HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-25 Public Comment - S. Rhodes - 9_9_25 public comment - Wetland and Watercourse Code UpdateFrom:Sale Rhodes
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]9/9/25 public comment - Wetland and Watercourse Code Update
Date:Tuesday, September 9, 2025 10:26:50 AM
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Dear Bozeman City Commission,
Please accept this email as a public comment related to the Wetland and Watercourse Code
Update being discussed on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025.
As a water advocate, homeowner, and mother, I am very grateful for your consideration of the
Wetland and Watercourse Code and for the opportunity to participate in improving this policyto benefit our community and watershed as development proceeds and our city grows.
Firstly, I would like to advocate for treating streams and wetlands similarly in city policy.
While these offer distinct habitats and ecosystem services, they are inherently connected toeach other and would be most effectively regulated and protected as such. Water moves across
management boundaries, landscapes, and visibility, underscoring the importance of wetlandsfor streams and streams for wetlands. We need to consider our waters as whole systems and
ensure that the policies used to govern these invaluable resources appreciate the interplaybetween surface and ground water.
Following this point, setbacks must be applied to all streams and wetlands based on scientific
evidence about what is needed to preserve the ecological functions and value they provide.Consistency in these setbacks for all streams and wetlands will not only offer clarity to water
users, developers, and other community members, but also represents an opportunity todemonstrate the value of these waterways. If we proceed with clear and consistent policy that
recognizes the value of both streams and wetlands, we will influence a community that valueswater and fosters sustained stewardship of water resources for generations to come.
In order to effectively enact the two recommendations above, completion of accurate and up to
date maps of streams, wetlands, and ditches must be required before development is plannedand permitted. Understanding watercourses must be a precursor to developing new buildings
or thoroughfares. Whether private residences or community parks, if we want to protect thecharacter of Bozeman as a fishing destination with clean water running through it, we must
consider waterways before the onset of any projects.
Finally, we must create policy that recognizes the fragility of our waterways. Thoroughanalyses of adverse impacts must be undertaken before any projects are permitted to respect
setbacks. Even if unintentional, negative impacts to streams or wetlands can be long lastingand far reaching. Let’s work together to make sure that Bozeman’s growth does not come at
the expense of Bozeman’s charm. Let’s honor our water resources and grow in a way that putsthem first so that our children get to grow up loving this place like we do.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this comment.
With hope and gratitude,
Sale Rhodes