HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-25 Public Comment - K. Berry - March 12th Sustainability Board Meeting Public CommentFrom:Katherine Berry
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Lilly McLane; Holly Hill
Subject:[EXTERNAL][WARNING: ATTACHMENT UNSCANNED]March 12th Sustainability Board Meeting Public Comment
Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 12:00:42 PM
Attachments:25.03.12 Sustainability Board Public Comment Stormwater Facilities Plan Update.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Thank you for your consideration, please see the attached comment letter.
Best,
Gallatin Watershed Council--
Katherine Berry, Water Policy Manager Gallatin Watershed Council
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org | katherine@gallatinwatershedcouncil.orgCell: 860-558-3323
To:Sustainability Board
From: The Gallatin Watershed Council
Re:Stormwater Facilities Plan Update
Date: March 12th, 2025
Dear Members of the Sustainability Board,
The Gallatin Watershed Council is writing to support updates to the Stormwater Facilities Plan that
address the main goals of the Stormwater Division (improve waterway health, comply with the MS4
permit, and protect public safety) while also pursuing innovative, holistic solutions to stormwater
management that provide multiple benefits to our watershed.
In this Stormwater Facilities Plan Update, we believe there is an opportunity to have a larger impact. We
can mitigate flood risk while building resilience against drought. We can remove sediment from
stormwater while treating other pollutants like nitrogen. We can achieve permit compliance while
recharging our aquifer, creating habitat, and building community spaces.
The Gallatin Watershed Council submitted recommendations to the Stormwater Division on August 31st,
2024, representing diverse stakeholder input from the Gallatin Water Collaborative. That comment
provides greater detail to the points referenced below. Although we haven’t had a chance to thoroughly
review the latest draft of the Stormwater Facilities Plan, we ask that you keep these points in mind as
you oversee its update:
1.Prioritize capital improvement projects that provide multiple co-benefits, including water treatment,
groundwater infiltration, and community value. Where possible, we encourage stormwater facilities
that address the requirements of the MS4 permit and provide nutrient removal.
2.Strategically incorporate native wetland and riparian vegetation into the design of post-construction
stormwater facilities to improve water treatment performance and community value. Promoting
native vegetation also aligns with several other City priorities: fostering a thriving urban forest,
addressing climate change, and providing wildlife habitat.
3.Develop an open channels program in collaboration with agricultural irrigators and fisheries
managers. Protecting and maintaining the ditch network within the city is essential for the safety of
Bozeman residents and for conveying irrigation return flows and groundwater in a way that continues
to support small, vital urban streams and the East Gallatin River.
4.Incentivise water-wise landscaping. Many aspects of the Irrigation Efficiency and Landscape Design
Standards are also beneficial for retaining stormwater on site. Pervious pavers, strategic site grading,
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
1
alternative ground covers, and rain barrels are design elements that maximize retention, infiltration,
and efficient use of water while preventing runoff into the stormwater system.
5. Incentivise protection of existing wetlands and watercourse setbacks. These landscape types do
stormwater management best. Account for this ecosystem service during the development process
and leverage tools available to the Stormwater Division to 1) incentivize their protection and 2)
ensure their value is recouped locally if impacted. The PRAT Plan directs the Parks Department to
accept wetlands and watercourse setbacks as parkland. Capitalize on opportunities to align
stormwater site planning with the Parks Department as they implement the goals of the PRAT Plan
into the UDC.
We are guided by the Bozeman Community Plan to "promote uses of the natural environment that
maintain and improve habitat, water quality, and water quantity while giving due consideration to the
impact of city regulations and economic viability.” We are excited to take advantage of opportunities in
the Stormwater Facilities Plan Update that align with our community values and help us build a more
resilient future together.
Thank you,
Gallatin Watershed Council
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
2