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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-22-24 - UPF Agenda and Packet Materials AMENDEDA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM B. Disclosures C. Changes to the Agenda D. Approval of Minutes D.1 Approve Minutes from May 23, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Canter) D.2 Approve Minutes from June 27, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Canter) E. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board THE URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA UPF AGENDA Thursday, August 22, 2024 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 comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Board or staff. 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 This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online videoconferencing system. You can join this meeting: Via Video Conference: Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting. Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in- person United States Toll +1 346 248 7799 Access code: 934 5616 9186 Approve Minutes from May 23, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Approve Minutes from June 27, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Urban Parks 1 F. FYI/Discussion F.1 Planning and Development Update on Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan Implementation(Jadin) F.2 Work Session: Bozeman Street Tree Guide Update(Nordquest ) G. Adjournment & 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 civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the city 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. Review and Edit Current Street Tree Guide 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 that requires assistance, please contact our Acting ADA Coordinator, Max Ziegler, at 406.582.2439 2 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board FROM:Katie Canter, Contracts and Sports Parks Coordinator Jess Laughlin, Administrative Assistant I Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from May 23, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting MEETING DATE:August 22, 2024 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from May 23, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board FISCAL EFFECTS:None Attachments: UPF Minutes May 23 2004.pdf Report compiled on: August 7, 2024 3 Bozeman Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2024 Page 1 of 3 THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES May 23, 2024 General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository. Rollcall: Present: Donald Ulrich, Alice Stanley, Teri Lumsden, Brant Berube Absent: None Excused: Dan Fenn, Anna Wearn, Madisynn Weber A) Call to Order - 6:00 PM B) Disclosures C) Changes to the Agenda D) Public Service Announcements E) 00:02:52 Approval of Minutes E.1 00:05:05 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes April 25, 2024 UPF Minutes 42524.pdf -00:00:01 Motion to approve Approve Donald Ulrich: Motion Teri Lumsden: 2nd 00:05:24 Vote on the Motion to approve Approve The Motion carried 4 - 0. Approve: Donald Ulrich Alice Stanley Teri Lumsden Brant Berube 4 Bozeman Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Disapprove: None 00:03:13 Motion to approve Donald Ulrich: Motion Teri Lumsden: 2nd F) Consent Items 00:05:29 Present Dan McCarthy and written comment from Zerhra Osman H) 00:08:45 Special Presentations I) Action Items I.1 00:10:54 I move to approve and recommend the work plan narrative to the commission, supplemental to the 2024-2025 UPF Workplan. UPF Work Plan 2024-2025 and narrative.pdf 00:11:20 Motion to approve Review UPF Work Plan and Narrative for Commission Approval Donald Ulrich: Motion Teri Lumsden: 2nd 00:11:44 Vote on the Motion to approve Review UPF Work Plan and Narrative for Commission Approval The Motion carried 4 - 0. Approve: Alice Stanley Teri Lumsden Brant Berube Donald Ulrich Disapprove: None J) FYI/Discussion J.1 00:11:58 Park Superintendent Thom White will give an Update On Bozeman Parks and Cemetery. J.2 00:31:59 The Urban Park and Forestry Board will start the first work session of recommended updates to the current street tree guide. Street Tree Guide.pdf Public Comment 01:39:13 Public Comment Marsha Kanvey K) 01:41:45 Adjournment This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 5 Bozeman Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, May 23, 2024 Page 3 of 3 6 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board FROM:Katie Canter, Contracts and Sports Parks Coordinator Jess Laughlin, Administrative Assistant I Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from June 27, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting