Category: Safety & Law

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.

Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 8 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Housing & Human Services worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

Residents in the Nederland area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Housing & Human Services at (303) 441-5556 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Background

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.

Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Housing & Human Services, 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.

November 2024: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

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.

Volunteers contributed over 11,029 hours to this program last year. The Public Works coordinates with 8 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 7 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

What You Need to Know

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 36% 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 Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard Shows 87% of Destroyed Homes Now Rebuilt — August 2025

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.

For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Resource Conservation: (303) 441-9369 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 Nederland office without an appointment.

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.

Community Impact

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 1895 county employees across 43 departments and offices.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $39,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 5 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Resource Conservation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

According to Brian Nakamura, director of Resource Conservation, this program served 84% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

May: 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 application deadline is July 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 9 business days.

The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,004 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.

How to Participate

The Assessor’s Office processed over 2,026 applications last year, with an average processing time of 7 business days. Staff are available at the Superior 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.

Eligibility

Safety data from the Superior area shows 10 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 28% 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.

Funding of $131,000 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.

Erie 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.

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,185 affordable housing units since its inception, with 85 additional units in the development pipeline.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 46% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Community Impact

Volunteers contributed over 2,945 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 18 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-3928 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Resources

The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Arapahoe Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 6 months.

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

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 2201 county employees across 39 departments and offices.

The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,456 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Eligibility

According to James Rodriguez, director of Public Works, this program served 59% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

Funding of $325,000 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.

Contact Information

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.

Environmental review of the project area near Left Hand Canyon Drive found 4 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Public Works worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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.

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 $49,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding of $451,000 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 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.

Timeline

Residents in the Boulder area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-9727 to verify eligibility and requirements.

March 2025: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County

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.

The Nederland Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 969 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 19% 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.

Related Programs

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 April 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 22 business days.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — December 2025

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.

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 2309 county employees across 50 departments and offices.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 47% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,697 responses from residents across the county.

Contact Information

The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,474 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 47% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

Allenspark Community Briefing: 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.

Safety data from the Niwot area shows 6 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Baseline Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

The Niwot Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 4,548 seniors participated in center programs last year.

Background

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 $70,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water quality monitoring at 13 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.

Eligibility

Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,827 affordable housing units since its inception, with 227 additional units in the development pipeline.