HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-25 Public Comment - W. Lonsdale - Wetland and Watercourse Code Update commentFrom:Whitney Lonsdale
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Wetland and Watercourse Code Update comment
Date:Tuesday, September 9, 2025 9:43:34 AM
Attachments:Commission_Comment_Lonsdale_Sept9.docx
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Please find attached my comments on the Wetland and Watercourse Code Update.
-- Whitney Lonsdale
whitneylonsdale@gmail.com
406.570.4318
Whitney Lonsdale
502 N 9th Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
Sept 9, 2025
Dear City Commission,
I am writing to provide my support to the comments submitted by the Gallatin Watershed Council
on the Wetland and Watercourse Code Update. I am a water resource professional, but I am writing
today representing only my own points of view as a private citizen of the City of Bozeman.
The GWC provided solid foundations and examples for their recommendations, therefore, I will
keep my comments brief.
First, I echo the gratitude expressed by the GWC for prioritizing our waterways and riparian areas as
you work to improving the development code.
Second, I support the GWC recommendation to require an “aquatic resource delineation,” to have
an accurate map of streams, wetlands, and irrigation ditches BEFORE lot lines, buildings, roads,
and parks are planned. Specifying that this take place during the pre-application and concept plan
review does the most to ensure that waterways, wetlands, and riparian areas are fully considered
and impact avoidance is prioritized from the outset.
Third, I ask that you adopt the recommendation that setbacks based on the best available science
should be applied to all streams and wetlands (including isolated wetlands). As the baseline, the
Code must reflect best management practices. Departure from this baseline will take place on a
case-by-case basis, and encroachment is inevitable. Therefore, a firm starting point, grounded in
science, is essential.
Finally, I urge you to implement the GWC’s recommendation to standardize an “aquatic resource
risk assessment” process for all departures, variances, and deviations and apply it to both streams
and wetlands. This kind of framework and natural resource criteria would provide additional,
specific information for a science-based discussion to evaluate impacts to streams and wetlands.
I strongly believe that these recommendations and the others made by the GWC, are important,
relevant, and reasonable, and that they will help protect our streams, wetlands, and riparian areas
and the essential ecological functions they provide. Protecting these resources is not easy,
especially in the face of development pressures and the need for housing in the City. However, I ask
you to consider the fact that protection is far easier and less costly than remediation or
replacement. For most riparian areas, wetlands, and waterways, once they are degraded or
eliminated, we have lost for good the ecological, recreational, and aesthetic benefits they provide.
Thank you for your consideration,
Whitney Lonsdale