MEETING DATE:August 22, 2024 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from June 27, 2024 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board FISCAL EFFECTS:None Attachments: Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting June 27 2024.pdf Report compiled on: August 13, 2024 7 Bozeman Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, June 27, 2024 Page 1 of 2 THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES June 27, 2024 A) 00:07:28 Call to Order - 6:00 PM Present: Dan Fenn, Donald Ulrich, Madisynn Weber, Brandt Berube Absent: None Excused: Alice Stanley, Teri Lumsden B) 00:07:34 Disclosures C) 00:07:43 Changes to the Agenda D) 00:07:59 Approval of Minutes D.1 00:08:00 Urban Parks and Forestry Minutes May, 23 2024 UPF Minutes May 23 2024.pdf -00:00:01 Motion to approve Approve Minutes Dan Fenn: Motion Donald Ulrich: 2nd The board opted not to vote until corrected minutes were presented at the next meeting. E) 00:11:20 Public Comments 00:11:20 Dan McCarty sending an invite to the members of the board to the July 16th Commission meeting for the fowler connection 30% design presentation. F) 00:13:15 FYI/Discussion F.1 00:13:15 Work Session: Bozeman Street Tree Guide Update Street Tree Guide upf meeting 06-27.pdf G) 01:51:42 Adjournment 8 Bozeman Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, June 27, 2024 Page 2 of 2 9 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board FROM:Addi Jadin, Park Planning and Development Manager SUBJECT:Planning and Development Update on Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan Implementation MEETING DATE:August 22, 2024 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:NA STRATEGIC PLAN:3.4 Active Recreation: Facilitate and promote recreational opportunities and active health programs and facilities. BACKGROUND:Staff will give a brief overview of the 2024 Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan, primarily for new members, and then dive into an update about the following 3 larger projects that are essential to implementing the PRAT Plan and putting its goals into action: 1. Cattail Creek Corridor Park and Anchor Route Master Plan - Underway 2. Unified Development Code Update - Upcoming 3. Community Grant Program Restructuring - Upcoming PRAT Plan Adoption The Urban Parks and Forestry Board (UPFB) held public meetings on the final document on June 22, July 6, July 27 and recommended to the City Commission adoption of the PRAT Plan at their meeting on August 14, 2023. The Community Development Board held a public hearing on July 3, 2023 and recommended approval with the unanimous passing of CDB Resolution 2023-01 on July 3, 2023. The City Commission adopted the Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT Plan) on September 12, 2023 via Resolution 5502. Plan Engagement Community engagement for the PRAT Plan was extensive and inclusive, utilizing a variety of methods including a statistically valid public survey, online interactive website, community events and public meetings of the UPFB. Specific engagement with the Latinx, BIPOC and disability communities was included in the planning process because these groups are frequently marginalized through traditional methods. This work was funded and supported partially through a grant from the Safe Routes Partnership, and resulted in a community liaison pilot project the City has since used in 10 other community-wide events. Goals The Plan is organized around 5 goals in the following thematic areas: 1. Welcoming, Equitable Access 2. Programs, Places and Partnerships 3. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities 4. Natural Resources 5. Staff and Capacity UNRESOLVED ISSUES:NA ALTERNATIVES:NA FISCAL EFFECTS:NA Report compiled on: August 6, 2024 11 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks & Forestry Board FROM:Alex Nordquest, Forestry Division Manager Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director SUBJECT:Work Session: Bozeman Street Tree Guide Update MEETING DATE:August 22, 2024 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:Review and Edit Current Street Tree Guide STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:The Bozeman Street Tree Guide serves as a guiding document for residents, developers, and the City of Bozeman organization for items such as but not limited to: Species recommendations How to obtain planting and/removal permits How to obtain a City Cost Share Tree General Tree Care City Forestry Contact information The current guide was last updated in 2016. Updating the Bozeman Street Tree Guide is on the Urban Parks and Forestry Board (UPF) Work Plan. This will be the third work session for this project, the first occurred at the 05-23- 24 UPF meeting, the second occurred at the 06-27-24 UPF meeting. