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  • March 2026: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    March 2026: 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.

    A community information session will be held at the Lafayette library on Sunday, May 31 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.

    For questions about this program, contact Brian Nakamura at Sheriff’s Office: (303) 441-7896 or email Sheriff’s [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lafayette office without an appointment.

    Next Steps

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    According to Brian Nakamura, director of Sheriff’s Office, this program served 35% more residents in 2026 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Lafayette and the surrounding area,” Brian Nakamura said.

  • Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Jamestown

    Commissioners Call for Strengthened Community Immigrant Protections Near Jamestown

    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.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 27% of properties in the Boulder 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.

    Funding of $464,000 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 2024 budget session.

    Related Programs

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their May 12 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    Environmental review of the project area near SH-119 Diagonal Highway found 9 sensitive species and 3 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Community Planning & Permitting worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    What You Need to Know

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 583 affordable housing units since its inception, with 250 additional units in the development pipeline.

  • Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Applications Open for Youth Corps Team Leader Positions — August 2026

    Boulder County is accepting applications for Youth Corps Team Leader positions for the 2026 season. Team Leaders supervise crews of young adults working on conservation projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and wildfire fuel reduction across Boulder County open space properties. Positions start in May.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Public Works, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Residents in the Lyons area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Public Works at (303) 441-1220 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Eligibility

    For questions about this program, contact David Thompson at Public Works: (303) 441-1220 or email Public [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Lyons office without an appointment.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Background

    The application deadline is June 15, 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 program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

  • January: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    January: Boulder County Launches Updated Online Building Permit Portal

    Boulder County Community Planning & Permitting has launched an updated online building permit portal with improved search functionality, real-time status tracking, and mobile-friendly document uploads. The new system reduces average permit review times by 15% and allows applicants to schedule inspections online.

    According to Sarah Mitchell, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 20% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Nederland and the surrounding area,” Sarah Mitchell said.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 20% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Details

    Affordable housing remains the top priority identified in the 2024 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,197 affordable housing units since its inception, with 241 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 30% of properties in the Nederland 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.

  • Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    Resource Conservation Division Releases February Newsletter

    The February edition of the Boulder County Resource Conservation newsletter features updates on the 2026 composting grant program, tips for reducing food waste at home, upcoming zero waste events, and a spotlight on local businesses achieving zero waste certification.

    Residents in the Superior area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Community Justice Services at (303) 441-7370 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Volunteers contributed over 12,665 hours to this program last year. The Community Justice Services coordinates with 24 nonprofit partner organizations throughout Boulder County to deliver services.

    Resources

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their June 17 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 2,631 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    Parks & Open Space Welcomes New Director — Follow-Up Report

    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.

    The Sheriff’s Office processed over 5,290 applications last year, with an average processing time of 13 business days. Staff are available at the Superior office Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    How to Participate

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $117,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Contact Information

    Water quality monitoring at 14 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Sheriff’s Office publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The Superior Senior Center offers related programming including free legal consultations, tax preparation assistance, health screenings, and social activities. Over 1,691 seniors participated in center programs last year.

  • Boulder Community Briefing: All Trails Closed West of Highway 36 Due to High Wind Conditions

    Boulder Community Briefing: 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.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2024, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    The Mud Lake open space property encompasses 2,363 acres and features 13 miles of multi-use trails. Seasonal wildlife closures may apply from December 15 through July 15 to protect nesting raptors and elk calving areas.

    Details

    According to Maria Gonzalez, director of Area Agency on Aging, this program served 47% more residents in 2024 compared to the previous year. “We’re seeing unprecedented demand from communities across Boulder County, particularly in Erie and the surrounding area,” Maria Gonzalez said.

    Data from the 2024 Boulder County Community Survey shows that 47% of respondents rated this service as “important” or “very important.” The survey, conducted every two years, received 3,147 responses from residents across the county.

    How to Participate

    Water quality monitoring at 20 stations along Boulder Creek, St. Vrain Creek, and Left Hand Creek showed all parameters within acceptable ranges for 2024. The Area Agency on Aging publishes quarterly water quality reports on the Boulder County website.

    The project includes improvements along South Boulder Road between Erie and the intersection with CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway. Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2026 with completion expected within 8 months.

  • Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Hygiene Area

    Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Now in Effect for Unincorporated Boulder County — Hygiene Area

    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.

    Public comment on this matter can be submitted through the Boulder County online portal, by email to Community Planning & Permitting, or in person at the next Board of County Commissioners meeting. Written comments received by 5:00 PM the day before the hearing will be included in the public record.

    Colorado state law requires all counties to provide these services to eligible residents. Boulder County exceeds minimum state requirements by offering expanded hours, multilingual support, and online access. In 2026, the county received a state award for excellence in service delivery.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Eligible participants include Boulder County residents with household incomes at or below 40% of Area Median Income (AMI). For a family of four, this is approximately $45,000 per year. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    For questions about this program, contact Rachel Stein at Community Planning & Permitting: (303) 441-2527 or email Community Planning & [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Walk-in services are available at the Longmont office without an appointment.

  • Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder Canyon Trail Closure Due to Rockfall Mitigation Work — Follow-Up Report

    Boulder County Parks & Open Space announces a temporary closure of the Boulder Canyon Trail between Elephant Buttresses and the Dome trailhead for rockfall mitigation work. Crews will be scaling loose rock and installing mesh netting along a 400-foot section of cliff face above the trail. The closure is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting.

    Residents in the Lafayette area should note that service boundaries may differ from city limits. For properties in unincorporated Boulder County, contact Transportation at (303) 441-4901 to verify eligibility and requirements.

    Environmental review of the project area near CO-72 Peak-to-Peak Highway found 6 sensitive species and 2 wetland areas requiring mitigation. The Transportation worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a habitat conservation plan.

    How to Participate

    Wildfire risk mapping conducted by Wildfire Partners shows that 29% 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.

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 92% below 2005 levels by 2030. This project contributes to those goals through energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy integration, and reduced vehicle miles traveled.

    Community Impact

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

    The Heil Valley Ranch open space property encompasses 307 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.

  • Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Boulder Area

    Sheriff’s Office Announces Annual National Night Out Community Events — Boulder Area

    The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office invites residents to participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4. Community events will be held in neighborhoods throughout unincorporated Boulder County featuring safety demonstrations, K-9 unit appearances, crime prevention information, and family-friendly activities.

    Safety data from the Erie area shows 42 reported incidents in the past 12 months, a 11% change from the previous year. The Sheriff’s Office has increased patrols along SH-7 / Ute Highway and added community outreach programs in response to resident feedback.

    The program is modeled after similar successful initiatives in Larimer County and Jefferson County. Boulder County’s version includes additional provisions for wildfire mitigation, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

    Next Steps

    Climate considerations are central to this effort. Boulder County’s 2025 Climate Action Plan sets targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions 41% 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 2026 Community Survey. Boulder County’s Worthy Cause program has funded 1,898 affordable housing units since its inception, with 276 additional units in the development pipeline.

    Community Impact

    The Anne U. White open space property encompasses 2,423 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.

    The Board of County Commissioners will review progress on this initiative at their July 7 business meeting. Agenda items and supporting documents are posted on the Boulder County website 72 hours before each meeting.