HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-23 UPF Board Agenda and E PacketA.Call to Order - 6:00 PM
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B.Disclosures
C.Changes to the Agenda
D.Public Service Announcements
E.Approval of Minutes
E.1 Urban Parks and Forestry Minutes 08-14-2023(Phillips)
F.Public Comments
This is the time to comment on any matter falling within the scope of the Urban Parks & Forestry
Board. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public comment relating
to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Board cannot take action on
any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the Board shall speak in a
THE URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
UPF AGENDA
Thursday, August 24, 2023
General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche
repository.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
agenda@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the
meeting.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate
agenda items.
As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Mitch Overton, moverton@bozeman.net
1
civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please
state your name and place of residence in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your
comments to three minutes.
General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page.
G.Special Presentations
G.1 Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan(Henderson)
H.FYI/Discussion
I.Adjournment
This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Citizen Advisory Board meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability and
require assistance, please contact the City for ADA coordination at 406.582.2306 (TDD 406.582.2301).
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board
FROM:none
SUBJECT:Urban Parks and Forestry Minutes 08-14-2023
MEETING DATE:August 24, 2023
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:approve
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of
an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces.
BACKGROUND:none
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:none
ALTERNATIVES:none
FISCAL EFFECTS:none
Attachments:
Urban Parks and Forestry 08-14-23 Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: August 16, 2023
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Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 08-14-23
Page 1 of 5
Urban Parks and Forestry MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
08-14-2023
General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository.
A) 00:00:27 Call Special Meeting to Order - 6:00 PM
B) 00:02:02 Disclosures
C) 00:02:09 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:02:15 Public Service Announcements
00:02:45 Mayor Andrus will be sitting in for commissioner I-HO
Roll Call:
Present voters: Angie Kociolek, Dan Fenn, Donald Ulrich, Alice Stanley,
Liaison: Mayor Andrus, Parks and Recreation Director Mitch Overton
E) 00:02:49 Approval of Minutes
E.1 00:05:13 Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes 07-27-23
Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes 07-27-23.pdf
-00:00:01 Motion to approve approve
Angie Kociolek: Motion
Dan Fenn: 2nd
00:05:32 Vote on the Motion to approve approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Angie Kociolek
4
Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 08-14-23
Page 2 of 5
Dan Fenn
Donald Ulrich
Alice Stanley
Disapprove:
None
F) 00:05:42 Public Comments
G) 00:06:16 Special Presentations
00:08:56 Set E Resuming Angie Kociolek's proposed PRAT Amendments- Continuing on pages 10-
11, Finishing Amendments for batched vote at end of set E
-00:00:01 Motion to approve
Angie Kociolek: Motion
Alice Stanley: 2nd
01:32:53 Vote on the Motion to approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Angie Kociolek
Dan Fenn
Donald Ulrich
Alice Stanley
Disapprove:
None
01:33:00 Set H Kociolek's Amendments. Discuss pages 26 and 27 in the design manual
02:06:51 Motion to approve Staff making appropriate changes to anchor routes.
Dan Fenn: Motion
Donald Ulrich: 2nd
02:11:28 Vote on the Motion to approve Staff making appropriate changes to anchor routes. The
Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
Dan Fenn
5
Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 08-14-23
Page 3 of 5
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
Set F 02:19:42 of Angie Kociolek's amendments.
-00:00:01 Motion to approve
Angie Kociolek: Motion
Alice Stanley: 2nd
02:20:13 Vote on the Motion to approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
Dan Fenn
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
Staff re 02:31:23 Staff recommendations for Amendments to the PRAT
-00:00:01 Motion to approve Amend
Angie Kociolek: Motion
Alice Stanley: 2nd
02:45:36 Vote on the Motion to approve Amend The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
Dan Fenn
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
H) 00:06:20 Action Items
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Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 08-14-23
Page 4 of 5
H.1 02:45:54 Recommendation to the City Commission of Resolution 5502 Adopting
the Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation Plan (Continued from June 22, 2023)
PRAT-Plan_Resolution-5502_Revised.docx
PRAT-Plan_Resolution-5502_Clean-copy.docx
PRAT-Plan_Final-Draft.pdf
Appendix_1.1-Survey_Report.pdf
Appendix_1.2-Survey_Crosstabs.pdf
Appendix_2-Design_Manual.pdf
Appendix_3-Public_Engagement_Record.pdf
Appendix_4-Marketing_Assessment.pdf
Appendix_5-Parks_Inventory.pdf
Appendix_6-Recreation_Assessment.pdf
Appendix 7_Triangle-Trails-Plan.pdf
Work-Session-Analysis,Recommendations,Revisions.pdf
02:54:23 Motion to approve Recommendation to the City Commission of Resolution 5502 Adopting the
Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation Plan
Donald Ulrich: Motion
Angie Kociolek: 2nd
02:54:39 Vote on the Motion to approve Recommendation to the City Commission of Resolution 5502
Adopting the Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation Plan The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
Dan Fenn
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
Agenda it 02:55:16 Agenda item
02:55:22 Motion to approve
Donald Ulrich: Motion
Angie Kociolek: 2nd
02:55:47 Vote on the Motion to approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
7
Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 08-14-23
Page 5 of 5
Dan Fenn
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
02:56:05 Resolution going to commission September 12th 2023
Purpose to 02:57:59 create a final draft with revisions included
02:58:10 Motion to approve
Angie Kociolek: Motion
Dan Fenn: 2nd
02:58:22 Vote on the Motion to approve The Motion carried 4 - 0.
Approve:
Alice Stanley
Donald Ulrich
Dan Fenn
Angie Kociolek
Disapprove:
None
I) 02:58:34 FYI/Discussion
J) Adjournment
This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Edited Documents during 08-14-2023 meeting attached below
08-14-2023.Amendments spreadsheet draft
Angie edits PRAT final and DM 7.6.23 - edited during UPFB meeting 8.14.23
PRAT Priority Recommendations
8
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board
FROM:Jon Henderson, Strategic Services Director
SUBJECT:Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan
MEETING DATE:August 24, 2023
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Plan/Report/Study
RECOMMENDATION:Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.6 Habitat: Work with partner organizations to identify at-risk,
environmentally sensitive parcels contribute to water quality, wildlife
corridors, and wildlife habitat.