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:N/A ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A Attachments: Street Tree Guide - Version 3.5.pdf Report compiled on: August 7, 2024 12 Street Tree Guide Selecting and Planting Bozeman’s Urban Forest Page 2 Index 1. INTRO 2. HOW TO PLANT—COST SHARE OR PLANTING PERMIT 3. APPROVED SPECIES—LARGE, CANOPY TREES 4. APPROVED SPECIES—SMALL, ORNAMENTAL 5. PROHIBITED SPECIES 6. PLANTING DETAILS AND AFTER CARE 7. PARTNERSHIPS & RESOURCES 13 Page 3 All of the trees in our yards, parks, and street boulevards make up our urban forest. These trees provide us with environmental and health benefits, including shade, beautification, and storing carbon. They also grow amongst the challenges of our built environment, with compacted soils, impermeable surfaces, and competing space for infrastructure & utilities. Not sure? You can view all city-maintained trees on our Tree Inventory Map. This powerful tool is updated live as our crews work across the city, planting new trees, removing old ones, and recording pruning & storm response work. https://www.bozeman.net/departments/ parks-and-recreation/forestry/tree-inventory Need image of Inventory System and its importance. Showing the public all city-maintained trees, keeping it updated with permits (contractor and resident planted trees) * Space for InfoGraphic * Nowhere is this more apparent than in our street boulevards – the growing space between our sidewalks and street curbs. This is a challenging environment for trees, and selecting the best varieties will maximize the growth and beauty of our urban forest. This Street Tree Guide details all of the tree species allowed* in boulevard spaces; it also details several species that aren’t appropriate and explains why. Healthy boulevard trees depend on a shared maintenance between property owners and the City’s Forestry Division. Residents are responsible for watering and mulching trees. The Forestry Division is responsible for planting, pruning, insect & disease identification, emergency storm response, tree removals, and stump grinding. These services are funded by the Tree Maintenance Special Assessment. * We’re constantly evaluating new additions to this guide; the lists of approved species are not exhaustive. Please contact the Forestry Division directly if you have questions on a tree variety not included in this version of the Street Tree Guide. Page 4 14 Page 5 There are two ways to plant a new boulevard tree 1. COST SHARE PROGRAM The Cost Share Program provides new boulevard trees at a shared cost between residents and the City of Bozeman’s Forestry Division. These trees are planted by Forestry Division staff. To qualify for this program: • Planting site must be in the boulevard planting strip, on a City-maintained street. • Site must be to final landscape grade and residence must be occupied. • If site is not irrigated, the resident must provide watering during the first two growing seasons. The Cost Share Program opens in mid-March with applications available at City Hall and on the Forestry website (www.bozeman.net/forestry). A limited number of trees are ordered each year for this program, and participation is on a first-received basis. All trees will have a minimum trunk diameter of 1.5”, either balled & burlapped or container-grown, and will be planted by Forestry crews May-June. Staking, mulching, and watering bags are included. * Space for InfoGraphic * Page 6 2. PURCHASE & PLANT YOUR OWN (Free Permit) Our quick, easy, and free Planting Permit details all the quality standards and requirements for planting your own boulevard trees. It also allows us to keep our citywide Tree Inventory updated when new trees are added. Forestry Division staff will follow-up with any concerns before final approval, upon which you can begin planting! To obtain a Planting Permit: • Review this Street Tree Guide for approved species, then contact the nursery/greenhouse of your choice. See what trees they have available and ensure they’re at least 1.5” caliper, the minimum size for a new boulevard tree. • Visit the Forestry Division website for a free Planting Permit. Carefully review the checklist of requirements, then describe the number, size and species of tree(s) you’d like to plant at your site. • Submit your permit for approval. Forestry staff will provide recommendations based on your permit description and a site assessment. If everything looks good, we’ll approve the permit and you can begin planting! (Species Diversity Chart) * Space for InfoGraphic * 15 Page 7 Name Description Birch, Paper (Betula papyrifera) [Native Tree] Paper Birch is known for its white bark and bright yellow fall color. This species does not tolerate full sun, so choose a site with partial shade. Birch, River (Betula nigra) River birch has attractive, reddish-brown, exfoliating bark. This species does not tolerate full sun, so choose a site with partial shade. Elm (Ulmus species) [Native Tree] Elms are large-growing shade trees and a critical part of our mature canopy. Cultivars must be resistant to Dutch Elm Disease and European elm scale. The ‘Brandon’ cultivar is no longer accepted for boulevards. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) Hackberry is somewhat rare in Bozeman and a great shade tree. Small fruits stay on the tree and attract songbirds over winter. Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos) [Native Tree] Varieties must be thornless and only male, as the female seed pods can be messy. Honeylocust are vulnerable to canker disease; we recommend ‘Skyline’ as a resistant cultivar. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) This tree is extremely rare in Bozeman. Coffeetree grows slowly, but it dodges our shoulder seasons that cause storm damage in other species. Very unique bark texture and develops into a large shade tree with time. Linden (Tilia species) Lindens are excellent medium-large trees, providing a mid-summer fiower for pollinators and dense shade. The species is prone to aphid damage; ‘Harvest Gold’ is a resistant cultivar. Freeman Maple (Acer x freemanii) This maple can have excellent orange-red fall color, but the ‘Autumn Blaze’ cultivar is notorious for poor structure and being prone to storm damage. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) The most popular, and therefore overplanted, maple in Bozeman. Develops into a large tree with very dense shade, often suppressing turfgrass growth. Larger Shade Trees These trees develop into our major canopy, shading our homes & lawns and providing the greatest environmental beneflts. Larger trees should be prioritized as much as possible for new plantings. Page 8 Mature Height Growth Rate Fall Color Spring Flowers Large (30-40 ft.) Moderate Yes No Large (30-40 ft.) Moderate No No Large (60-70 ft.) Fast No No Large (40-50 ft.) Moderate No No Large (50-60 ft.) Fast Yes No Large (40-50 ft.) Slow Yes No Large (30-50 ft.) Moderate No Yes Large (40-60 ft.) Fast Yes No Large (40-50 ft.) Moderate No No ! Warning ! Larger shade trees are not appropriate for planting near overhead powerlines. 16 Page 9 Name Description Red Maple (Acer rubrum) A medium-sized maple that tolerates poor urban soils. Bold red fall color. Younger trees have thin bark and should have trunk protection during winter months. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) The Sugar Maple is widely regarded for its excellent orange-red fall color. It can develop into a large shade tree, but does not do well on fully exposed sites. Plant in a site with partial shade and/or protection from winds. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) [Native Tree] A native oak that develops character with age. Younger trees are vulnerable to bullet gall wasp. Maintaining mulch rings and regular watering are essential for healthy establishment. Red Oak (Quercus rubra) The red oak has good branching structure and vivid red fall color. This tree needs some protection from wind and/or full sun, but grows well in Bozeman Ussurian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) A hardy tree with good resistance to flre blight. White fiowers in Spring, glossy foliage and bright orange/red fall color. ‘MorDak’ is a popular cultivar. Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) A reliable, large-growing shade tree that also features summer fiowers. Another rare tree in Bozeman’s urban forest. Larger Shade Trees (cont.) Insert Graphic—Watering Young Trees—20 gallons per week, directly around the tree. Page 10 Insert Graphic—Watering Mature Trees—Less often, but across a larger area. Run your lawn irrigation or oscillating sprinkler occasionally. Some watering is better than no watering!!! * Space for InfoGraphic * Mature Height Growth Rate Fall Color Spring Flowers Medium (30-40 ft.) Moderate Yes Yes Large (50-60 ft.) Moderate Yes No Large (50-70 ft.) Slow No No Large (40-60 ft.) Moderate Yes No Medium (30-40 ft.) Moderate Yes Yes Large (50-60 ft.) Fast No Yes (Summer) 17 Page 11 Name Description Alder (Alnus species) [Native Tree] Alders are native to Bozeman as a small shrub, but single-trunk forms make great street trees. Tolerant of wet soils and interesting fiowers/ cones. