Good Friday 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: We’ve been tracking the impact of the Trump administration on Boulder’s labs and nonprofits for more than a year. Today, Brooke Stephenson reports that half of Boulder’s NOAA Global Monitoring Lab staff face furloughs as funding remains frozen.
The lab tracks greenhouse gases, ozone and solar radiation. Most scientists are funded through CU Boulder-affiliated grants paused since February, and 42 employees have been told they will be furloughed without pay unless funding is released. “When the money runs out, we need to stop the work,” said CIRES Director Waleed Abdalati.
Also today: Boulder is trying to expand housing options for the Sundance Film Festival. City council last night approved a new ordinance allowing tenants to sublease their homes during the 11-day event, with applications expected to open in early May. The move expands a program that previously only allowed property owners to participate, as officials prepare for tens of thousands of visitors. John Herrick reports.
More, Below the Fold:
- BoulderCAST: Windy today, then a warm and quiet weekend.
- Drought watch: Boulder urges residents to delay watering.
- City airport: Boulder seeks state funds for unleaded fuel.
- Boulder Canyon Trail: Bridge closure draws concern; fix planned.
- Boulder Canyon Drive: Driver killed in head-on crash.
- Wildfire Partners: Free chipping sign-ups open.
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.
Half of staff at Boulder’s NOAA Global Monitoring Lab face furloughs as funding freeze drags on
The lab tracks greenhouse gases and ozone. Most staff are employed through a cooperative agreement with CU Boulder and funded through federal grants the Trump administration has not released. Continue reading…
Boulder City Council approves ordinance allowing renters to sublease homes for Sundance Film Festival
Renters will be able to obtain a festival lodging license beginning in early May, expanding a program that previously only allowed property owners to participate. Continue reading…
Windy today, quiet 60s this weekend
A cold front slipped through overnight, and you’ll feel it in Boulder today. We’re cooler and windier as we ride the edge of a strong storm system passing well to our north. West‑northwest winds will be the main story this morning, with gusts peaking toward 50 mph before easing below 30 mph later in the day. The good news: The cooler, slightly moist post-frontal air will keep fire danger low. Highs will land in the low to mid‑50s.
This weekend, a quick rebound is on the way. Weak ridging will build back in, giving us a calm stretch of weather and temperatures climbing into the 60s, comfortably above normal for early April.
Next week will keep the warm theme going with highs in the 60s and even some 70s. We may see a few spotty afternoon showers begin to work into the forecast as early as Monday, but nothing looks widespread or noteworthy at this point.
Boulder enters drought watch, water restrictions possible next month
Boulder has entered a drought watch, the city announced Wednesday, urging residents to delay watering lawns and conserve water voluntarily. The advisory comes after an extremely dry winter, with record-low snowpack and early melt-off.
Recommended conservation measures include delaying lawn watering until May, limiting sprinkler use, transitioning to waterwise landscaping and fixing leaks. Sprinklers may still be used in public spaces where grass could be damaged without watering. Additional water use restrictions, if needed, will be announced on May 1 as the city tracks snowpack and water supply conditions. Read more on BRL.
Boulder seeks state funds to begin offering unleaded fuel at city airport
Boulder City Council has authorized the city manager to pursue a state grant to help subsidize unleaded aviation fuel, marking a step toward reducing the use of leaded fuel at Boulder Municipal Airport.
While leaded gas has been banned from automobiles and most aircraft, a lead compound is still permitted for smaller, piston-engine aircraft to help prevent engine knocking. In recent years, residents, scientists and city officials have raised concerns that leaded fuel at public airports exposes nearby communities to health risks.
The city’s application requests $63,000 from the Colorado Department of Transportation to offer a subsidy of up to $2 per gallon for unleaded avgas. Under a 2024 state law, the department has earmarked $1.5 million annually to help airports transition to unleaded aviation fuel by 2030, including Boulder’s. Read more on BRL.
County developing temporary fix for Boulder Canyon Trail bridge after criticism over closure
Boulder County Parks and Open Space is working on a short-term solution to allow pedestrian and bicycle traffic on a bridge along Boulder Canyon Trail, the county announced April 1, after criticism from local advocates over the lack of a detour or reopening timeline.
The bridge was recently closed after a large hole — about 6 feet long, 4 to 5 feet wide and 3 to 4 feet deep — formed beneath the trail. According to the county, material beneath the bridge’s rock slab has washed away, creating the risk of a sinkhole.
The closure, located about a quarter-mile east of Fourmile Canyon Drive, currently has no detour. Drivers should be aware of increased bike traffic on the road in the area. The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance has raised concerns that the lack of a detour or clear timeline could create safety risks, particularly as cyclists are forced onto Boulder Canyon Drive.
The repair project has been described as complex due to the bridge’s proximity to Boulder Creek, Boulder Canyon Drive and City of Boulder water infrastructure. The bridge will remain closed while a repair plan is developed and permits are secured. No timeline for reopening has been set.
Driver killed in head-on crash on Boulder Canyon Drive
A 76-year-old driver was killed Thursday morning in a head-on crash on Boulder Canyon Drive, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
The crash, reported around 9:23 a.m. near Chapman Drive, involved a 2020 Lexus RX350 and a 1997 Subaru Legacy. The Subaru driver was pronounced dead at the scene. An 83-year-old driver of the Lexus was taken to a hospital; their condition is unknown. The crash is under investigation.
Free wildfire chipping program opens across Boulder County
Boulder County is now accepting applications for its free community chipping program, which helps residents reduce wildfire risk by disposing of branches, brush and small trees.
Residents across the county can apply to host neighborhood events, with at least five participating households, including a host who submits the application. Reviews typically take one to two weeks, and on scheduled days, a county contractor provides a wood chipper. An express application is available for returning hosts. The program, funded by the Wildfire Mitigation Tax, reached more than 1,400 homes last year and is expected to grow further in 2026.
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