Category: Environment & Sustainability

March 2025: 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 15 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

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 2,023 responses from residents across the county.

Details

The Housing & Human Services processed over 4,084 applications last year, with an average processing time of 6 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 $84,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Next Steps

Safety data from the Lafayette area shows 43 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

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.

Funding of $411,000 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 2025 budget session.

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 1837 county employees across 48 departments and offices.

Community Impact

The application deadline is July 8, 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.

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

Details

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Nelson Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

July 2024: 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.

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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 28% of properties in the Nederland 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.

Timeline

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 14% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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

Background

Volunteers contributed over 12,969 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 20 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 853 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.

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 Near Lafayette

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 Resource Conservation processed over 8,254 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.

The application deadline is July 15, 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 6 business days.

How to Participate

Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Resource Conservation at (303) 441-2785 to verify eligibility and requirements.

The Bald Mountain open space property encompasses 370 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.

Details

The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Erie and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

For questions about this program, contact Lisa Patel at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-2785 or email Resource [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.

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.

Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Community Planning & Permitting publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Details

The Community Planning & Permitting processed over 3,872 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

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 $48,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information

Volunteers contributed over 14,497 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 10 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Update: Boulder County Receives Grant for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (2025)

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 $464,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

A community information session will be held at the Nederland 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.

Timeline

Volunteers contributed over 2,224 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 16 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

The Public Works processed over 806 applications last year, with an average processing time of 11 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Sunshine Canyon 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

What You Need to Know

Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

The application deadline is June 7, 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.

Next Steps

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 1809 county employees across 49 departments and offices.

According to Kevin Larsen, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 78% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Kevin Larsen said.

Circular Economy Fund Awards $50,000 to Five Local Organizations — Gunbarrel 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.

For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Public Health: (303) 441-3401 or email Public [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.

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.

Background

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 19% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Volunteers contributed over 6,609 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 11 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

What You Need to Know

Water quality monitoring at 16 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

Funding of $118,000 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.

Eldorado Springs 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.

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-9340 to verify eligibility and requirements.

For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Housing & Human Services: (303) 441-9340 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 Niwot office without an appointment.

Resources

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $80,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Niwot 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.

Community Impact

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.

The application deadline is July 17, 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.

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 638 affordable housing units since its inception, with 65 additional units in the development pipeline.

The application deadline is May 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 28 business days.

Next Steps

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 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 79% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,971 responses from residents across the county.

What You Need to Know

Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.