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) Yellow fiowers in spring and brilliant red/orange fall color. Best used for larger boulevards as the nuts can become a litter problem. NOT appropri- ate for planting under overhead powerlines. Amur Chokecherry (Prunus maackii) A very hardy medium-sized tree with unique amber-colored, exfoliating bark. The fruits attract songbirds. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) [Native Tree] A native tree with white fiowers in spring and small fruit that attract birds. Very resilient to weather extremes and storm damage. Crabapple (Malus hybrids) Crabapples are known for their colorful fiowers and fruits. Choose varieties with a high resistance to flre blight, such as ‘Radiant’ crabapple. We no longer recommend the ‘Spring Snow’ cultivar. Turkish Filbert (Corylus colurna) A member of the hazelnut family, Turkish fllbert is another tough and hardy tree for urban sites. NOT appropriate for planting under overhead power- lines. Hawthorn (Crataegus species) Hawthorns have showy fiowers, colorful fruit and good fall color. Only thornless varieties should be planted. Contact the Forestry Division for a current list of acceptable cultivars. Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata) Large clusters of white fiowers appear later in June and persistent fruit pods in fall. This species grows very slowly and is a great choice around overhead powerlines. Amur Maackia (Maackia amurensis) A rare tree in Bozeman and strongly encouraged to improve our species diversity. White fiowers in July, attracting pollinators and developing into small seed pods that persist through winter. Smaller Ornamental Trees While still providing the beneflts of larger trees, ornamentals do so on a lesser scale. Many of these trees offer colorful fiowers or small fruits for pollinators and songbirds. All of these trees are best for restricted sites, such as narrow boulevards (less than 5’ wide) or planting near overhead powerlines, unless mentioned otherwise. Page 12 Mature Height Growth Rate Fall Color Spring Flowers Small (20-30 ft.) Moderate No No Large (25-40 ft.) Slow Yes Yes Medium (25-30 ft.) Moderate No Yes Medium (25-30 ft.) Moderate No Yes Small (15-25 ft.) Moderate No Yes Medium (30-40 ft.) Moderate No Yes Small (15-25 ft.) Slow Yes Yes Small (15-25 ft.) Slow No Yes Small (15-25 ft.) Slow No Yes (Summer) Insert Graphic about small trees playing nice with powerlines? * Space for InfoGraphic * 18 Page 13 Name Description Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) Single-trunk forms only (No multi-stem) for boulevard planting. Amur maple has bright orange/red fall color. Tatarian Maple (Acer tataricum) Similar in form to the Amur Maple. The ‘Hot Wings’ cultivar is widely used in Bozeman for its bold fall color. Mountain-ash (Sorbus species) [Native Tree] Mountain-ash have white fiowers in spring and showy clusters of red-orange fruit in fall. Choose single-trunk varieties that are highly resistant to flre blight, a bacterial disease. NOT appropriate for planting under overhead powerlines. Serviceberry (Amelanchier species) [Native Tree] Small trees with attractive spring fiowers, edible fruit and red fall color. Only single-trunk forms (No multi- stem) are acceptable for boulevard trees. Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) Another rare species, Yellowwood is known for its resiliency to urban conditions. White fiowers in spring give way to small seed pods in the fall, while the leaves turns a bright yellow-orange before dropping. Smaller Ornamental Trees (cont.) Insert Graphic for Trunk Damage Young trees require mulch rings and trunk guards. This protects trunks from mower and string trimmer damage, and mulch makes watering for efficient while providing nutrients. * Space for InfoGraphic * Page 14 Mature Height Growth Rate Fall Color Spring Flowers Small (15-25 ft.) Moderate Yes No Small (20-25 ft.) Slow Yes No Medium (25-30 ft.) Moderate No Yes Small (15-20 ft.) Slow Yes Yes Medium (30-40 ft.) Moderate Yes Yes Why so few Native Trees? Boulevard trees must be tough and resilient in a harsh growing site. Many native species would not survive or cause safety concerns, so it’s critical that we rely on a wide variety of introduced species. Even non-native trees can provide the same benefits of shade, fall color, and forage for wildlife and pollinators. * Space for InfoGraphic * 19 Page 15 Name Description Ash (Fraxinus species) Ash trees are no longer permitted for planting due to their susceptibility to the Emerald Ash Borer, a non- native pest. While this insect has not been found in Montana, it is steadily spreading across the country. Bozeman would be extremely vulnerable, as ~24% of our park & boulevard trees are Ash species. Cottonwood and Aspen (Populus species) While Cottonwoods and Aspens are iconic native trees, they are not appropriate for boulevards. Cottonwoods grow