BACKGROUND:On April 16, 2018 the City Commission approved Resolution 4852 adopting
the City of Bozeman Strategic Plan. Section 6.6 of the Strategic Plan calls for
working with partner organizations to identify at-risk, environmentally
sensitive areas that contribute to water quality, wildlife corridors, and
wildlife habitat. On December 21, 2021 the City Commission approved
Resolution 5368 adopting the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan
as a City Commission priority for 2022-2023.
On July 12, 2022 the City Commission approved a Professional Services
Agreement with Logan Simpson for the development of the Gallatin Valley
Sensitive Lands Protection Plan.
The Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan is a comprehensive study
to evaluate habitat and corridors between urban and natural areas
throughout the valley before critical opportunities are lost to development.
Furthermore, the value of existing agricultural lands is considered as it
relates to the overall economic, cultural, and environmental vitality of the
region. Linkages and important wildlife habitat needed for all phases of
species’ lifecycle have been inventoried and evaluated in an effort to identify
critical corridors, including recommendations to protect sensitive lands in
these areas.
A Working Group of government agencies and non-profit organizations was
formed in 2022 to help guide the development of the plan, based on a wide
range of local experience, meeting several times over the past year and a
half. Committed partners include:
Animal Welfare Institute
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City of Belgrade
City of Bozeman
Criaghead Institute
Gallatin County
Gallatin Valley Land Trust
Gallatin Watershed Council
Gallatin Wildlife Association
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Freshwater Partners
Sacajawea Audubon Society
Sierra Club
U.S. Forest Service
Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative
Extensive public engagement has been conducted to inform the scope of
interconnected issues experienced within areas of sensitive lands related to
a number of stressors, including but not limited to, development,
transportation infrastructure, local economy, recreation, human wildlife
conflicts, and climate change. Public engagement efforts include a
statistically valid survey and two open houses which have helped shape
inputs of the plan to reflect values of the local community. Numerous
authoritative datasets have been assembled into geospatial models that help
visualize where sensitive lands may exist within the following themes.
Please see the attached materials for a complete list of data layers used to
develop model results.
Wildlife & Biodiversity: These lands contain important wildlife habitat
and plant communities that contribute to an intact and diverse
Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Keystone species, such as elk and
western slope cutthroat, require healthy and cohesive habitats on
these lands. Wildlife relies on the Gallatin Valley for food,
reproduction, and critical winter range.
Connectivity: These lands facilitate ecological interactions and the
movement of wildlife to food, shelter reproduction, clean water, and
critical winter ranges. This land also provides for the emotional and
physical well-being of residents, such as through scenic landscapes and
quality of life amenities. Nodes are often large publicly managed lands
with multi-use mandates. Corridors entered around water are often
limited in development potential.
Agricultural Heritage: These working lands provide food and livestock
production to maintain the community's historic economic base.
Agricultural lands also provide open space that helps maintain the
unique sense of place and provides space for wildlife movement and
winter wildlife habitat. This land is typically privately owned and
public access is limited.
10
Water Quality and Quantity: Water systems integrate with all other
themes as natural water features (wetlands, riparian areas, lakes,
streams, and rivers) which provide critical habitat and connectivity for
aquatic species and wildlife populations, clean drinking water, and
resiliency to natural disasters and climate change. Human made
irrigation infrastructure also provides value to the land in the form of
water delivery for working farms and ranches, and groundwater
recharge that supports the health of the entire ecosystem.
Preliminary model results are available within an interactive GIS map. This
GIS web mapping application is open and available to the public as a means
of providing access to a wide range of publicly available data in a user
friendly format to help inform decisions. This City of Bozeman GIS Division
will maintain this application over time, including enhancements and
updates to ensure the best available data is available to the community.
Draft recommendations (i.e., "tools") are also in development, to include a
mix of regulations and incentives. Please see the attached materials for a list
of all tools currently under consideration. These tools will be further
reviewed by the Working Group, in addition to input received from the
community, with a final draft available in October 2023.
Final products including GIS layers and specific policy and program
recommendations will serve a number of audiences including public officials,
citizens, developers, and other agencies in a way that informs decisions
about land use and management within the Gallatin Valley.
Jon Henderson, City of Bozeman Strategic Services Director, will provide a
brief introduction to the project in anticipation of a future Resolution
considered by the Urban Parks & Forestry Board in providing a formal
recommendation to the City Commission.
The Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Plan will be reviewed by the Sustainability
Board, the Urban Parks & Forestry Board, and the Community Development
Board, in addition to a public event in October to review the draft plan. The
City Commission will consider formal acceptance by Resolution, tentatively
scheduled for December 19, 2023. Implementation of tools listed in the
plan will begin in 2024 with considerations of how specific strategies might
inform future updates to City policy and codes, in addition to working with
regional partners to support implementation strategies beyond the city
limits.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the Urban Parks & Forestry Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
11
Attachments:
Data Modeling Methods by Theme.pdf
Preliminary Tool List.pdf
Report compiled on: August 17, 2023
12
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Bird Biodiversity Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high bird biodiversity (more biodiversity the more
sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this biodiversity
model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid, which is the
finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Reptile
Biodiversity
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high reptile biodiversity (more biodiversity the more
sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this biodiversity
model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid, which is the
finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Amphibian
Biodiversity
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high amphibian biodiversity (more biodiversity the
more sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this
biodiversity model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid,
which is the finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Plant
Biodiversity
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high plant biodiversity (more biodiversity the more
sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this biodiversity
model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid, which is the
finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Native Fish
Biodiversity
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high native fish biodiversity (more biodiversity the
more sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this
biodiversity model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid,
which is the finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Wildlife &
Biodiversity
These lands contain important wildlife habitat and plant communities that contribute to an intact and diverse Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Wildlife relies on the Gallatin Valley for food, reproduction, and critical winter range. All plants
and wildlife, and especially keystone species such as elk and western slope cutthroat, require healthy and cohesive habitats on these lands.
13
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Mammal
Biodiversity
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Locations of low to high mammal biodiversity (more biodiversity the
more sensitive the land as a critical ecosystem). Inputs to this
biodiversity model raster were normalized to a 90 x 90 meter grid,
which is the finest scale that this data can be considered for.
Optimal suitability: 75 - 100% of
value (3)
Moderate suitability: 25 - 75% of
value (2)
Low Suitability: 0 - 25% of value
(1)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 3. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 4. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://mtnhp.org/models
/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Wildlife and
Biodiversity
Results layer
Geodatabase
feature class
2023 This layer displays the results of the wildlife and biodiversity sensitivity
model, which consists of an overall sensitivity score calculated by
summing all scores assigned to each input layer, where higher scores
indicate areas with either a larger diversity of layers or higher individual
scoring for data present in the area.
