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.

The Lyons Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 832 seniors participated in center programs last year.

According to David Thompson, director of Housing & Human Services, this program served 39% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” David Thompson said.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,977 affordable housing units since its inception, with 278 additional units in the development pipeline.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 2,239 acres and features 10 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Longmont Community Briefing: 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.

Safety data from the Erie area shows 5 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 20% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Nelson Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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.

How to Participate

For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Parks & Open Space: (303) 441-1756 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.

The Parks & Open Space processed over 10,351 applications last year, with an average processing time of 4 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Resources

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 5 business days.

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

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter Near Superior

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.

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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 2064 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

Eligibility

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, April 27 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.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

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.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 20 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 8% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along South Boulder Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 17% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

Next Steps

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 1,821 applications last year, with an average processing time of 14 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel 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 1956 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

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.

Lyons 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.

The application deadline is May 18, 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 24 business days.

Funding of $258,000 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.

Related Programs

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 2281 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

For questions about this program, contact Kevin Larsen at Human Services: (303) 441-7084 or email Human [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.

November 2024: 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.

Water quality monitoring at 13 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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

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 $80,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 61% 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.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Follow-Up Report

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.

The Assessor’s Office processed over 4,973 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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

Details

Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Gunbarrel 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 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,386 affordable housing units since its inception, with 70 additional units in the development pipeline.

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 5 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Louisville Community Briefing: 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.

For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Assessor’s Office: (303) 441-7690 or email Assessor’s [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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 24% 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.

How to Participate

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 13 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

A community information session will be held at the Lyons library on Monday, May 4 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.

Contact Information

Funding of $61,000 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.

March 2025: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

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.

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

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 25% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Housing & Human Services processed over 6,480 applications last year, with an average processing time of 9 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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.

Background

Funding of $106,000 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.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Ward Area

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.

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.

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.

What You Need to Know

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $198,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

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.