbility of the Project 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project is practical, will be completed as proposed and/or may require other resources to be fully completed, and the extent to which the project can be repeated in other locations such that it will not be limited to a single event. 1. Must address an essential need; 2. Demonstrates collaboration and/or partners with other agencies. 90 100 90 100 100 96 Public Need Accessibility and Appreciation 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant request/project will be seen, appreciated and/or used by the public. 1. Does not duplicate existing services or programs; 2. Must serve and be appreciated people who live and/or work in Pitkin County&the Roaring Fork Watershed; 3. Includes a specific Public Relations strategy; 4. Demonstrates an appropriate need for public funding. 100 100 90 90 100 96 History of the Requesting Party 0-100 possible points The extent that the requesting individual/entity has been successful in other projects or efforts and is known in the community. 100 100 90 100 100 98 Budget, Measurements and Accountability 0-100 possible points The extent to which the proposed grant amount is appropriate to the project scope and includes other appropriate sources of funding. The extent that the project includes specific measures for success and reporting of progress and results to the Healthy Rivers Board. 1. Demonstrates financial stability and presents accurate budgets and financial reports, measurements and accountability; 2. Specific measures of progress and success; 3. Reporting plan to Healthy Rivers Board/others. 90 75 90 85 100 88 Totals 480 475 450 475 500 476 MEMORANDUM TO: Healthy Rivers and Streams Board, Pitkin County BOCC FROM: Mark Fuller, RWAPA RE: ANS Program funding for 2017 DATE: February 9, 2017 The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Inspection Program at Ruedi Reservoir has been in place and functioning since 2011. The purpose of the program is to prevent the introduction of Zebra and Quagga Mussels and other aquatic invasive species into Ruedi Reservoir and downstream water bodies, including the Fryingpan River. The program seeks to inspect as many boats as possible before they enter the reservoir to make sure they are free of any sign of invasive species. Over the last six years the program has performed over 10,000 inspections and has decontaminated several hundred boats that might have harbored invasive species. So far, Ruedi has tested negative for invasive species although it is still listed as a high risk water body by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, (CPW) largely due to its proximity to Lake Powell,which has been infested with mussels for several years. In previous years,the Ruedi inspection program operated during daylight hours 5 days per week(Weds- Sun.) between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Although the majority of boats entering the reservoir arrived during while inspectors were present, approximately half of the total daylight hours during the May-October boating season were left uncovered. The program was successful in educating many boaters about the invasive species issue and was effective in intercepting a number of potentially contaminated boats but the limitations on hours and days of operation meant that there were significant 'holes' in the program and it could not be said to guarantee Ruedi's immunity from infestation. As a result, 2017 was targeted by the RWAPA Board for an expansion of the program to cover a higher proportion of the season and to close access to the reservoir when inspectors are not present. In 2016 we learned that funding support from CPW and the U.S. Forest Service, which had carried almost% of program costs since its inception, would not be available in 2017 due to budget cuts and revenue losses at the State level.That support might be renewed in the future but only if the CPW can secure legislative approval for fee increases aimed at replenishing ANS program funds. RWAPA's response to the loss of State and Federal support was to ask for increased local contributions toward an expanded inspection program. We estimated that a contribution of$9,300 from each of RWAPA's seven members would support a significantly expanded inspection program. Local governments have responded with increased allocations to the ANS Program for this year although those allocations have averaged closer to$8,000. So far, six local jurisdictions (Eagle Co, Carbondale, Basalt, Aspen,Town of Snowmass Village, Glenwood Springs) have committed a total of$48,900 to the ANS program and the Ute Water Conservancy District, a major contractor of Ruedi water, has also pledged a contribution of $10,000 towards the program, bringing the total funding commitment to$58,900. We have recently received cost estimates from Rocky Mountain Recreation, our inspection program contractor, which range from $71,000 to$78,000 for an expanded program.The $78,000 program would provide sunrise to sundown inspection services every day between May 1 and October 30, with the less-expensive programs providing similar services over a shorter time period. Thus we are still about$19,000 short of what we need to mount a 'full-coverage' program. We believe that we can raise additional funds from private parties concerned about Ruedi and the Fryingpan but that effort has not gotten underway and potential results are purely speculative. A contribution of$19,000 from Pitkin County would ensure the implementation of a full and complete ANS Inspection Program at Ruedi this summer. Any contribution of a lesser amount would be gratefully accepted and would provide a starting point for designing the scope of this year's program. Thanks for your consideration, I look forward to discussing this issue with you at your upcoming meeting.