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  • November 2024: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    November 2024: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-4411 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The project includes improvements along Left Hand Canyon Drive between Lyons and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

    Background

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 20% of properties in the Lyons area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Niwot Area

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Niwot Area

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 934 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 89% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,874 responses from residents across the county.

    Details

    The project includes improvements along Coal Creek Canyon Road between Louisville and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

    According to Rachel Stein, director of Public Health, this program served 89% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.

    Resources

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Public Health: (303) 441-7872 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Louisville office without an appointment.

  • Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

    The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 40% of properties in the Erie area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 25 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Background

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Justice Services, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 74% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,703 responses from residents across the county.

  • Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2025)

    Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2025)

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Nederland library on Sunday, May 24 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Safety data from the Nederland area shows 21 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 6% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Left Hand Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Background

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $328,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-6344 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    How to Participate

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 7 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

  • November 2025: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    November 2025: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations

    Boulder County’s Resource Conservation Division has awarded $50,000 in grants to five local organizations through the 2026 Circular Economy Fund. Recipients include projects focused on food waste reduction, textile reuse, construction material salvage, and community repair events.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2025, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,316 affordable housing units since its inception, with 115 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Background

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Human Services, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Details

    Funding of $255,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2025 budget session.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $255,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Ward Area

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Ward Area

    Boulder County residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste including paint, solvents, pesticides, batteries, and electronics at a free collection event on Saturday, April 19 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds. No appointment is necessary. Commercial waste is not accepted.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,042 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $494,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Resources

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 38% of properties in the Louisville area are within the wildland-urban interface. Free home assessments are available through the Wildfire Partners program, with rebates of up to $2,500 for mitigation improvements.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Human Services, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Eligibility

    A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

  • July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    July 2026: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    Boulder County’s Wildfire Partners program is accepting registrations for the 2026 community chipping season. Residents in the wildland-urban interface can have tree limbs, brush, and other woody debris chipped at no cost. Last year the program processed over 2,400 loads of material from 1,100 properties across the county.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $470,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Details

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Boulder and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 74% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,117 responses from residents across the county.

    Contact Information

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Resource Conservation, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    The project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Erie and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $55,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-1357 or email Parks & Open [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

    According to Kevin Larsen, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 33% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

    How to Participate

    Historical context: Boulder County was established in 1861 and covers 741 square miles of diverse terrain from the Great Plains to the Continental Divide. The county’s population of approximately 330,000 residents is served by 2253 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

  • Erie Community Briefing: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    Erie Community Briefing: Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 17 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    According to David Thompson, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 62% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

    How to Participate

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,334 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The application deadline is June 11, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 11 business days.

    Community Impact

    Funding of $64,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2026 budget session.

    Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Public Works Announces Niwot Road Median Closure Near Diagonal Highway Near Longmont

    Boulder County Public Works announces a temporary median closure on Niwot Road near the CO-119 Diagonal Highway intersection for utility infrastructure improvements. The closure will affect left turns from Niwot Road onto the Diagonal Highway for approximately six weeks. A signed detour route will be in place.

    Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 7 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The project includes improvements along Nelson Road between Longmont and the intersection with Left Hand Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 39% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Funding of $71,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2026 budget session.

    Resources

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 9 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.