NCA recognized by Boulder County for Clean-Up Day

The Niwot Community Association (NCA) received notice from Wildfire Partners, a group partnering with the Boulder County Planning & Permitting Department dedicated to wildfire mitigation, that the NCA's annual "Clean-Up Day" was one of the larger chipping events in Boulder County in 2024.

Zack Bertges, Chipping Coordinator with Wildfire Partners, notified John Barto of the NCA that an appreciation event was being held for those with successful chipping events in 2024.

Barto has been leading the NCA's Clean-Up Day for the past six years after taking over from Tom Sesnic. While this event has been an NCA staple for over two decades, this year's event, which was held in May, was the first time the NCA worked with Wildfire Partners in chipping yard debris on-site. "We've always collected yard waste," said Barto, "but this was the first year having this specific team on site." Barto said that yard waste previously went into large dumpsters provided by Western Disposal.

Barto also noted that having Wildfire Partners there with a team of designated workers to handle debris and equipment made that aspect of Clean-Up Day a lot safer for volunteers, many of whom are members of Scout Troop 161 and the Niwot High School Band. Previously, volunteers would load large dumpster trailers with the debris and have to stomp it down and break it up manually.

"I feel grateful to be invited to this (appreciation) event on behalf of the NCA," said Barto, "and to be a part of such a successful event and to work with such great people to make [Clean-Up Day] happen."

Clean-Up Day will take place again in mid-May in the Niwot High School parking lot. Be sure to follow the NCA on social media for updates as the event gets closer.