NA 1. Creates a union of all processed input
layers. 2. Adds a field for overall sensitivity
score. 3. Calculates the sensitivity score by
adding all the scores calculated for each
input layer. 4. Deletes excess fields not
related to the assigned input and sensitivity
scores.
https://gallatin-valley-plan-
bozeman.hub.arcgis.com/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Montana
Wetland
Framework
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2021 Wetlands are a vital ecosystem for habitat corridors and connectivity
for wildlife and water quality/quantity.
Select all - buffer by 150 feet (300
foot corridor) (3)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Buffers riparian areas by 150 feet
on each side, creating a 300-foot corridor.
3. Adds an empty field for the wetland
score. 4. Calculates a score in the wetland
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/Geographic_Information
/Data/DataList/datalist_D
etails.aspx?did=%7Bf57e9
2f5-a3fa-45b2-9de8-
0ba46bbb2d46%7D
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Montana
Riparian
Framework
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2021 Riparian Areas are a vital ecosystem for habitat corridors and
connectivity for wildlife and water quality/quantity.
Select all - buffer by 150 feet (300
foot corridor) (3)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Buffers riparian areas by 150 feet
on each side, creating a 300-foot corridor.
3. Adds an empty field for the riparian
score. 4. Calculates a score in the riparian
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/Geographic_Information
/Data/DataList/datalist_D
etails.aspx?did=%7Bf57e9
2f5-a3fa-45b2-9de8-
0ba46bbb2d46%7D
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Wildlife & Biodiversity
These lands facilitate ecological interactions and wildlife movement to food, shelter, reproduction, clean water, and critical winter ranges. This land also provides for the emotional and physical well-being of residents, such as through
scenic landscapes and recreation. Nodes are often large publicly managed lands with multiple use mandates. While data representing wildlife corridors is not publicly available at the scale needed for this analysis, this layer represents
areas with more intact habitat, riparian and wetland areas, and big game winter distributions, which may indicate nodes that could benefit actual wildlife corridors if protected from degradation and connected through future protections.
Connectivity
14
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Conservation
Easements
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 Areas that are already protected by conservation easements so won't
need a priority ranking, but could influence protection of surrounding
sensitive lands. WIthin the connectivity model, these areas act as
desirable nodes to connect.
Select all (1)1. Extracts each layer only within the study
area (3 intersections). 2. Combines
conservation easements, managed areas,
and protected areas database layers into
one layer without overlap through two
unions. 3. Adds an empty field for the
protected lands score. 4. Calculates a score
in the protected lands score field from 1
(lowest) to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/geographic_information
/data/datalist/datalist_De
tails.aspx?did=%7B9d69b2
62-b766-11e2-bc7e-
f23c91aec05e%7D
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Managed Areas Shapefile Montana State
Library
2021 Contains information on special land designations that impact
management decisions. Examples include Indian Reservations, National
Wildlife Refuges, State Parks, and Wilderness Areas. WIthin the
connectivity model, these areas act as desirable nodes to connect.
Select all (1)https://mslservices.mt.go
v/geographic_information
/data/datalist/datalist_De
tails.aspx?did=%7B80C231
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Protected Areas
Database
Database U.S. Geological
Survey
2022 Unifies regions of wildlife corridors, watersheds, and trail systems.
WIthin the connectivity model, these areas act as desirable nodes to
connect.
Select all (1)https://www.usgs.gov/pro
grams/gap-analysis-
project/science/pad-us-
data-overview
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Randomized
Shortest Paths
for Grizzly Bear
Dispersal (GYE)
Raster U.S. Geological
Survey
2017 Randomized shortest path raster estimating potential dispersal paths
for male-mediated gene flow for one of two populations of grizzly
bears, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) population. Raster cell
size for this input is 300 x 300 meters.
No paths: 0 - 25% of value
Low Density: 25 - 50% of value
Moderate Density: 50% - 75% of
value
High Density: 75 - 100% of value
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 4. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 5. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://www.sciencebase.
gov/catalog/item/59149e
e6e4b0e541a03e9a58
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Randomized
Shortest Paths
for Grizzly Bear
Dispersal (NCDE)
Raster U.S. Geological
Survey
2017 Randomized shortest path raster estimating potential dispersal paths
for male-mediated gene flow for one of two populations of grizzly
bears, the North Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) population.
Raster cell size for this input is 300 x 300 meters.
No paths: 0 - 25% of value
Low Density: 25 - 50% of value
Moderate Density: 50% - 75% of
value
High Density: 75 - 100% of value
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Assigns a score from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) to each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column. 4. Converts
layer from raster to polygon. 5. Renames
the attribute field with rankings from
GRIDCODE to descriptive scoring field
name.
https://www.sciencebase.
gov/catalog/item/59149e
e6e4b0e541a03e9a58
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Elk Distribution
in Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2022 General and winter distribution of Elk. Distribution is not mapped in
National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game represent
important species in Gallatin Valley, especially during migration and
winter. These species may also correlate with other important species.
Select Winter Distribution (2)1. Selects winter distribution. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the elk score. 4.
Calculates a score in the elk score field from
1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for each attribute
as described in the attribute selection
column.
https://arcg.is/0bufmr Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Connectivity
15
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Mountain Goat
Distribution in
Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2023 General and winter distribution of Mountain Goat. Distribution is not
mapped in National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game
represent important species in Gallatin Valley, especially during
migration and winter. These species may also correlate with other
important species.
Select Winter Distribution (2)1. Selects winter distribution. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the mountain goat
score. 4. Calculates a score in the mountain
goat score field from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) for each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column.
https://arcg.is/0Tjujq Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Mule Deer
Distribution in
Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2023 General and winter distribution of Mule Deer. Distribution is not
mapped in National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game
represent important species in Gallatin Valley, especially during
migration and winter. These species may also correlate with other
important species.
Select Winter Distribution (2)1. Selects winter distribution. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the mule deer
score. 4. Calculates a score in the mule deer
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://arcg.is/1bG5Du0 Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Moose
Distribution in
Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2019 General and winter distribution of Moose. Distribution is not mapped in
National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game represent
important species in Gallatin Valley, especially during migration and
winter. These species may also correlate with other important species.
Select Winter Distribution (2)1. Selects winter distribution. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the moose score. 4.
