HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-23 Public Comment - M. Kaveney - comments on PRAT plan for PUF Advisory Board meeting tonightFrom:Marcia Kaveney
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]comments on PRAT plan for PUF Advisory Board meeting tonight
Date:Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:29:03 AM
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Dear Madam/Sir-
I would like to make the following comments on the PRAT plan discussion tonight- July 27,
2023.
While the Gallagator Trail may be an often used pathway to get from point A to point B, Ibelieve it's best attribute is that it's the only gravel trail of its kind that provides downtown
access to a heavenly slice of nature. While living in the historic part of downtown, I treasuredthat trail for access to the university as well as the creek that meanders next to it. I took my
children first in strollers and then on bikes so they could access some natural areas up closewithout having to get in cars. It is a terrific slice of nature for bird watching, spending time by
water, and strolling through meadows. The permeable path is easy on runners who, like me,seek out non-paved pathways, has less toxic run-off than asphalt, is less expensive to maintain,
and doesn't buckle after a hard winter like asphalt might, and is still ADA accessible.
Additionally, although our city has dark sky guidelines, our valley is greatly increasing inambient light and there are few places to get a true night experience. Although I know many
people feel safer with lit pathways, I think lights will have an overall negative effect onthe trail experience. There are many well lit opportunities for walking and riding at night on
the neighboring sidewalks and streets but few options for dark skies. Additionally, headlampsare commonly used by bike riders and night walkers, and every modern cell phone now is
equipped with a bright flashlight. I think it should be a priority that the city leave a fewaccessible dark places in the downtown core for night sky watching, mental health, and safe
animal corridors.
An additional note on trails- I would like to reiterate my views on trails within watercoursesetbacks. Due to wildlife disturbance, channelizing of spring run-off on compacted soils, and
polluted run-off from asphalt, I hope the PUF Advisory Board will recommend that trails ofany kind not be allowed in any zone of watercourse setbacks- except those that might connect
to a bridger crossing of viewing platform .
Thanks very much for considering these comments.Sincerely,
Marcia Kaveney