November 2026: Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14

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.

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

The project includes improvements along Niwot Road between Lafayette and the intersection with Coal Creek Canyon Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected within 17 months.

What You Need to Know

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.

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 2491 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

Eligibility

According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 66% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

Environmental review of the project area near Niwot Road found 12 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.