Good Wednesday morning, Boulder. Today’s BRL Today is sponsored by Motus Theater. Get your tickets for “Many Paths, One Home,” an interactive performance where audience stories come to life on stage, April 4.
Leading today’s edition: With a summer-like spring already here and summer just around the corner, Boulder is shifting its strategy to fight an invasive plant at the reservoir. After abandoning a stalled herbicide plan, the city is turning to diver-led removal as officials warn unchecked growth could disrupt recreation, strain finances and threaten water quality.
Visitors can expect to see crews on the water this spring and summer, targeting swim beaches and high-use areas to keep the reservoir open during peak season. Certified divers may also be able to help, as the city plans to recruit support. Por Jaijongkit reports.
Also today: Brian Keegan is back with his column, Charting Boulder, examining what more than 800,000 words reveal about how the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan has evolved over nearly 50 years. His analysis finds the 2026 draft marks the biggest shift yet, moving away from the directive growth controls of 1977.
And if you missed Tuesday’s Nibbles by John Lehndorff, you can sign up here. This week, he covers the return of Wild Oats as a new line of natural food products starting in Boulder, plus more local food news.
Plus more, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Rain today, mountain snow, then a warm-up and cooldown.
- Resource Central: A more waterwise yard starts with a free sprinkler evaluation. (sponsored)
- Fire risk: Severe season ahead; sign up for alerts now.
- Fire restrictions: Stage 1 in effect countywide.
- Courts: Supreme Court strikes down Colorado conversion therapy ban.
- Infrastructure: $25M waterline done; 63rd reopens.
- Open space: Caribou Ranch closes through June.
Thanks, as always, for reading,
– The BRL team
Motus Playback Theater presents Many Paths, One Home: Stories of Colorado and Country, an interactive performance where audience stories come to life on stage. In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States and 150 years of Colorado, this unique event invites reflection on family, migration, belonging, and democracy. Share or witness as personal stories are transformed through live improvisation into moments of connection, understanding, and community. Get tickets.
Boulder turns to divers to fight invasive milfoil at reservoir after herbicide plan stalls
After abandoning a chemical treatment, the city will deploy divers and composting to contain Eurasian watermilfoil and protect recreation and water supply. Continue reading…
Brian Keegan: What 822,505 words reveal about how Boulder’s comprehensive plan has changed since 1977
A full-text analysis of every plan since 1977 shows the 2026 draft diverges more than any previous version, with a shift toward climate resilience, equity, housing and community identity. Continue reading…
Rain showers in town, snow continues in the mountains
Today brings Boulder’s best shot at meaningful moisture this week. A passing storm system will form a surface low pressure over east-central Colorado, boosting upslope into the Boulder area through the day. Expect scattered to numerous showers this afternoon and evening, with a few isolated thunderstorms possibly mixed in as well. Highs will reach near 60, and most areas will see light rain totals, generally under 0.25 inches.
The mountains fare much better, with 3-9 inches of snow above 10,000 feet through tonight, with another round arriving by Friday.
Tomorrow briefly warms back into the 70s with elevated fire danger before another cold front sweeps through Thursday evening or night. Ensemble guidance has trended the more impressive late-week storm system further north, meaning greatly reduced chances for precipitation in Boulder to end the week, though the northern mountains should still squeeze out some decent snow.
Reduce water waste with a simple sprinkler check (sponsored)
Get your sprinklers set to be smarter and more waterwise. With a free Slow the Flow sprinkler evaluation from conservation nonprofit Resource Central, you can reduce water waste, boost efficiency and keep your landscape resilient. Join the interest list today for a chance to schedule your free evaluation this season. Spots are limited, and this simple step can make a big impact on your outdoor water use.
A reminder: Sign up for emergency alerts as fire risk rises in Boulder County
As Boulder County heads into what officials warn could be a severe fire season, emergency managers are urging residents to sign up for local alert systems now, not in the middle of one.
Conditions are already concerning. “Our 1,000-hour fuels are down to 8%,” a county fire manager told Boulder Reporting Lab last week, adding that grasses are “fully cured” and ready to burn. For the first time, crews have also been unable to burn slash piles in the mountains due to a lack of snow.
Officials say preparation now can make a critical difference when minutes matter. Residents can sign up for BOCO Alert at BOCOalert.org to receive evacuation orders by text, call or email. For broader updates, including fire size, road closures and shelter information, text BOCOinfo to 888777.
Stage 1 fire restrictions now in effect across unincorporated Boulder County
All of unincorporated Boulder County is under Stage 1 fire restrictions as of March 30, expanding earlier limits in the eastern part of the county, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Officials cited increasing fire danger, dry conditions and hot weather. Restrictions will remain until conditions improve.
Open fires, campfires and charcoal grills on public lands are prohibited, along with fireworks, most recreational shooting and certain activities like welding, smoking and operating equipment without proper safeguards. Some fires, including those in permanent fire pits or approved fuel devices, are still allowed.
Violations can result in fines of up to $500, with higher penalties for repeat offenses.
Supreme Court ruling threatens Colorado conversion therapy ban, draws local response
Boulder-based Rocky Mountain Equality says it is “sickened” by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors as applied to talk therapy, warning it could weaken protections for youth and limit states’ ability to regulate harmful medical practices. “Conversion therapy is still harmful. It is still linked to depression, trauma, and suicide in young people,” the group said.
In an 8-1 decision, the court found the law violated the First Amendment by restricting what licensed therapists can say to clients, calling it an “egregious” form of viewpoint discrimination. The case was brought by a Colorado Springs therapist who argued the law prevented her from counseling clients consistent with their religious beliefs. The decision does not immediately repeal Colorado’s law but puts it under legal threat as officials review next steps, the New York Times reported.
Boulder completes $25M waterline upgrade
The City of Boulder has completed a $25 million project replacing nearly two miles of aging waterlines between CO 119 and Boulder Creek, one of the city’s largest recent investments in drinking water infrastructure.
The old line was nearing the end of its lifespan, making it more vulnerable to failure and harder to maintain. The new pipes are now fully operational, improving reliability and delivering water to Gunbarrel residents, businesses and the broader Boulder community.
South 63rd Street has reopened to all travel following construction, though final resurfacing is expected in late spring.
Caribou Ranch closes for seasonal wildlife protections
Caribou Ranch will be closed April 1 through June 30 to protect spring migratory birds and elk during calving and rearing season. The park is scheduled to reopen July 1.
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