HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-08-23 Public Comment - G. Carmine - Vote to get rid of illegals!!!! (UC)From:Gavriel Carmine
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Vote to get rid of illegals!!!!
Date:Monday, August 7, 2023 5:10:50 PM
Attachments:Doc1.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
To whom it may concern,
The fact that this camper issue needs to be voted on proves the corruption of the Council of the City
of Bozeman, especially when one considers the fact that this issue has been growing for years and
has not been handled by those whose responsibility it is to uphold Wetland and Wildlife Protection
Laws in Bozeman. The attached pictures will show you examples of what the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) defines as activity that has an unacceptable impact on the environment.
Bozeman's wetlands and wildlife are not just an intrinsic part of OUR natural heritage, but they also
provide invaluable services such as maintaining water quality, preventing floods, and acting as
carbon sinks. Our city has been a steward of these natural resources, following local, state, and
federal laws designed to protect and enhance our environment. Yet, our wetlands and their wildlife
are under threat from illegal habitation.
As we all know, both the Federal Clean Water Act and Montana's Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) and Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) guidelines explicitly state the need for preserving
these fragile ecosystems. Our local laws and zoning ordinances further emphasize the importance of
upholding these regulations to protect our wetlands and wildlife. These protections exist for good
reason.
Illegal habitation in these areas not only disrupts the ecological balance but also threatens the long-
term sustainability of these lands. I urge the City Council to uphold these laws with utmost diligence
and take immediate action against the violators!!
We must consider the risks involved. Illegal habitation can lead to degradation of water quality,
disruption of wildlife habitats, and increased vulnerability to floods. Moreover, any violations of the
Clean Water Act or other environmental regulations could lead to fines or other penalties from state
or federal agencies, not to mention the irreparable damage to our local ecosystems.
In this light, I appeal to the Bozeman City Council to:
1. Enforce the existing environmental regulations strictly and take stringent actions against the
illegal invaders.
2. Increase surveillance in protected areas to prevent further illegal habitation.
3. Collaborate with Montana DEQ and FWP for assistance in the protection and preservation
of these lands.
4. Work towards public education about the importance of wetland and wildlife protection, and
how illegal habitation can be detrimental to these areas.
Our wetlands are a treasure, of which we are caretakers, not owners. It is our responsibility to
ensure their preservation for future generations. I hope you will reaffirm your commitment to these
lands and the rich biodiversity they host.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I expect common sense and reason to win in the
vote on the 8th.
Sincerely,
A CITIZEN OF BOZEMAN
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.