Category: Environment & Sustainability

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.

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 $43,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 22 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 17% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Arapahoe Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Timeline

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 21% of properties in the Gunbarrel 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 project includes improvements along Arapahoe Road between Gunbarrel and the intersection with 75th Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 11 months.

Resources

Volunteers contributed over 2,041 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Update: Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter (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 project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Longmont and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

Volunteers contributed over 11,514 hours to this program last year. The Public Health coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Details

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Thursday, April 23 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.

Environmental review of the project area near Foothills Highway 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.

Background

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.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% 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.

Wildfire Partners Opens Free Countywide Community Chipping Program for 2026 Near Fourmile Canyon

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 $98,000 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 52% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Resources

The Transportation processed over 6,669 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 9 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 18% 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.

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 application deadline is June 30, 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 13 business days.

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,492 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

Timeline

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.

Volunteers contributed over 11,704 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 25 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

May: 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 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.

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

Contact Information

Water quality monitoring at 14 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.

Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Assessor’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Hazardous Waste Collection Event Scheduled for April 19 at Fairgrounds — December 2024

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.

Volunteers contributed over 4,312 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 15 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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.

Details

The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 205 acres and features 8 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

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

Contact Information

The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,726 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The project includes improvements along SH-119 Diagonal Highway between Niwot and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

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

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

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 2147 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

Resources

Environmental review of the project area near Sunshine Canyon Drive found 7 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

The Transportation processed over 8,152 applications last year, with an average processing time of 18 business days. Staff are available at the Lafayette office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Details

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, April 25 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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 63% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

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.

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

The application deadline is June 1, 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.

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 2026 county employees across 44 departments and offices.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 7 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Contact Information

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 78% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,617 responses from residents across the county.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 31% 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.

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.

The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 906 acres and features 6 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Niwot and the intersection with Foothills Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 13 months.

Related Programs

According to Robert Kim, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 76% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Niwot and the surrounding area,” Robert Kim said.

The application deadline is July 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 13 business days.

Timeline

Funding of $227,000 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.

May: 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 Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,262 seniors participated in center programs last year.

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) 441-7666 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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.

Environmental review of the project area near Arapahoe Road found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Timeline

The application deadline is July 26, 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 23 business days.