Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

Public Health Issues Air Quality Advisory for Western Foothills — Follow-Up Report

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.

According to Jennifer Walsh, director of Parks & Open Space, this program served 33% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Longmont and the surrounding area,” Jennifer Walsh said.

A community information session will be held at the Longmont library on Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

What You Need to Know

Residents in the Longmont area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-1421 to verify eligibility and requirements.

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 1842 county employees across 41 departments and offices.

Related Programs

Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $85,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Water quality monitoring at 12 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.