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.

Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 55% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 with completion expected within 7 months.

Details

According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience, this program served 55% more residents in 2025 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Gunbarrel and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

The Sustainability, Climate Action & Resilience processed over 8,557 applications last year, with an average processing time of 19 business days. Staff are available at the Gunbarrel office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Contact Information

A community information session will be held at the Gunbarrel library on Thursday, June 4 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.

Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 8 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 26% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Foothills Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.