Calculates a score in the moose score field
from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for each
attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://arcg.is/SyGXy Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Pronghorn
Antelope
Distribution in
Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2019 General distribution of Pronghorn Antelope. Distribution is not mapped
in National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game represent
important species in Gallatin Valley. These species may also correlate
with other important species.
Select General Distribution (1)1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Adds an empty field for the
pronghorn score. 3. Calculates a score in
the pronghorn score field from 1 (lowest)
to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://arcg.is/1Cyi95 Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
White-tailed
Deer
Distribution in
Montana
Shapefile Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and
Parks
Department
2020 General distribution of White-tailed Deer. Distribution is not mapped in
National Parks and Indian Reservations. Large game represent
important species in Gallatin Valley. These species may also correlate
with other important species.
Select General Distribution (1)1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Adds an empty field for the white-
tailed deer score. 3. Calculates a score in
the white-tailed deer score field from 1
(lowest) to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://arcg.is/L1fPr0 Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Connectivity
Results layer
Geodatabase
feature class
2023 This layer displays the results of the connectivity sensitivity model,
which consists of an overall sensitivity score calculated by summing all
scores assigned to each input layer, where higher scores indicate areas
with either a larger diversity of layers or higher individual scoring for
data present in the area.
NA 1. Creates a union of all processed input
layers. 2. Adds a field for overall sensitivity
score. 3. Calculates the sensitivity score by
adding all the scores calculated for each
input layer. 4. Deletes excess fields not
related to the assigned input and sensitivity
scores.
https://gallatin-valley-plan-
bozeman.hub.arcgis.com/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Connectivity
16
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Prime Soils/AG
Lands
Shapefile U.S. Geological
Survey
2022 This layer identifies soils that are important for farmland productivity.Select by FRMLNDCL:
All areas are prime farmland (3)
Farmland of local importance (2)
Farmland of statewide
importance (2)
Prime farmland if irrigated (1)
Not prime farmland (0)
1. For each county, extracts layer areas
only within the study area. 2. Adds an
empty field for the prime soils score. 3.
Calculates a score in the prime soils score
field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for each
attribute as described in the attribute
selection column. 4. Creates a union of the
prime soils layers for Gallatin, Madison, and
Broadwater Counties into one layer.
https://websoilsurvey.nrcs
.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSur
vey.aspx
GVLT suggested two
things: Prime soils tend to
be the most productive
and we place them slightly
higher than the others but
can't escape the context.
Three things that also
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Non-Irrigated
and Irrigated
Acres (Revenue
Final Land Unit
(FLU)
Classification)
File
Geodatabase
Feature Class
Work 2022 The Department of Revenue Final Land Unit Classification (FLU) is a
classification of private agricultural land into one of six uses, fallow, hay,
grazing, irrigated, and commercial and non-commercial forest. This
layer contains forested land and agricultural land that was not classified
as grazing. For the purposes of agriculture assessment, unclassed lands
are considered grazing. In the sensitive lands model, this layer indicates
lands that are important to agriculture, excluding grazing.
Select fallow, hay, specialty crop
(2)
Irrigated (3)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Calculates acres for each polygon.
3. Selects polygons classed as fallow, hay,
specialty crop, or continuously cropped. 3.
Adds an empty field for the agriculture
lands score. 4. Calculates a score in the
agriculture lands field from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) for each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/geographic_information
/data/datalist/datalist_De
tails.aspx?did=%7b3f9bb5
71-c148-4891-b929-
c70b6b1a2fd5%7d
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Waterways
(Ditches)
Shapefile Gallatin
County for
Gallatin
County; NHD
for remaining
study area
2022 Gallatin County data indicating the location of ditches, which are
important connectors for farmland water.
Select by Type:
Ditch or Piped Ditch (3)
Buffered 100 feet on each side,
creating a 200-foot corridor
1. Selects ditches and piped ditches. 2.
Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 3. Buffers ditches by 100 feet on each
side, creating a 200-foot corridor. 3. Adds
an empty field for the waterways ditches
score. 4. Calculates a score in the
waterways ditches field from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) for each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column.
https://gallatincomt.virtua
ltownhall.net/geographic-
information-
systems/pages/data-
download
Gallatin County
National
Hydrography
Dataset (NHD)
(Ditches)
File
Geodatabase
Feature Class
U.S. Geological
Survey
2019 NHD data indicating the location of ditches and piped ditches, which are
important connectors for farmland water.
Select by FCODE: 33600 -
Canal/Ditch (3) and 33601 -
Canal/Ditch: Aquifer (3)
1. Selects canals/ditches (FCodes 33600 and
33601). 2. Extracts layer areas only within
the study area. 3. Buffers ditches by 100
feet on each side, creating a 200-foot
corridor. 3. Adds an empty field for the
NHD ditches score. 4. Calculates a score in
the NHD ditches score field from 1 (lowest)
to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://apps.nationalmap.
gov/downloader/#/
Madison and
Broadwater Counties
These working lands provide food and livestock production to maintain the community’s historic economic base. Working farmlands also provide scenic views, community separation, and openness that help maintain the unique sense of
place. Agriculture secondarily provides wildlife habitat and movement, especially to wintering big game. This land is typically privately owned and public access is limited.
Agricultural
Heritage
17
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Visual Analysis
of Rural
Landscape
Raster Created from
10 meter
digital
elevation
model (DEM)
from the U.S.
Department of
Agriculture
Natural
Resources
Conservation
Services
Access
ed
March,
2023
Input prioritizing the visual identity of the rural community as analysis
from major roadways.
Visible areas (1)
Non-visible areas (0)
Prior to running the model, the geodesic
viewshed tool was run using as inputs 1) a
mosaic of 10 meter DEMs and 2)
viewpoints generated every 0.24 miles
along the interstate, Norris Road, and
Springhill Road, South 19th Avenue, and
U.S. 191 (labeled in the data as Gallatin
Road, Huffine Lane, and West and East
Main Street). The analysis was run with a
6ft observer elevation for a bare earth, 2-
mile viewshed. The output raster of this
process was then used as an input to the
model.
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Converts each cell value of a raster
to an integer, which is necessary for the
raster to be compatible with the raster to
polygon tool. 3. Converts the raster to a
polygon. 4. Adds an empty field for the
viewshed score. 5. Calculates a score in the
viewshed score field from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) for each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column.
DEM source:
https://datagateway.nrcs.usd
a.gov/GDGOrder.aspx
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Agricultural
Heritage
Results layer
Geodatabase
feature class
2023 This layer displays the results of the agricultural heritage sensitivity
model, which consists of an overall sensitivity score calculated by
summing all scores assigned to each input layer, where higher scores
indicate areas with either a larger diversity of layers or higher individual
scoring for data present in the area.
