HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-23 Public Comment - A. Craighead - comments prior to july 27 meeting and gallagator trailFrom:April Craighead
To:Agenda
Cc:Jennifer Madgic; Terry Cunningham
Subject:[EXTERNAL]comments prior to july 27 meeting and gallagator trail
Date:Wednesday, July 26, 2023 3:57:02 PM
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Dear Madam/Sir,
I would like to make comments regarding the upcoming July 27 meeting regarding a few issues
specifically pertaining to the possibility of paving and or installing lights on the Gallagator trail. I think
both of these options would be ecologically and aesthetically wrong for a multitude of reasons.
The trail is heavily used by a multitude of recreationists and home to many species of birds and
mammals. In the case of lighting, bright lights can increase the opportunities for predators to stalk
small mammals and resting birds at night. There are numerous studies that show that nighttime
lights can change activity patterns for breeding birds in a variety of negative ways.
https://www.audubon.org/magazine/may-june-2013/night-lights-may-affect-urban-birds
https://www.fws.gov/story/threats-birds-collisions-nighttime-lighting
As Bozeman grows, the proliferation of nighttime lights is everywhere and there are few places in
the city that people and animals aren’t overwhelmed by them. I understand that from a safety point
of view, lights might be useful, but people can always use headlamps.
If I remember correctly from the PRAT plan, the Gallagator trail is considered an anchor route and
I’m not sure I fully understand that designation. Does that mean that it is a main thoroughfare for
commuters? Perhaps this designation could be further clarified in the PRAT plan but I don’t’ think
that the majority of people use it for commuting purposes. GVLT might have better data on that.
Regardless of that, an anchor route does not need to be paved. Personally, I have run and biked on
that trail for many years and I specifically like it because it is not paved. There are few places in town
that provide a dirt surface for running which many people prefer and it is much easier on one’s
joints. It is also aesthetically much more appealing to be on a dirt track versus an asphalt one.
Studies in the Rio Grande region of New Mexico determined that most people want dirt trails over
asphalt trails when recreating. https://cdn2.assets-servd.host/material-
civet/production/images/documents/Rio-Grande-Trail-Corridor-Study-Trail-Surfacing-Report.pdf
Paving the trail would be extremely expensive with layers of gravel, earth moving, tree removal and
other physical treatments to the existing path. Asphalt will crumble and buckle over time, repairs
and maintenance are expensive, it leaches potential toxins into the nearby stream (which is part of
our drinking water) and with asphalt comes speed. Some cyclists already use the Gallagator trail at
higher speeds and asphalt will only increase that. Currently there are numerous little children,
strollers and pets on that trail and it doesn’t need people going faster.
Sincerely,
April Craighead
April Craighead
Wildlife Biologist
Craighead Institute
201 So. Wallace Ave
Suite B2D
Bozeman, MT. 59715
406 585-8705
april@craigheadinstitute.org