HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-10-25 Public Comment - A. Roche - Streams and Wetlands in the UDC Public CommentFrom:Alzada Roche
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Streams and Wetlands in the UDC Public Comment
Date:Tuesday, September 9, 2025 1:24:58 PM
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Dear City Commission,
Thank you for taking the time to revise wetland and stream codes in the UDC. I am a
wetland scientist working in the City of Bozeman and statewide. The City of Bozeman is agreat ally to water resources. The UDC’s treatment of wetlands could be strengthened by
ensuring that the treatment of streams and wetlands is simple, uniform, and science-based.
In keeping with the Gallatin Watershed Council’s recommendations, I suggest the following:
1. Apply setbacks to all streams and wetlands, where setback widths are based on
best available science for maintaining ecological functions and values.
2. Complete an “aquatic resource delineation” to have an accurate map of streams,
wetlands, and irrigation ditches BEFORE lot lines, buildings, roads, and parks areplanned.
3. Clarify and strengthen departure, deviation, variance criteria for streams and
wetlands that allows for reduced setbacks where it is appropriate and necessary,
determined based on an “aquatic resource risk assessment.”
4. Take advantage of the similarities between streams and wetlands and make their
regulation as consistent as possible, instead of having two very different sets ofrules and processes.
In my experience as a wetland delineator, delineations are often conducted late in the
project when designs have already been established, and changing course would be costly.
This could be avoided by identifying streams, wetlands, riparian areas, and ditches at the
beginning of the planning process.
In addition, departure from the use of minimum setbacks should require robust justification.
Lastly, emphasizing simplicity and uniformity across streams and wetlands ensures ease of
adherence and enforcement.
Thank you for being protectors of our water resources,
Alzada Roche
Natural Resources Scientist
M: 406-270-1576 O: 406-728-4611
109 East Main Street, Suite B
Bozeman, MT 59715
www.wgmgroup.com