NA 1. Creates a union of all processed input
layers. 2. Adds a field for overall sensitivity
score. 3. Calculates the sensitivity score by
adding all the scores calculated for each
input layer. 4. Deletes excess fields not
related to the assigned input and sensitivity
scores.
https://gallatin-valley-plan-
bozeman.hub.arcgis.com/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Agricultural Heritage
18
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
National Flood
Hazard Layer
Shapefile Federal
Emergency
Management
Agency
2023 Floodplains act as key wildlife corridors and as crucial ecosystems that
buffer/protect waterways
A, AE - high risk (3)
D - undefined (0)
X - moderate to low risk (0)
Select A and AE
1. Selects flood zones A and AE. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the floodplain
score. 4. Calculates a score in the floodplain
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://www.fema.gov/flo
od-maps/national-flood-
hazard-layer
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Waterways
(Streams and
Rivers)
Shapefile Gallatin
County
2022 Waterways act as key wildlife corridors, biodiversity hot spots, and are
essential for biological system function. The Gallatin County waterways
data is the most accurate surface water dataset available for the county
and is updated annually.
Select by stream, excluding
ditches. (3)
Buffer of Waterways layer:
150 feet total (3)
300 feet total (2)
500 feet total (1)
1. Selects streams. 2. Extracts layer areas
only within the study area. 3. Buffers
waterways by three distances: 1) 75 feet on
each side, creating a 150-foot corridor, 2).
150 feet on each side, creating a 300-foot
corridor, and 3) 250 feet on each side,
creating a 500-foot corridor. 3. Adds an
empty field for the waterways stream
score. 4. Calculates a score in the
waterways stream score field from 1
(lowest) to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://gallatincomt.virtua
ltownhall.net/geographic-
information-
systems/pages/data-
download
Gallatin County
National
Hydrography
Dataset (NHD)
(Streams and
Rivers)
File
Geodatabase
Feature Class
U.S. Geological
Survey
2019 Waterways act as key wildlife corridors, biodiversity hot spots, and are
essential for biological system function.
Select by stream, excluding
ditches. (3)
Buffer of Waterways layer:
150 feet total (3)
300 feet total (2)
500 feet total (1)
1. Selects streams and rivers (FCodes
46000, 46003, 46006, and 46007). 2.
Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 3. Buffers waterways by three
distances: 1) 75 feet on each side, creating
a 150-foot corridor, 2). 150 feet on each
side, creating a 300-foot corridor, and 3)
250 feet on each side, creating a 500-foot
corridor. 3. Adds an empty field for the
NHD stream score. 4. Calculates a score in
the NHD stream score field from 1 (lowest)
to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
https://apps.nationalmap.
gov/downloader/#/
Madison and
Broadwater Counties
Water systems underlies all other themes because natural water features (wetlands, riparian areas, lakes, streams, and rivers) provide critical habitat and connectivity for aquatic species and wildlife populations, clean drinking water, and
resiliency to natural disasters and climate change. Human made irrigation infrastructure also provides value to the land in the form of water delivery for working farms and ranches, and groundwater recharge that supports the health of
the entire ecosystem.
Water Quality
and Quantity
19
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Montana
Riparian
Framework
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2021 Riparian Areas are a vital ecosystem for habitat corridors and
connectivity for wildlife and water quality/quantity.
Select all (3)1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Adds an empty field for the riparian
score. 3. Calculates a score in the riparian
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/Geographic_Information
/Data/DataList/datalist_D
etails.aspx?did=%7Bf57e9
2f5-a3fa-45b2-9de8-
0ba46bbb2d46%7D
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Montana
Wetland
Framework
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2021 Wetlands are a vital ecosystem for habitat corridors and connectivity
for wildlife and water quality/quantity.
Select all (3)1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Adds an empty field for the
wetland score. 3. Calculates a score in the
wetland score field from 1 (lowest) to 3
(highest) for each attribute as described in
the attribute selection column.
https://mslservices.mt.gov/G
eographic_Information/Data/
DataList/datalist_Details.aspx
?did=%7Bf57e92f5-a3fa-45b2-
9de8-0ba46bbb2d46%7D
Montana DEQ Wetland Layer
will be updated (End of
Spring)
Includes information on the
specific ecological functions
each wetland should support.
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Channel
Migration Zones
(CMZ)
Shapefile Montana State
Library
2017 Interference with natural channel migration processes can result in
rapid erosion and adverse impacts to aquatic and riparian biological
systems.
Select by avulsion hazard zone
(AHZ) and erosion hazard area
(EHA) (3)
1. Selects CMZ by AHZ and EHA. 2. Extracts
layer areas only within the study area. 3.
Adds an empty field for the CMZ score. 4.
Calculates a score in the CMZ score field
from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for each
attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://msl.mt.gov/geoinf
o/data/montana_channel
_migration_zones/data_m
aps_and_reports
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Recommended
areas for water
recharge
suitability
investigation
File
Geodatabase
Feature Class
Bren School of
Environmental
Science &
Management
at the
University of
California,
Santa Barbara.
2016 Shows areas that satisfy the recharge criterion of: surficial geology,
slope, soil type, land use, land ownership, depth of the groundwater.
This recharge suitability analysis is intended to guide the Water
Exchange’s initial selection of land parcels. However, further on-site
hydrogeological investigation will be required to confirm that the
hydrogeological conditions will allow sufficient volumes of water to be
infiltrated into the aquifer.
Select all (3)1. Adds an empty field for the recharge
score. 2. Calculates a score in the recharge
score field from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for
each attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
https://montanagroundwate
r.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/1
/6/52163899/gvwe_manage
ment_plan.pdf
https://montanagroundwate
r.weebly.com/final-
report.html
Gallatin County
Water Quality and Quantity
20
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Climate Resilient
Watersheds
The Nature
Conservancy/
DTM
Consulting
2015 As climate change progresses, the watersheds that provide the Gallatin
Valley with water will be increasingly critical to protect. This layer
highlights which watersheds contain areas with high elevation and low
insolation and are more likely to contain resilient snow pack.
