The Boulder Community Alliance is trying to figure that out.

"We're lucky we have evolved, but we aren't going to stay lucky," says alliance President Curtis Oberhansly. "We want to keep Boulder Boulder."

A semi-retired lawyer from Salt Lake City, Oberhansly and a few friends established the non-profit civic group last fall. Funded by private donations, it meets monthly to fill in some of the gaps left by the town's government.

The alliance came to life last year, partly to provide a presence in Garfield County's plans to map off-highway vehicle trails. Since then, the group has explored hospice care, library improvements, native grasses and oral histories.

It has already started a newsletter, The Sage Page, and has a part-time executive director.

And, as is true for any town run by volunteers, anybody's welcome.

Sue Fearon, who runs Escalante Canyon Outfitters with her husband, says the group provides yet another opportunity for locals to volunteer for the greater good in areas where they have special interests or expertise. She got involved when a longtime resident left his home because there was no certified hospice care in town.

"It's about asking not what your community can do for you," she says, borrowing a phrase. "It's about what you can do for your community."

fahys@sltrib.com