Category: Safety & Law

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Fourmile Canyon

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Fourmile Canyon

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    The Boulder Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,386 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The project includes improvements along Flagstaff Road between Boulder and the intersection with Sunshine Canyon Drive. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.

    Resources

    Water quality monitoring at 17 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Assessor’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Assessor’s Office at (303) 441-9728 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Gunbarrel Area

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Gunbarrel Area

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    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 14 business days.

    Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Health at (303) 441-5885 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Contact Information

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Public Health publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Public Health processed over 8,562 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Longmont office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

  • Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    Pine Brook Hills Community Briefing: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    The Gunbarrel Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,597 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Area Agency on Aging processed over 11,380 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Details

    Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 11 sensitive species and 4 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Area Agency on Aging worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Friday, April 17 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.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    For questions about this program, contact Michael Kowalski at Area Agency on Aging: (303) 441-7015 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 Gunbarrel office without an appointment.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — August 2024

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $304,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Walden Ponds open space property encompasses 1,454 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.

    Related Programs

    Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 12 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Clerk & Recorder worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 16 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

    Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    For questions about this program, contact Maria Gonzalez at Public Works: (303) 441-4152 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 Erie office without an appointment.

    Residents in the Erie area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-4152 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Resources

    The Public Works processed over 3,993 applications last year, with an average processing time of 21 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $44,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • November 2025: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    November 2025: Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    Funding of $350,000 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.

    The Carolyn Holmberg Preserve open space property encompasses 575 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.

    Details

    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 $84,000 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 $350,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Boulder library on Tuesday, May 5 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.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    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.

    Contact Information

    According to Carlos Rivera, director of Human Services, this program served 45% 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,” Carlos Rivera said.

    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 Human Services publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

  • Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    Update: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 (2025)

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the 2026 Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Program. Grants fund equipment, training, and trail safety improvements for volunteer search and rescue teams and trail patrol organizations operating in Boulder County.

    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.

    A community information session will be held at the Niwot library on Wednesday, May 13 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.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,902 affordable housing units since its inception, with 102 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Environmental review of the project area near Flagstaff Road found 11 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 7,021 hours to this program last year. The Community Planning & Permitting coordinates with 17 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Lafayette

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events Near Lafayette

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    Water quality monitoring at 9 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2025. The Transportation publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

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

    Community Impact

    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.

    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.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Eldorado Springs Area

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Eldorado Springs Area

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,271 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their April 23 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Contact Information

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 2,263 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.

    According to Michael Kowalski, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 81% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Michael Kowalski said.