Select all;
Symbolized by LowAcres (Acres of
Low Insolation)
1 - 1000 (Low Shade): 1
1000 - 3000 (Medium Shade): 2
3000 and above (High Shade): 3
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Creates a union between the
Gallatin County stream layer and the
Madison and Broadwater stream layer into
one stream layer that covers the entire
study area. 3. Finds the streams that
intersect each watershed. 1. Adds an empty
field for the watershed score. 2. Calculates
a score in the watershed score field from 1
(lowest) to 3 (highest) for each attribute as
described in the attribute selection column.
This score is assigned to streams based on
the level of insolation of the watershed
that they intersect with.
Provided by The Nature
Conservancy through email
correspondence
https://drive.google.com/file
/d/1EV0SuP83VFMAq-
bBI8AFAxAjXMUCUgNP/view
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.ed
u/abs/2018AGUFM.H31M21
26L/abstract
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Buffer of Water
Layers
File
Geodatabase
Feature Class
Intermediate
Output
2023 This layer contains a three-ringed buffer around all layers in the water
theme except for waterways and NHD to create the widest corridor of
all water features, excluding those that are buffered individually.
Buffer of water layers:
150 feet total (3)
300 feet total (2)
500 feet total (1)
1. Creates a union with all input layers in
this theme except for waterways and NHD
into one layer. 2. Dissolves excess
boundaries within unionid layer. 3. Buffers
unioned layer by three distances: 1) 75 feet
on each side, creating a 150-foot corridor,
2). 150 feet on each side, creating a 300-
foot corridor, and 3) 250 feet on each side,
creating a 500-foot corridor. 4. Adds an
empty field for the buffer score. 5.
Calculates a score in the buffer score field
from 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest) for each
attribute as described in the attribute
selection column.
N/A Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Water Results
layer
Geodatabase
feature class
2023 This layer displays the results of the water quality and quantity
sensitivity model, which consists of an overall sensitivity score
calculated by summing all scores assigned to each input layer, where
higher scores indicate areas with either a larger diversity of layers or
higher individual scoring for data present in the area.
NA 1. Creates a union of all processed input
layers. 2. Adds a field for overall sensitivity
score. 3. Calculates the sensitivity score by
adding all the scores calculated for each
input layer. 4. Deletes excess fields not
related to the assigned input and sensitivity
scores.
https://gallatin-valley-plan-
bozeman.hub.arcgis.com/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Slope Over 25%Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2020 Steep slopes would present increased develpoment challenges and are
less likely to be developed so immediate actions to conserve these
areas could be a lesser priority.
X% slope and greater 1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
DEM source:
https://datagateway.nrcs.usd
a.gov/GDGOrder.aspx
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Development
Constraints
Areas, regardless of sensitive land status, that are likely to be undevelopable and could de facto protected and/or are already protected from future development. An overlay layer shows where future conservation and protection efforts
may be less of a priority.
21
Preliminary Data Layers by Theme
Layer File Type Source Year Definition Attribute Selection Model Methods for Theme Source Link County Data
Collected
Floodplain Shapefile Federal
Emergency
Management
Agency
2023 Development is often difficult in floodplains. Floodways and 100-year
floodplain are subject to floodplain regulations which do not prohibit all
development but offer some ways to minimize impact.
A, AE - high risk (3)
D - undefined (0)
X - moderate to low risk (0)
Select A and AE
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
https://www.fema.gov/flo
od-maps/national-flood-
hazard-layer
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Conservation
Easements
Shapefile Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2022 These areas that are already protected by conservation easements so
they won't need a priority ranking, but could influence protection of
surrounding sensitive lands.
Select all 1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/geographic_information
/data/datalist/datalist_De
tails.aspx?did=%7B9d69b2
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Protected Areas
Database
Database U.S. Geological
Survey
2022 Unifies regions of wildlife corridors, watersheds, and trail systems and
are already protected to varying degrees.
Select all 1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
https://www.usgs.gov/pro
grams/gap-analysis-
project/science/pad-us-
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Managed Areas Shapefile Montana State
Library
2021 Contains information on special land designations that impact
management decisions. Examples include Indian Reservations, National
Wildlife Refuges, State Parks, and Wilderness Areas.
Select all 1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
Are all these designations unlikely to be
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/geographic_information
/data/datalist/datalist_De
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Development
Constraints
Overlay layer
Geodatabase
feature class
2023 This layer displays the development constraints overlay, which consists
of all develpment constraints layers combined into one layer without
overlap.
NA 1. Creates a union of all processed input
layers. 2. Dissolves excess boundaries
within unioned layer.
https://gallatin-valley-plan-
bozeman.hub.arcgis.com/
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Minor and
Major
Subdivisions
Feature
dataclass
(polygon)
Gallatin
County
2022 Considering major and minor subdivisions can help with locating where
development is planned and if its occurring on or near sensitive lands
including subdivisions and roads.
Select all No processing was performed on this
overlay input.
https://gallatincomt.virtua
ltownhall.net/geographic-
information-
systems/pages/data-
download
Gallatin County
Wildfire Prone
Areas
Feature
dataclass
(polygon)
Montana
Department of
Natural
Resources and
Conservation
2020 Montana Wildlife Risk Assessment HUC 12 Watershed Summary
contains data on wildfire prone areas, included in this project as an
overlay to highlight sensitive lands that may be prone to wildfires.
5 Categories; Low 0-40th
Moderate 40-70th High 70-90th
Very High 90-95th Extreme -
>95th Water and Non-Burnable
Symbolized by
Total_mean_eNVC_Percentile
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 3. Calculates acres for each polygon in
the layer.
https://mwra-
mtdnrc.hub.arcgis.com/da
tasets/MTDNRC::mwra-
hydrologic-unit-code-12-
digit-huc-6-watershed-
summary/explore?locatio
n=46.655206%2C-
109.893177%2C7.48
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Human
Disturbance
Index
Raster Montana
Natural
Heritage
Program
2016 The Montana Human Disturbance Index (HDI) represents six
disturbance categories: Development, Transportation, Agriculture,
Resource Extraction/Energy Development, Introduced Vegetation, and
Forestry Practices
Select all 1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area. 2. Converts each cell value of a raster
to an integer, which is necessary for the
raster to be compatible with the raster to
polygon tool. 3. Converts the raster to a
polygon.
https://mslservices.mt.go
v/Geographic_Information
/Data/DataList/datalist_D
etails?did=%7B639e7c86-
8224-11e4-b116-
123b93f75cba%7D
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Development
Pressures
Development
Constraints
Areas that are most impacted by current development and likely to attract to future developmentOverlay layers show where sensitive land protection priorities should be focused.
