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  • Eldora Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons

    Eldora Community Briefing: 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.

    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 Brian Nakamura at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-9721 or email Sustainability, Climate Action & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Nederland office without an appointment.

    Community Impact

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 14% 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 $311,000 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 2024 budget session.

  • January: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    January: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Sunday, May 17 at 7:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 39% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,884 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    Environmental review of the project area near South Boulder Road found 10 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-7827 or email Housing & Human [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    Community Impact

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-7827 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • November 2026: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    November 2026: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

    Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Clerk & Recorder, 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.

    Funding of $283,000 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 2024 budget session.

    Timeline

    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 1848 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

    The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 2,444 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 67% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,617 responses from residents across the county.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $95,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 2,336 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 67% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

  • March 2025: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026

    March 2025: 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.

    According to Lisa Patel, director of Public Works, this program served 75% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Lisa Patel said.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 75% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Eligibility

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, 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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 11 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 26 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 75% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,109 responses from residents across the county.

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

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

    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.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 28 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 11 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

    The application deadline is July 16, 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 16 business days.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,715 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 9 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Timeline

    The Resource Conservation processed over 6,365 applications last year, with an average processing time of 17 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Funding of $207,000 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 2024 budget session.

  • Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Public Works publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $115,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Eligibility

    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.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Jamestown Area

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Jamestown Area

    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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 30 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $104,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Background

    According to David Thompson, director of Transportation, this program served 67% 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.

    The Transportation processed over 3,448 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $428,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 2025

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — April 2025

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

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

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Eligibility

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-8553 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Safety data from the Longmont area shows 23 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 7% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Details

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 27 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Longmont Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    Longmont Community Briefing: Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds

    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.

    Environmental review of the project area near Coal Creek Canyon Road found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The application deadline is August 2, 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 29 business days.

    Details

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.