to a massive size, and are prone to heaving concrete and frequent storm damage. Aspen tend to multiply, sending up new shoots and overtaking the boulevard. These trees are best reserved for private yards and park spaces. Evergreen Conifers (Pines, Spruces, Firs, etc.) Evergreen trees are very problematic for the restricted growing site of a boulevard. They create vision hazards for pedestrians and vehicles, and tend to heave sidewalks as they grow. Evergreens are best reserved for private yards and park spaces. Orchard Fruit Trees (Apples, plums, cherries, etc.) Edible fruit trees require constant maintenance and are not appropriate for boulevards. To stay healthy and produce quality fruit, orchard trees need low canopies, which confiict with street/sidewalk clearance, and frequent pruning of immature fruit. Heavy fruit crops that aren’t maintained can tear trees apart in storms and/or create trip hazards. Prohibited Trees Our street boulevards host a wide variety of trees, but certain species aren’t allowed. They may lead to visibility concerns, harm concrete sidewalks and driveways, or are best reserved for larger growing spaces. Insert Graphic—”Beyond the Boulevard” Private yards and City Parks have more growing space than our Boulevards. This is the ideal place for planting our native trees and really increasing species diversity of our Urban Forest. (show blvd, house, then large yard) Page 16 Planting Details 20 After Planting WATERING: Young trees need to be watered during the first two growing seasons after planting. We recommend a minimum of 20 gallons, 1-2x per week from May through September. Watering is the property owner’s responsibility. Watering bags simplify the process and are available through the Cost Share Program. Using water to establish young trees is exempt from any drought restrictions declared by our Water Conservation Division. MULCHING/TRUNK-GUARDS: Maintain the mulch ring around the tree by adding mulch as needed, being sure to keep the total depth of mulch 3-4” and to keep it 1-2” clear from the base of the tree. Trunk guards are required to protect young trees from mowers and string trimmers. STAKE REMOVAL: Stakes should be removed after one year. The City Forestry Division will remove stakes from Cost Share trees. Property owners are responsible for removing stakes from trees they’ve planted. WRAPPING: Trees with thinner bark, especially mountain-ash and maples, will benefit from having the trunk wrapped during the winter with a protective wrap or plastic guard that can be purchased at most garden centers. Be sure to remove the wrap in spring. PRUNING: Boulevard trees can only be pruned by the Forestry Division or an approved professional arborist. Please contact the Forestry Division to request any pruning work; If you’d like to hire your own arborist to prune boulevard trees, we can approve that through a free Pruning Permit. TREE REMOVAL: Boulevard trees can only be removed by the Forestry Division or an approved professional arborist. Dead or hazardous trees that pose a severe public safety concern may be removed without notice at our discretion. Stump grinding is included for trees 2” and larger as long as they’re accessible and free of debris. Page 18 Partnerships & Resources The Forestry Division is always looking for ways to improve our Urban Forest, through maintenance, education, and public outreach. Here are a few of our main initiatives: BRANCH OUT BOZEMAN (B.O.B.) We’ve partnered with the Gallatin Watershed Council to launch BOB, an urban forest initiative to provide volunteer planting opportunities across the city. BOB is developing its own website for volunteer signups and will prioritize new areas for tree planting based on improving water quality, tree equity, and urban heat island effect. Insert Link FREE MULCH SITES Mulching trees is critical to their health, efficient watering, and protection from mowers & string trimmers. We recycle the wood chips from our pruning & removal operations as free mulch. This mix of wood and leaves is an ideal natural material, so lay it on thick around your trees (3-4” deep). Available May-September at Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Insert Link URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLAN The City of Bozeman completed its UFMP in 2016. This plan is a comprehensive review of Bozeman’s urban forest and how we can fully realize the benefits of our trees. The plan is due for an update in 2026… Insert Link EMERALD ASH BORER PLAN The Forestry Division has a plan for EAB’s arrival, including early detection, treatment options, and necessary tree removals. To learn more about the Emerald Ash Borer, read the Course of Action Plan from the link below. Insert Link 21