22
Climate Resilient
Watersheds
Feature
dataclass
(polygon)
The Nature
Conservancy/
DTM
Consulting
2015 As climate change progresses, the watersheds that provide the Gallatin
Valley with water will be increasingly critical to protect. This layer
highlights which watersheds contain areas with high elevations and low
insolation and are more likely to contain resilient snow pack.
Select all;
Symbolized by LowAcres (Acres
of Low Insolation)
1 - 1000 (Low Shade)
1000 - 3000 (Medium Shade)
3000 and above (High Shade)
1. Extracts layer areas only within the study
area.
Provided by The Nature
Conservancy through email
correspondence
https://drive.google.com/file
/d/1EV0SuP83VFMAq-
bBI8AFAxAjXMUCUgNP/view
https://ui.adsabs.harvard.ed
u/abs/2018AGUFM.H31M21
26L/abstract
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Municipal
Boundaries
Shapefile Gallatin
County
2023 Boundaries for municipalities within Gallatin County, Montana N/A N/A https://gallatincomt.virtua
ltownhall.net/geographic-
information-
systems/pages/data-
download
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Watershed
Boundary
Feature
dataclass
(polygon)
Montana State
Library, City of
Bozeman
2022 A complete digital hydrologic unit boundary layer of the Regions (2-
digit HUCs), Subregions (4-digit), Basins (6-digit), Subbasins (8-digit),
Watersheds (10-digit), and Subwatersheds (12-digit) for Montana.
N/A N/A https://mslservices.mt.gov
/Geographic_Information/
Data/DataList/datalist_Det
ails.aspx?did={0077A7D3-
F6C3-4D08-9837-
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Montana
Railroads
Feature
dataclass
(polygon)
Montana State
Library
2017 The Montana Transportation Framework includes railroads data
integrated from multiple sources for a statewide dataset.
N/A N/A https://mslservices.mt.gov
/Geographic_Information/
Data/DataList/datalist_Det
ails.aspx?did={26E71BA8-
914E-458B-B2EC-
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Roads Shapefile Gallatin
County
2023 Contains major and local roads within Gallatin County.N/A This layer was used as an input in the
Agricultural Heritage model's visual
analysis.
https://gallatincomt.virtua
ltownhall.net/geographic-
information-
systems/pages/data-
download
Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Counties
Triangle Plan
Boundary
Shapefile Gallatin
County
2020 The planning area for the 2020 Triangle Community Plan created in
response to increase population growth in Gallatin County.
N/A N/A Recieved through Gallatin County
City of Bozeman
Growth
Boundary
Shapefile City of
Bozeman
2019 The long term expected growth area for Bozeman, Montana.N/A N/A https://public-
bozeman.opendata.arcgis.
com/datasets/bozeman::g
rowth-policy-proposed-
City of Bozeman
Contours Shapefile Montana State
Library
2008 Contour lines tagged with their represented elevations and lines
representing streams and quadrangle boundaries.
N/A This layer was used to calculate slope layer
as an input for the Development
https://mslservices.mt.gov Gallatin, Madison,
and Broadwater
Base Layers All of these layers were used in maps found in the report for this plan, except for the roads and contours layers which were used to create model inputs.
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1
Preliminary Tools
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Tier 1 Tools
Tier 1 tools are those tools which positively impact all four of the core themes. The tools in this section range in
implementation and may be implemented through the zoning or subdivision updates, changes to future land use and
comprehensive planning documents and policies, new programs, or funding sources for conservation efforts.
Conservation
Easements
Voluntary agreements between the landowner and a land
trust or unit of government to maintain conservation values,
while providing tax deductions and/or to the landowner and
keeping land in private ownership.
Conservation-
Oriented/ Cluster
Development
A design process where the design of the development is
driven through ecological-based planning to conserve the
land with the highest resource values and minimize
vegetation loss, habitat fragmentation, and increase
connectivity.
County Open Space
Levy & Program
The Gallatin County Open Space Levy allows the County to
levy up to 4.5 mills annually including for capital
improvements and maintenance needs of County-owned
parks or conservation projects related to the purchase of
land and conservation easements.
County-wide Zoning
Expanding existing County zoning to all land within the
County. Publicly-owned land would likely have a zoning
designation which only applies to public lands. Privately
owned land would be zoned based on current and/or future
land use based on the future land use map.
Approximately 70% of private land in Gallatin County lies
outside of a zoning district or neighborhood plan boundary
currently.
Dark Sky Lighting
Artificial lighting can affect animals that sleep at night and
can be disorienting for nocturnal animals and insect. Light
fixtures should be selectively placed, hooded/shielded, and
directed downward.
Density Bonuses
Density bonuses allow increases in allowable units in
exchange for providing community benefits.
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2
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Tier 1 Tools (Continued).
Develop and
publicize land
acknowledgments
Continue to coordinate efforts across organizations and
include Indigenous voices to preserve sensitive lands by
acknowledging the initial stewards of the land. Recognition
of past injustices including colonization and violence
against Indigenous people in this area has in part resulted
in the degradation of sensitive lands since white
settlement.
Growth Policy Future
Land Use Plan Element
Future land use maps illustrate the desired mix, character,
and location of future land uses within a community. Future
land use maps may define the growth boundaries for
municipalities within a County using water and sewer
serviceability analyses and existing land uses.
Habitat/Environmental
Analysis and
Dedicated Natural
Resource Staff
Hiring a dedicated staff member to verify the habitat
analysis recommendations provides additional expertise
and education on habitat and environmental resource
protection and mitigation early in the review process.
Integration of
Sensitive Lands
Mapping
Future land management decisions should build upon and
utilize the mapping completed as part of this Sensitive
Lands Protection Plan.
Develop a sensitive
lands citizen advisory
committee
Advisory committees provide a structured way for citizens
to share their opinions and perspectives. Committees could
be used to advise a local jurisdiction.
Land Acquisition
Strategic, direct purchase of land for conservation
purposes.
Limit PUDs in/near
sensitive areas
Limiting or prohibiting the use of planned unit development
(PUD) or increased density subdivisions in areas
(wetlands, riparian areas, priority wildlife habitats,
productive agricultural lands, etc.).
Maximum Size of a
Single Structure
Limiting the maximum allowed dwelling unit or structure
size can reduce the amount of development occurring in
sensitive areas. Large buildings may deter use of wildlife
corridors or habitat areas by some wildlife species.
