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  • Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2024)

    Update: Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director (2024)

    Boulder County is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Parks & Open Space Director. The incoming director brings over 20 years of experience in public land management and conservation. They will oversee the department’s 100,000+ acres of protected land and 150 miles of multi-use trails.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 71% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,301 responses from residents across the county.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Saturday, May 30 at 5:00 PM. Translation services in Spanish and Nepali will be available. The session will also be livestreamed on the Boulder County YouTube channel.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 26% of properties in the Lafayette 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 24 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

  • Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Follow-Up Report

    Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review — Follow-Up Report

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $47,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Louisville Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 806 seniors participated in center programs last year.

    Eligibility

    Volunteers contributed over 12,469 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 6 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    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 2111 county employees across 46 departments and offices.

    Next Steps

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-2121 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    The Pella Crossing open space property encompasses 2,124 acres and features 12 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County Near Lyons

    Due to dry conditions and elevated fire danger, Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect for all unincorporated areas of Boulder County. Open burning, campfires outside designated fire grates, and the use of explosive fireworks are prohibited. Violations may result in fines up to $600.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $134,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 20 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Background

    Water quality monitoring at 19 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2026. The Parks & Open Space publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The application deadline is June 26, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 22 business days.

    Details

    Residents in the Louisville area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Parks & Open Space at (303) 441-8410 to verify eligibility and requirements.

  • Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    Draft Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan Released for Public Comment — Nederland Area

    The City of Boulder and Boulder County have released the draft 2026 Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. The plan addresses land use, housing, transportation, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Public comments will be accepted through May 15.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-7 / Ute Highway found 3 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.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $223,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Eligibility

    The Legion Park open space property encompasses 2,157 acres and features 4 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    The project includes improvements along SH-7 / Ute Highway between Gunbarrel and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026 with completion expected within 15 months.

  • Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Louisville

    Parks & Open Space Acquires 340-Acre Conservation Easement Near Lyons Near Louisville

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has acquired a 340-acre conservation easement on a working ranch near the town of Lyons. The easement permanently protects critical wildlife habitat along the St. Vrain Creek corridor and preserves agricultural land from future development while keeping the property in private ownership.

    According to James Rodriguez, director of Community Planning & Permitting, this program served 88% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lyons and the surrounding area,” James Rodriguez said.

    Safety data from the Lyons area shows 29 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 14% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Related Programs

    The Hall Ranch open space property encompasses 1,393 acres and features 11 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 88% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 5,590 responses from residents across the county.

    Next Steps

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $398,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    The application deadline is June 23, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 5 business days.

  • September: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    September: Community Planning Proposes Updates to Land Use Code Site Plan Review

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed comprehensive updates to the Land Use Code’s site plan review process. Key changes include new stormwater management requirements, updated landscape standards, enhanced wildfire mitigation provisions, and expanded public notification procedures.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 2 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Volunteers contributed over 3,471 hours to this program last year. The Assessor’s Office coordinates with 22 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Timeline

    The application deadline is June 2, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 9 business days.

    The Assessor’s Office processed over 3,307 applications last year, with an average processing time of 16 business days. Staff are available at the Erie office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    How to Participate

    The Erie Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,618 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions — April 2024

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 15% of properties in the Longmont 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.

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 929 acres and features 9 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Contact Information

    The application deadline is May 17, 2026. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. Incomplete applications will be returned with a list of missing items. Average review time is 29 business days.

    Volunteers contributed over 14,345 hours to this program last year. The Parks & Open Space coordinates with 14 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Related Programs

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,312 affordable housing units since its inception, with 185 additional units in the development pipeline.

    The Longmont Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 3,302 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • January: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    January: New Floodplain Development Permit Available for Public Comment

    The Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting Department has proposed updates to the General Floodplain Development Permit process. Changes include streamlined review timelines, updated fee structures, and new requirements for climate-adjusted flood risk assessments. Comments are due by April 30.

    Transportation access remains a key concern. Boulder County’s Via mobility program provides door-to-door transit service for residents in Erie and surrounding communities who cannot access fixed-route bus service. RTD routes B, J, and BOLT serve major corridors.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 25% of properties in the Erie 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.

    Timeline

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 64% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2025 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 822 affordable housing units since its inception, with 90 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    For questions about this program, contact Robert Kim at Transportation: (303) 441-1521 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Erie office without an appointment.

  • September: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    September: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space has closed all trails and trailheads west of Highway 36 due to sustained winds exceeding 80 mph and extreme fire danger conditions. The closure includes all mountain parks, open space properties, and county trails in the foothills. Closures will be reassessed when wind conditions subside.

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $60,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 14 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Resources

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $458,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Safety data from the Gunbarrel area shows 25 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 5% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along Coal Creek Canyon Road and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Data from the 2026 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 48% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,630 responses from residents across the county.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Pine Brook Hills

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Pine Brook Hills

    The Boulder County Board of Commissioners has issued a resolution reaffirming the county’s commitment to protecting immigrant community members and ensuring equal access to county services regardless of immigration status. The resolution directs county staff to review and strengthen existing policies.

    Funding of $196,000 for this initiative comes from a combination of federal grants, state matching funds, and the Boulder County General Fund. The Board of County Commissioners approved the allocation during the 2026 budget session.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 607 acres and features 3 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Background

    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 2139 county employees across 47 departments and offices.

    Boulder County has partnered with the cities of Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, and Louisville on this project. Combined investment across all jurisdictions totals $196,000, making it one of the largest collaborative efforts in the county’s history.

    Contact Information

    The project includes improvements along Foothills Highway between Longmont and the intersection with SH-119 Diagonal Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026 with completion expected within 12 months.