HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-27-25 Public Comment - Bozeman Tree Coalition - UPF Advisory Board mtng. 3_17_25 plus UDC folderFrom:BozemanTreeCoalition
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Jennifer Madgic; Addi Jadin; Alex Nordquest; Mitchell Overton
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UPF Advisory Board mtng. 3/17/25 plus UDC folder
Date:Wednesday, March 26, 2025 9:31:04 PM
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Dear UPF Board members and Parks and Forestry Staff-
In your discussion of the UDC update please consider the following recommendations fromthe Bozeman Tree Coalition:
1. Develop a Tree Protection Ordinance (to be included in the updated UDC)
2. Add Trees ( and the Tree Protection Ordinance) to Article 6. Natural Resources in the
UDC update.
3. Advocate for updating the following UDC code under General Standards inCommunity Design and Elements: 38.410.010.B. Natural Environment. Please remove the
loophole, "to the extent possible" from this code that states: "The design and development of all land uses must be properly related to topography, and
must, to the extent possible, preserve the natural terrain, natural drainage, existing topsoil,trees and other existing vegetation. "
Language is needed to make this code actionable and enforceable.
4. Advocate for an Indigenous (Native) Tree Protection Ordinance- protecting lodgepole
pines, ponderosa pines, and certain species of willows, cottonwoods, birch, and alders whichare the best caterpillar host trees in our area. Caterpillar host trees are necessary for songbirds
because caterpillars are the mainstay of most bird diets, particularly when they are rearingtheir young. Very few species, even Robins, use worms to feed their very young. According to
one study, it takes approximately 1,000 caterpillars to raise a nest of Carolina Chickadeesto the fledgling stage (Nature's Best Hope, Tallamy, 2019). Non-native trees offer very little
in the way of hosting caterpillars.
5. Codify MT State Law: 87-5-201 into UDC 38.780.040. Special provisions for timing ofcertain improvements. The inclusion of this state law would assist developers and planners in
scheduling tree removal at appropriate times.
"MT State Law: 87-5-201: Protection of Wild Birds and the Nests and Eggs.(1) It is unlawful for a person to hunt, capture, kill, possess, purchase, offer or expose for sale,
ship, or transport any wild bird, other than a game bird, or any part of the plumage, skin, orbody of the bird, irrespective of whether the bird was captured or killed within the state, or to
take or destroy the nest or eggs of a wild bird, except under a certificate, falconer's license, orpermit issued by the director." (emphasis mine.)
"Taking" involves cutting down trees that have active nests. Permits are required.
6. Codify language to allow for some forms of standing (snags) and lying dead wood to beleft in natural area parks and other landscaped locations. Approximately 85 species of
birds are cavity nesters. (Tallamy, 2019). Birds such as flycatchers, kingbirds, woodpeckers,and wrens are cavity nesters and insect eaters. They effectively manage insect populations by
consuming vast numbers of insects daily which benefits gardens and ecosystems.
We appreciate your time and consideration of our comments.Thank you,
Bozeman Tree Coalition Co-founders
Marcia KaveneyAngie Kociolek
Daniel CartyApril Craighead
Lara ShulzChris McQueary