Category: Open Space & Recreation

Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons — Longmont 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 Anne U. White open space property encompasses 1,841 acres and features 14 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

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 2049 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Details

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 72% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $107,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2026)

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.

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Friday, April 17 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.

For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Transportation: (303) 441-5074 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

What You Need to Know

The Transportation processed over 1,146 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 2264 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

Resources

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 43% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,759 responses from residents across the county.

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

Eldora Community Briefing: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

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.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 58% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,202 responses from residents across the county.

For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-6175 or email Clerk & [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.

Resources

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,346 affordable housing units since its inception, with 255 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $220,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

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 project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Niwot and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

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 Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Community Impact

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 85% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 4,782 responses from residents across the county.

The Public Health processed over 8,624 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Niwot office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,410 affordable housing units since its inception, with 120 additional units in the development pipeline.

May: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 37% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 37% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,057 responses from residents across the county.

How to Participate

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $209,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 6,199 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Update: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions (2024)

Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 252 affordable housing units since its inception, with 152 additional units in the development pipeline.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $394,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Timeline

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Water quality monitoring at 10 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Contact Information

According to Carlos Rivera, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 79% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Carlos Rivera said.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sheriff’s Office, 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.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Pine Brook Hills Area

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience: (303) 441-1656 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 Lyons office without an appointment.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $73,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers contributed over 6,605 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The application deadline is May 19, 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 7 business days.

Background

Funding of $398,000 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.

The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 1,269 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.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

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 Community Planning & Permitting processed over 7,923 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Louisville and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 14 months.

Eligibility

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 1831 county employees across 37 departments and offices.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $91,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

The project includes improvements along 63rd Street between Boulder and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 16 months.

Water quality monitoring at 18 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Justice Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

How to Participate

Volunteers contributed over 6,312 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director Near Louisville

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.

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.

Funding of $249,000 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.

Timeline

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Wednesday, May 20 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 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $47,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-9789 to verify eligibility and requirements.