New Water Conservation Toolkit available
The city of Boulder's Water Conservation Office (WCO) is excited to announce the development of a Water Conservation Assessment Toolkit designed for industrial, commercial and institutional water users. The toolkit assists business owners with general water conservation audits and provides conservation strategies that outline the costs to benefits of making efficiency changes. The toolkit is available online at www.bouldersaveswater.net/. For more information, visit www.bouldersaveswater.net/ or contact Paul Lander, city of Boulder Utilities Division at 303-413-7407.

City of Boulder Utilities Division seeks feedback
A draft of the city of Boulder's Water Conservation (WC) Plan is now available for public comment at www.boulderutilities.net/. Comments will be accepted through Friday, April 25. This update and subsequent plan approval, will allow the city to apply for state grant funds to implement projects within the plan. This represents an opportunity to obtain supplemental funding for water conservation tools and programs for city of Boulder water customers. For more information, contact Paul Lander, city of Boulder Utilities Division, at 303-413-7407.

CatalpaPark pedestrian bridge re-opened
The bridge at Catalpa Park, located north of Iris Avenue between 19 th Street, Cloverleaf Drive and Catalpa Way, is open to the public following construction. Work to replace the deteriorating concrete surface began in March, and was a collaborative project between the Parks and Recreation Department and the Transportation Division. The old bridge was recycled. For more information, call John Cogdill, city of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department, at 303-441-3409.

Learn about Boulder history
Join city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department Mountain Man Jake for a short hike to learn about the history of Boulder from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. For more information, visit or call 303-441-3440.

Take your camera for a hike
Join city of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department naturalist Ellen Orleans for an easy hike from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. Participants should bring a camera to take spring photographs. For more information, visit or call 303-441-3440.

Learn about spring raptor migration
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) Department ranger naturalist Rick Hatfield will lead an easy hike to look for migrating raptors from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. Meet at the NCAR Trailhead at the west end of Table Mesa Drive. Learn about naturalist histories, the importance of preserving migratory corridors and identification clues as they sit and watch for raptors on the wing. Participants should bring binoculars, and dress for the weather. For more information, visit or call 303-441-3440.

Relax on a contemplative hike
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) naturalist Jake Davis will lead a contemplative hike from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 21 . Meet at the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage, 900 Baseline Road. There will be frequent stops to focus on the power of the human spirit, tranquility and introspection. For more information, visit or call (303) 441-3440.

Housing and Human Services conducts flood drill
The city of Boulder's Departmentof Housing and Human Services (HHS) will conduct an emergency flood evacuation drill at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15. All HHS facilities and administrative offices will be closed for a brief period of time for the drill.The West Boulder Senior Center at 909 Arapahoe Ave., East Boulder Senior Center at 5660 Sioux Driveand the Children, Youth and Families Building at 2160 Spruce St. will be closed from 9 to 9:15 a.m. The department's administrative office located at 1101 Arapahoe Ave. will be closed from 9 to 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact Kellie Battaglia, 303-441-3157 or battagliak@bouldercolorado.govThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Changes in Boulder Reservoir boat permit sale hours
In response to customer feedback, Boulder Reservoir boat and mooring permit sale hours have been changed to better accommodate users. From April 7 to May 2, permits will be sold from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday and Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. From May 3 to May 25, permits will be sold from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and from May 26 to Sept. 1, permits will be sold from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For a complete list of sale hours, permit information and fees, visit www.boulderrez.org/ or call 303-441-3461. All permits must be purchased at the Boulder Reservoir, 5565 N. 51 st St. Beginning this year, reservoir mooring spaces will be assigned, and all patrons purchasing a wet, dry or shore mooring pass much also have a boat permit.

Summer adult softball registration deadline April 16
The registration deadline for 2008 summer adult softball leagues is April 16, with the 12-game summer season beginning the week of May 5. Men's fast- and slow-pitch, co-ed, women's competitive and recreational leagues are available. For league descriptions, rules and to register, visit www.bprsports.org/, call 303-413-7270 or visit any city of Boulder recreation center. For more information, contact Lenore Knox, Parks and Recreation Department, at 303-441-3416.

Volunteers needed for Myrtle spurge weed eradication project at MaxwellLake
The city of Boulder Parks and Recreation Department'sUrban Resources divisionis looking for volunteers ages 17 and older to help with a Myrtle spurge weed eradication project from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at Maxwell Lake.The state of Colorado considers Myrtle spurge a high-priority weed for removal from natural eco-systems and wildlands. Volunteers are required towearlong-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes. All other equipment will besupplied.ToRSVP or for more information, callthe Parks and Recreation Department at 303-413-7245.

Opening on the Downtown Management Commission
The Boulder City Council is currently accepting applications for the Downtown Management Commission (DMC). City Boards offer residents a unique opportunity to become involved in local government and in the community. The Downtown Management Commission has the combined responsibilities of the previous Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID) Board and the Downtown Mall Commission, aswellas quality of life improvement in the CAGID. Applicants for the DMC seat must be a city elector, at least 18 years of age, female, reside within the Boulder city limits, and either own or represent property in the CAGID district. Applications can be picked up from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Council Office, 1777 Broadway, or you can apply online at www.bouldercolorado.gov/ and click on "Boards and Commissions". The deadline to apply is 5 p.m.on Friday, May 9, no late applications or postmarks will be accepted. Appointments will be made May 20. For more information, contact Heidi Haberman, Boulder City Council Office, (303) 441-3002.