HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-25 - Urban Parks and Forestry Board - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B. Disclosures
C. Changes to the Agenda
D. Public Service Announcements
E. Approval of Minutes
E.1 Approve Minutes from July 24, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Bajwa)
E.2 Approve Minutes from June 26, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Bajwa)
THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
UPF AGENDA
Thursday, September 25, 2025
General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche
repository.
If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to
comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the
meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to
the Board or staff.
Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate
agenda items.
As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the
City on cable channel 190.
For more information please contact Mitch Overton, moverton@bozeman.net
This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online videoconferencing system. You
can join this meeting:
Via Video Conference:
Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit.
Click Join Now to enter the meeting.
Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in-
person
United States Toll
+1 346 248 7799
Access code: 934 5616 9186
Approve Minutes from July 24, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting
Approve Minutes from June 26, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting
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E.3 Approve Minutes from May 22, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Bajwa)
F. Consent Items
G. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board
H. Special Presentations
H.1 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan: Initial Work Session(Nordquest)
I. Action Items
J. Work Session
J.1 Urban Forestry Management Plan - Review 2016 - Scoping for 2026 - Public Engagement for
2026 Plan - Estimated Timeline(Nordquest)
K. FYI/Discussion
L. Adjournment
Approve Minutes from May 22, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting
This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Urban Parks
& Forestry Board. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public
comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Board
cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the
Board shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful
of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property
owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three
minutes.
General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page.
Work Session
This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Citizen Advisory Board meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that
requires assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232.
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board
FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director
Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II
SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from July 24, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
MEETING DATE:September 25, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from July 24, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of
an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces.
BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's
Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and
approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at
the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the
minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
72425_Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: August 20, 2025
3CANCELED
Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 7/24/2025
Page 1 of 2
URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
7/24/2025
A) 00:08:02 Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B) 00:09:48 Disclosures
C) 00:10:16 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:10:26 Public Service Announcements
E) 00:12:06 Approval of Minutes
F) Consent Items
G) Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the
Board
H) Special Presentations
I) 00:12:53 Action Items
I.1 00:13:06 Approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program Funding
Recommendation and Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to Initiate Grant
Agreements
Grant Summary and Funding Recommendation.pdf
1_BSF.pdf
2_Bozeman-Sunrise-Rotary.pdf
3_Ability-MT.pdf
4_Library.pdf
5_GWC.pdf
6_MIFSI-HRDC.pdf
7_Mountain-Time-Arts.pdf
8-Emily-Dickinson.pdf
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Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 7/24/2025
Page 2 of 2
00:56:22 Motion to approve Approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program Funding
Recommendation and Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to Initiate Grant Agreements
Teri Lumsden: Motion
Brandt Berube: 2nd
-00:00:01 Vote on the Motion to approve Approve the Park Land Trust 2025 Community Grant Program
Funding Recommendation and Authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to Initiate Grant Agreements
The Motion carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Dan Fenn
Donald Ulrich
Madisynn Weber
Teri Lumsden
Brandt Berube
Disapprove:
None
K) 00:59:32 Adjournment
5CANCELED
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board
FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director
Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II
SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from June 26, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
MEETING DATE:September 25, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from June 26, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of
an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces.
BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's
Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and
approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at
the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the
minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
62625_Miunutes.pdf
Report compiled on: August 20, 2025
6CANCELED
Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 6/26/2025
Page 1 of 3
URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
6/26/2025
A) 00:00:57 Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B) 00:02:43 Disclosures
Teri Lumsden member of Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club, and daughter attends Emily Dickinson School.
C) 00:03:37 Changes to the Agenda
D) 00:03:54 Public Service Announcements
E) Approval of Minutes
F) 00:04:16 Consent Items
G) 00:04:19 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
H) Special Presentations
I) 00:06:02 Action Items
I.1 Discussion and Presentation of Applications for the Park Land Trust 2025 Community
Grant Program
1_BSF.pdf
2_Bozeman-Sunrise-Rotary.pdf
3_Ability-MT.pdf
4_Library.pdf
5_GWC.pdf
6_MIFSI-HRDC.pdf
7_Mountain-Time-Arts.pdf
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Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 6/26/2025
Page 2 of 3
8-Emily-Dickinson.pdf
00:06:16 Staff Presentation
Parks Planner and Development Manager (PPDM) Addi Jadin introduced the applicants.
