Category: Environment & Sustainability

November 2024: 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $287,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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 $63,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

Funding of $287,000 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.

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

Eligibility

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — December 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $250,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

What You Need to Know

The project includes improvements along 75th Street between Lyons and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience at (303) 441-2510 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Follow-Up Report

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-4221 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 40% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 2,182 responses from residents across the county.

Community Impact

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 23% 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.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — April 2025

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.

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-8622 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 945 affordable housing units since its inception, with 193 additional units in the development pipeline.

Related Programs

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.

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 2457 county employees across 38 departments and offices.

How to Participate

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

For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-8622 or email Area Agency on [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Superior office without an appointment.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — April 2025

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 Legion Park open space property encompasses 2,348 acres and features 15 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $106,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

What You Need to Know

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 $79,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Community Impact

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, 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.

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.

The application deadline is May 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 19 business days.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Timeline

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 56% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The Resource Conservation processed over 7,461 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Lyons office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

January: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,851 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 50% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $103,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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 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.

Next Steps

Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — April 2026

Boulder County has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to install electric vehicle charging stations at county facilities and public trailheads. The project will add 40 Level 2 chargers and 8 DC fast chargers at 12 locations across the county, with priority given to underserved communities.

Safety data from the Longmont area shows 33 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Sunshine Canyon Drive and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 7 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Related Programs

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 22 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Eligibility

Funding of $126,000 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.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — August 2026

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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 19 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Volunteers contributed over 7,326 hours to this program last year. The Sheriff’s Office coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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.

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Thursday, May 28 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.

Details

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.

The application deadline is April 28, 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 17 business days.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — Fourmile Canyon 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

A community information session will be held at the Louisville library on Tuesday, June 2 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.

What You Need to Know

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,703 affordable housing units since its inception, with 61 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Clerk & Recorder processed over 9,715 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Louisville office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Next Steps

According to Rachel Stein, director of Clerk & Recorder, this program served 37% more residents in 2026 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.

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,775 seniors participated in center programs last year.