HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-12-23 Public Comment - McQueary Family - Opportunity for this commission and Gran Cielo llFrom:McQ
To:Agenda
Cc:Lara Schulz; gcm9999@hotmail.com
Subject:Opportunity for this commission and Gran Cielo ll
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 11:25:22 PM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission
Mature, native trees which make up the rural-urban forests found throughout the city and thisvalley are very scarce. All of us, including the developers who come here to turn a profit,
need to prioritize the conservation of these ever more fragmented forests. The opportunity toset ourselves apart in whatever role we have in development needs to happen now. In
particular, the forest between Graf and Kurk streets needs to be preserved. The mature, nativetrees on this property only represent 2% of the 80 acres being proposed for development. What
does it say about responsible development if this forest can't be preserved? Ecologicallyspeaking, this forest habitat with its abundant life is thriving and expanding and is home to
numerous plant, invertebrate and vertebrate speices. Individuals from the group attempting todevelop these 80 acres have made false claims several times as to the condition of the trees
and their reliance on surface water. The trees here are thriving on groundwater and are notdependent on the irrigation ditch which only runs irregularly for 40-50 days a year. Nor are
they reliant on the relic ditch which hasn't held water for several decades. The new owners ofthe 80 acres are very fortunate in that they have acquired 50% of all the native mature trees in
the nearest section of land comprising 640 acres (see google earth images in the link below).They also have inherited a waterway that, when running, resembles a beautiful stream (see
photos in the link below) which if included in a creative site plan design could be a great waterfeature for future residents. The development group, if encouraged, has a unique opportunity
to design a very progressive ecological site plan while preserving the intact forest as it is. Thisdoesn't mean installing pallets of sod within the native trees from a nursery and calling it a
natural area, this would be another thirsty park which contrary to belief, is not a natural area. Creating a development that aims to conserve one of our rare city forest habitats will take
effort and flexibility from you, the city commission. We have been told by these developersthat city regulations are what keeps them from preserving trees. Developers need to be guided
by you to create something we can all feel good about and that you and the developer can beremembered for. The opportunity to create a lasting template that supports
responsible development is in your hands right now.
Philosophically and emotionally speaking I need you to know that it would be very damagingto our daily lives to lose this forest which is less than 70' from our residence.
Link to Kurk St forest images
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2zne1c3gjfw4bqt/AACoRa84JzkJN-r4LLQJKCF8a?dl=0
Kurk Street forest bird list. Some passing through and most nesting here.
American RobinYellow Warbler
Macgillivray's WarblerWarbling Vireo
VeeryBlack Capped Chickadee
Sandhill CraneWestern Wood-Pewee
Red-Tailed HawkBald Eagle
Sharp Shinned HawkAmerican Goldfinch
European StarlingHouse Sparrow
MagpieAmerican Crow
Common RavenWestern TanagerPileated Woodpecker seen twice here since 2020 ; very rare in northern Rocky MtnsRosy Finches seen once in 2022; rare in this habitat
House WrenHouse Finch
Common NightHawkCommon Snipe
Ferruginous HawkSwainson's Hawk
Canada GooseMallard Duck
Northern FlickerNorthern Harrier
Dusky FlycatcherEvening Grosbeak
Pine GrosbeakEurasian and Morning Dove
Rufous HummingbirdGreat Horned Owl
Current citizens
Chris, Lara, Remy, Margaret McQueary