Category: Environment & Sustainability

Update: Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 (2024)

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.

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Clerk & Recorder at (303) 441-5020 to verify eligibility and requirements.

For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Clerk & Recorder: (303) 441-5020 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 Boulder office without an appointment.

Next Steps

The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 1,255 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 883 affordable housing units since its inception, with 134 additional units in the development pipeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 2352 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

The application deadline is June 22, 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 25 business days.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

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 Resource Conservation processed over 4,930 applications last year, with an average processing time of 5 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Friday, April 24 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.

Background

Water quality monitoring at 8 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Resource Conservation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Timeline

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.

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.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Ward

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.

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.

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 $57,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

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 Sarah Mitchell at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-9569 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 Erie office without an appointment.

Eligibility

The project includes improvements along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway between Erie and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 1,074 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 50% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The application deadline is June 4, 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 11 business days.

Community Impact

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Tuesday, May 19 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.

The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Longmont and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

September: 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 25 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $314,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Contact Information

Funding of $314,000 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 Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 788 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Background

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.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — Gold Hill Area

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.

The application deadline is April 22, 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 12 business days.

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 $102,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,098 acres and features 9 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 Amanda Foster, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 54% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Boulder and the surrounding area,” Amanda Foster said.

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 $54,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-1500 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure — August 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.

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 $102,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $268,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Related Programs

According to Diana Orozco, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 62% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Diana Orozco said.

For questions about this program, contact Diana Orozco at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-1178 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 Lafayette office without an appointment.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — Niwot Area

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $140,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 2,208 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Eligibility

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 16% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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

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 2242 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Near Ward

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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $38,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 3 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Contact Information

Safety data from the Louisville area shows 35 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 27% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway 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.

Background

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 6 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 91% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Louisville and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter — August 2024

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.

For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Transportation: (303) 441-3491 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Boulder office without an appointment.

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 1997 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

Timeline

The application deadline is June 22, 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 18 business days.

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 $106,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

What You Need to Know

A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Wednesday, April 29 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.

The Transportation processed over 6,452 applications last year, with an average processing time of 20 business days. Staff are available at the Boulder office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.