Category: Safety & Law

November 2026: 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 project includes improvements along 75th Street between Longmont and the intersection with SH-7 / Ute Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 52% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,029 responses from residents across the county.

What You Need to Know

Environmental review of the project area near 75th Street found 6 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sheriff’s Office worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

November 2025: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

According to Emily Chen, director of Community Justice Services, this program served 91% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Emily Chen said.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

For questions about this program, contact Emily Chen at Community Justice Services: (303) 441-7599 or email Community Justice [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 project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Erie and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

Timeline

The Community Justice Services processed over 5,583 applications last year, with an average processing time of 8 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 91% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — Follow-Up Report

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

A community information session will be held at the Superior library on Tuesday, June 2 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.

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

The application deadline is May 3, 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.

Funding of $46,000 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.

How to Participate

The Rabbit Mountain open space property encompasses 1,860 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 Jennifer Walsh, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 28% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Superior and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

Jamestown 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.

For questions about this program, contact Carlos Rivera at Human Services: (303) 441-2859 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 231 affordable housing units since its inception, with 266 additional units in the development pipeline.

Timeline

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.

Volunteers contributed over 8,718 hours to this program last year. The Human Services coordinates with 7 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Next Steps

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% 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.

November 2025: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 889 affordable housing units since its inception, with 248 additional units in the development pipeline.

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.

How to Participate

The Assessor’s Office processed over 7,662 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Nederland 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.

Next Steps

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $416,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Ward Community Briefing: Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

Data from the 2025 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 51% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,634 responses from residents across the county.

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

Next Steps

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 51% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The project includes improvements along Sunshine Canyon Drive between Nederland and the intersection with 63rd Street. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 18 months.

Contact Information

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $474,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Funding of $474,000 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.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Hygiene Area

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.

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Assessor’s Office, this program served 20% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Timeline

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 1,253 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.

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.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — April 2024

The Boulder County Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard reports that 87% of the 1,084 homes destroyed in the December 2021 Marshall Fire have been rebuilt or are under active construction. The county continues to provide expedited permit review, fee waivers, and rebuilding support services for affected homeowners.

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.

Safety data from the Boulder area shows 12 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 10% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along 75th Street and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

Timeline

The application deadline is July 27, 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 29 business days.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% of properties in the Boulder 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.

Background

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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 446 affordable housing units since its inception, with 243 additional units in the development pipeline.

March 2024: 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 Lafayette Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,553 seniors participated in center programs last year.

The application deadline is May 24, 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 9 business days.

Contact Information

The Walker Ranch open space property encompasses 990 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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 90% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,110 responses from residents across the county.

Timeline

A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Monday, May 18 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.

Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — December 2024

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.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 27% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 7,122 responses from residents across the county.

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 $76,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information

Volunteers contributed over 2,031 hours to this program last year. The Clerk & Recorder coordinates with 13 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

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 Clerk & Recorder publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.