HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-24 Public Comment - P. and T. Olliff - Public Comment for UPF BoardFrom:Peggy Olliff
To:Agenda
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment for UPF Board
Date:Tuesday, March 26, 2024 4:20:32 PM
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Peggy and Tom Olliff
4857 Victory St.
Bozeman, MT 59718
tomnpeggy@yahoo.com
406-570-2079
03.26.2024
Urban Parks and Forestry Board
City of Bozeman
PO Box 1230
Bozeman, MT 59771
Dear UPF Board
As a concerned resident and advocate for the preservation of Bozeman's urban
forest, I am writing to urge you to prioritize the protection of large and historic trees in
the update of the City of Bozeman's Forestry Management Plan. Additionally, I
strongly encourage you to incorporate tree protection measures into the Unified
Development Code (UDC) when you vote this week on the two-year work plan.
Bozeman's large and historic trees, such as the ponderosa pine and the trees at the
Medical Arts building are (sadly, perhaps were) not only iconic symbols of our city's
natural beauty but also crucial contributors to our environmental health and cultural
heritage. These trees provide numerous benefits, including habitat for wildlife
especially passerines, improved air quality, and enhanced aesthetic value. However,
they are increasingly at risk due to urban development.
I urge you to take decisive action to improve the protection of large and historic trees
on both public and private property. Specifically, I hope to see the following
improvements implemented:
Enhanced Protection Measures: Strengthen existing regulations and introduce
new policies to better safeguard large and historic trees during development
activities, construction projects, and infrastructure upgrades. These measures
should include mandatory tree preservation plans, setback requirements, and
incentives for property owners to retain existing trees.
Incorporation into Annexation and Development Processes: Ensure that existing
trees are protected during future land annexations and urban development
projects. Prioritize the retention of mature trees in site planning and design to
minimize the loss of tree canopy cover and preserve the ecological integrity of
our urban landscape.
Integration into the Unified Development Code: Incorporate tree protection
provisions into the updated UDC to ensure consistent and enforceable
standards for tree preservation and management across all zoning districts.
This includes requirements for tree preservation and mitigation measures for
tree removal, and penalties for non-compliance.
The preservation of large and historic trees is essential for maintaining Bozeman's
environmental sustainability, community well-being, and long-term resilience in the
face of climate change. By prioritizing the protection of these invaluable natural
assets, we can ensure a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.
As you consider the two-year work plan and the future of Bozeman's urban forest, I
urge you to champion robust tree protection measures and advocate for their
inclusion in the updated Forestry Management Plan and the UDC. Together, let us
commit to preserving the legacy of Bozeman's trees and nurturing a greener, healthier
future for our community.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue and for your dedication to the well-
being of Bozeman's residents and environment.
Sincerely,
Peggy and Tom Olliff