HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-19-21 Public Comment - A. Patnode - Bridger MeadowsFrom:Angela Patnode
To:Agenda
Subject:Bridger Meadows subdivision proposal
Date:Monday, July 19, 2021 8:27:14 PM
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Hello Bozeman City Commission,
I am writing to appeal the decision before the commission on the development of the Bridger Meadows
Subdivision.
Of greatest concern to me is the impact on the wetlands area that is proposal for development. As it's
currently proposed, part of the wetland will be infilled...in other words destroyed. Along with it, the plants,
water, insects, amphibians, bird nesting area and more will be gone as well.
Wetlands make up less than 1% of Montana state land, yet 50% of bird species depend on this habitat for
nesting, feeding, and migration. Montana has lost 1/3 of it's 1% of wetland areas due to development
(50% nationally, 100,000 acres destroyed annually).
If Bridger Meadows is developed as proposed, more will be lost. How much more can we continue to
destroy that which provides for us and still have a home to live on? And why are we not putting inherent
and economic value on the source that everything we consume comes from?
Bridger Meadows will provide housing for some people, which is needed, but it can be done without the
destruction of part of the wetland area. The proposed amount of infill is not considering the loss of the
wetland.
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act requires the Army Corp of Engineers to protect these areas, but ACE
approves almost of the proposed destruction/development, therefore ACE is providing no protection for
these fragile and important lands. It's up to us. Each one of us, to take a stand for those that do not have
a voice, but need our protection. That is you, you as city commissioner, because wetlands have value for
all of us on many levels:
*Improving water quality by filtering sediments and toxins out of water;
*Recharging wells and ground water supplies;
*Providing flood control;
*Enriching open space;
*Increasing real property values and marketability because of aesthetic attributes;
*Enhancing fish and wildlife habitat; and
*Improving recreational opportunities.
We do not have to continue making this mistake of calling the destruction of nature development. It
comes at a large cost when not all players and those impacted are taken into account.
Other important points:
Require that no weed spraying, herbicides or pesticides are used in the landscape within the subdivision
property
Require no dogs off leash, no bird feeders (for the bears)
The housing should be limited to the northwest meadow and southeast meadow
Lot size should be no bigger than 5500 square feet to allow for wildlife
Please, please, please reconsider approval and demand a more clear and wise revision from the
developer in favor of the wetland and wildlife. This land has one chance. You decide the fate of this land
and all the critters and value it inherently holds. Once it's gone, it's gone. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Angela Patnode
714 West Curtiss St.
20 year resident of Bozeman