Natural Resources
Conservation Service
(NRCS) Grants
The NRCS is an agency within the US Department of
Agriculture that works with producers, soil and water
conservation districts, and other partners to protect and
conserve natural resources on private lands throughout the
United States. The NRCS administers a number of
programs, grants, and initiatives available to support a
variety of sensitive land.
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3
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Tier 1 Tools (Continued)
Overlay Zoning
Overlay zoning can accomplish several sensitive areas
protections, ranging from agricultural protections to
floodplain overlays to wildlife corridor overlays. Overlays
allow flexibility to provide stricter standards across multiple
traditional zoning districts at once and avoid the need to
modify multiple zone districts.
Subdivision
Regulation Reform
Revising the County and City subdivision regulations to
focus on water conservation practices, preserving
agricultural lands, facilitating wildlife movement, enhancing
biodiversity, etc.
Waterway, Riparian
Area, and Floodplain
Buffers
Development setbacks and non-disturbance areas within
and adjacent to streams, rivers, ditches, riparian areas,
wetlands, and floodplains.
Building Envelope
Designation
Building envelopes are often designated on a subdivision
plat or site plan to specify where buildings or other
structures may be located.
Transfer of
Development Rights
A voluntary program which allows landowners to sever their
development rights from the physical land. Some or all of
the property is preserved.
Tier 2 Tools
Tier 2 tools are those tools which positively impact three of the four of the core themes. The tools in this section include existing tools,
new policies and programs, funding sources for conservation efforts, and some development code updates
Natural Streambed
and Land
Preservation Act (310
Permit Program)
In 1975 the Montana State Legislature passed the Natural
Streambed and Land Preservation Act that required the
conservation districts in the state to administer a permitting
process to alter or modify the bed or banks of a perennially
flowing stream in addition to any other local, state, or
federal permits.
Montana Fish,
Wildlife, and Parks
Department
Programs
Habitat Conservation Lease Program, Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF) Recreation Grants, Wildlife
Habitat Improvement Grants
Tourism/Open Space
Sales Tax
Similar to other taxes, some communities have utilized
revenue from additional sales taxes to fund parks, trails,
and open space conservation efforts. Tax could be
generated from specific uses such as lodging, retail, and
other tourism- based businesses.
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4
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Tier 2 Tools (Continued)
Trail
Buffer/Recreational
Amenities
Implementing trail and recreation buffers in targeted
habitats can improve connectivity and encourage wildlife
crossing at safe places. Recreational trails along the urban-
wildland interface can provide a buffer between urban
development.
Water Pollution
Control State
Revolving Fund
(WPCSRF)
The Montana Legislature established the WPCSRF Loan
Program for water pollution control projects administered
through the Montana DEQ and provides at or below market
interest rate loans to eligible Montana entities.
Tier 3 Tools
Tier 3 tools are those tools which positively impact two of the core themes. The tools in this section include new policies and
programs, funding sources for conservation efforts, and some development code updates.
Wildlife Friendly
Fencing
Fencing which allows for the safe passage of various
wildlife species. Wildlife friendly fencing can be used to
protect active agricultural operations by targeting
movement corridors.
Native Plant
Preservation and
Xeriscaping
Requirements
Preservation, salvaging, and reclamation of existing plants
and vegetation on a site. Where preservation of existing
vegetation is not feasible, or when new development is
proposed, the use of native plants and other low-water or
xeriscaping landscaping practices can be required by the
land development code.
Stormwater
Management
Specific design site design standards that define
stormwater retention and treatment, impervious surface
coverage limits, building coverage limits, parking lot design
standards, and landscaping or screening requirements.
Wildland Urban
Interface (WUI)
Designation
Delineating the areas where homes are built near or
among lands prone to wildland fire and developing
standards to mitigate the risk of wildfire and impact on
forest resources by new development.
Wildlife Crossings
Constructing roadway crossings that provide for safe
wildlife movement over or under the roadway.
Wildlife Signage
Signage may be used to warn drivers of wildlife corridors
and potential crossings areas, especially where at-grade
crossings are used or in areas where wildlife crossings are
known but other mitigation measures are not implemented.
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5
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Tier 4 Tools
Tier 4 tools are those tools which target one specific core theme. These tools are beneficial when the goal is to focus smaller efforts on
a single sector rather than larger efforts. The tools in this section include new policies and programs, funding sources for conservation
efforts, and some development code updates.
Controlled
Groundwater Area
(CGWA)
CGWA are designated when control or close river basins
and groundwater aquifers to certain types of water
appropriations due to concerns regarding water availability,
water contamination, and protecting existing water rights.
Existing CGWAs in Gallatin County:
Bozeman Solvent Site Controlled Groundwater Area,
Idaho Pole Company Site Controlled Groundwater Area
Expanded Agricultural
Land Use
Expanding the allowed uses for ag properties can provide
an avenue for continuing operation. Expanded uses provide
secondary income for agricultural operators and generally
drive economic development. Could include agritourism,
private land camping, increased ADU allowances,
exemptions from some development standards,
allowances for agricultural residences for workers, and
integrated alternative energy uses.
Septic Restrictions
Shared septic systems have been encouraged because
they allow for smaller lot and clustered development that
can preserve open space, mitigate water impacts, and
protect wildlife habitat.
Updated Floodplain
and CMZ Mapping
and Regulations
Updating maps of the Channel Migration Zone and
watercourses in the Lower Gallatin Watershed including
the miles of streams and rivers, canals, and ditches.
Wetland Mitigation
Banking
The restoration, creation, or enhancement of wetlands in
an area, to compensate for unavoidable development
impacts to wetlands at another location.
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6
Tool Theme Description/Example
Wildlife & Biodiversity Connectivity Agricultural Heritage Water Quality & Quantity
Regional Partnerships
Local Water Quality
Districts
The role of the GLWQD is in partnering with local
governments to continue to raise awareness of water
quality issues and develop educational materials. The
GLWQD may also be involved in development of revision
County Zoning and Subdivision Regulations and
subsequent review of development applications.
Land Trusts
Land Trusts, whether held in private or public ownership,
role is to continue to monitor the habitat quality and
resources for which the land is conserved. Land trusts also
generally serve as educators, providing the public with
educational opportunities and events to learn about
conserved lands and their benefits.
Tribal Partnerships
In addition to developing and publicizing land
acknowledgements in consultation with Indigenous
partners, Gallatin County and the incorporated cities and
towns within the County should work to involve Tribe and
Native Nations in various ways through all planning and
implementation decisions.
29