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Boulder OSMP launches $75,000 pilot to cost‑share prairie‑dog barriers
Summary
Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks unveiled a $75,000 pilot that will cover 50% of approved prairie‑dog barrier costs at a flat rate of $12.88 per lineal foot; 30 applications closed Dec. 3 and awards are expected in early 2025.
Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) told residents that it has launched a pilot barrier cost‑share program to reduce conflicts between prairie dogs and neighboring properties. "We have $75,000 in funds for this initial pilot program," a presenter said, adding that the program covers 50% of barrier costs using a flat fee of $12.88 per lineal foot based on recent contractor averages.
The program received 30 applications during a two‑week application window that closed Dec. 3. Staff said they will score and prioritize applications if demand outstrips the set‑aside money and expect to announce awards in early 2025. The payment structure was clarified with a numeric example: a 100‑foot barrier at $12.88/ft costs $128; the program would pay roughly $64 (50%).
OSMP recommended chicken‑wire aprons as the standard, calling chicken wire the most cost‑effective option while acknowledging hard (metal) barriers perform better where a property line cuts through an active colony. Staff said applicants may propose alternative materials but ‘‘we aren’t gonna provide any additional cost for different materials.’’
Staff explained the program’s preferred installation: barriers should generally be placed fully on the private property (including the apron facing the colony) to avoid interfering with OSMP management actions or existing boundary fences. If OSMP‑side installation is feasible, an extra legal agreement will be required.
Staff also emphasized that barriers require maintenance and that a barrier is not a perfect solution: gates left open or necessary wildlife passages (punch‑outs for coyotes) can create vulnerabilities. Follow‑up communications will be one‑on‑one with approved applicants to fine‑tune barrier plans and maintenance expectations.
Next steps: staff will notify applicants, post the presentation materials and recording on the OSMP prairie‑dog web pages, and bring the proposal and public comments to the Open Space Board of Trustees in February before sending an information packet to City Council.
