Eldora Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

Eldora Community Briefing: Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills

Boulder County Public Health has issued an air quality advisory for communities in the western foothills due to elevated particulate matter levels from prescribed burns in the Roosevelt National Forest. Residents with respiratory conditions are advised to limit outdoor activity and keep windows closed until conditions improve.

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.

The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 29 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

How to Participate

Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 22% of properties in the Niwot 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.

Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $138,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

Contact Information

Residents in the Niwot area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Area Agency on Aging at (303) 441-7616 to verify eligibility and requirements.

Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 83% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 6,844 responses from residents across the county.