Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

Search & Rescue and Trail Safety Grant Applications Due April 14 — August 2026

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 2299 county employees across 40 departments and offices.

Environmental review of the project area near Baseline Road found 7 sensitive species and 1 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

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The project includes improvements along Baseline Road between Lyons and the intersection with Niwot Road. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 10 months.

According to Rachel Stein, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 42% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” Rachel Stein said.