Category: Environment & Sustainability

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 — Follow-Up Report

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.

Funding of $344,000 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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 17% of properties in the Longmont 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.

Background

Volunteers contributed over 13,083 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 23 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 282 affordable housing units since its inception, with 160 additional units in the development pipeline.

Related Programs

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 10,578 applications last year, with an average processing time of 10 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Niwot 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.

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 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.

Contact Information

Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Sheriff’s Office at (303) 441-3247 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Safety data from the Superior area shows 27 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 25% 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

The application deadline is July 31, 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.

Update: Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations (2024)

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $475,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The application deadline is June 6, 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 8 business days.

Background

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 2033 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

Volunteers contributed over 13,846 hours to this program last year. The Resource Conservation coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

How to Participate

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 4 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

September: 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 Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 316 acres and features 5 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Community Justice Services, 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 Erie and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

Background

The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Erie and the intersection with South Boulder Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 16% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Community Impact

Funding of $35,000 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 8 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.

January: 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.

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 10 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Eligibility

Volunteers contributed over 3,124 hours to this program last year. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Related Programs

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 12% 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 $135,000 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.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations Near Nederland

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.

Environmental review of the project area near Nelson Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Health worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Public Health, this program served 34% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

Community Impact

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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, 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 2025: 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.

According to James Rodriguez, director of Human Services, this program served 81% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 597 affordable housing units since its inception, with 167 additional units in the development pipeline.

Timeline

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 81% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Nederland Community Briefing: 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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Health, 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 June 15 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Details

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,343 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 $90,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Background

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.

Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2024)

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 Louisville area shows 37 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 23% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,956 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Related Programs

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 35% 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.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 3 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Community Impact

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $462,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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

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 $120,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Caribou Ranch open space property encompasses 563 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.

How to Participate

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 51% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Environmental review of the project area near 63rd Street found 5 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Next Steps

Funding of $408,000 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 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.