00:12:03 Bridger Ski Foundation presented.
00:18:11 Questions of Applicant
00:27:11 Ability Montana presented Lindley Park Accessible Trails Project.
00:33:52 Questions of Applicants
00:39:29 Library Foundation presented Bozeman Library Music Garden.
00:43:27 Questions of Applicant
00:55:15 Gallatin Watershed Council presented.
00:55:23 Questions of Applicant
01:05:35 Garden Manager at Story Mill Park, Cally Ward and Assistant Director of Buffalo Nations
Food System Initiative Merritt Davis presented.
01:08:56 Questions of Applicants
01:12:29 Mountain Time Arts presented an Art Installation of two mosaics on Bozeman Creek.
01:17:49 Questions of Applicant
01:23:40 Emily Dickinson Pavilion presentation.
01:31:25 Questions of Applicants
01:39:40 Public Comment
There was no Public Comment
01:40:07 Discussion
J) FYI/Discussion
K) 02:02:04 Adjournment
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Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 6/26/2025
Page 3 of 3
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board
FROM:Mitch Overton, Parks and Recreation Director
Anhad Bajwa, Administrative Assistant II
SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from May 22, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
MEETING DATE:September 25, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes
RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from May 22, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting
STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of
an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces.
BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's
Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and
approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at
the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the
minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office.
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board.
FISCAL EFFECTS:None.
Attachments:
052225_Minutes.pdf
Report compiled on: August 20, 2025
10CANCELED
Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 5/22/2025
Page 1 of 2
URBAN PARKS & FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
MINUTES
5/22/2025
A) 00:03:18 Call to Order - 6:00 PM
B) 00:03:43 Disclosures
Teri lives in the Cattail Creek Corridor and is also a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club. She is the
forthcoming president for the Sunrise Rotary Club.
Brandt is currently renting a unit in the Cattail Creek Corridor.
C) 00:03:27 Changes to the Agenda
none
D) 00:04:55 Approval of Minutes
D.1 00:05:03 Approve Minutes from March 27, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting.
Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting 3-27-25.pdf
00:05:07 Motion to approve Approve Minutes from March 27, 2025 Urban Parks and Forestry Board
Meeting.
Brandt Berube: Motion
Teri Lumsden: 2nd
00:05:25 Vote on the Motion to approve Approve Minutes from March 27, 2025 Urban Parks and
Forestry Board Meeting. The Motion carried 5 - 0.
Approve:
Dan Fenn
Madisynn Weber
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Urban Parks & Forestry Board Meeting Minutes, 5/22/2025
Page 2 of 2
Teri Lumsden
Brandt Berube
Joe Cartwright
Disapprove:
None
E) 00:06:02 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and
Jurisdiction of the Board
F) FYI/Discussion
F.1 00:13:44 Park Land Trust Community Grant Program
2025-Community-Grant-Program-Description.pdf
Community_Grant_Program_Application.docx
F.2 00:57:03 Planning and Development Update on Parks, Recreation and Active
Transportation Plan Implementation
G) 01:38:47 Adjournment
12CANCELED
Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board
FROM:Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT:2026 Urban Forest Management Plan: Initial Work Session
MEETING DATE:September 25, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Policy Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:2026 Urban Forest Management Plan: Initial Work Session
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:n/a
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:n/a
ALTERNATIVES:n/a
FISCAL EFFECTS:n/a
Attachments:
Forestry Update - UPF Board - 9.25.25.pptx
Report compiled on: September 19, 2025
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Thursday, September 25th, 2025
2026 Urban Forest Management Plan:
Initial Work Session
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End of Summer – Forestry
Recap
• Our busiest summer yet
o Me: overwhelmed with work requests
• Record planting year with Inflation
Reduction Act funding (340 Trees!)
• Strain on work capacity assisting
Streets, Engineering, other dept’s
• Increase in public awareness
o “Leaf It To US” flyer inserted with Tree
Maintenance Notice
o Mailed to all Bozeman property owners
•Forestry Viewer: Annual Stats
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End of Summer – Forestry
Recap
We get the message! It’s time to grow the
Forestry Division; perfect timing for an
updated management plan.
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2026 Urban Forest
Management Plan
• Comprehensive guiding document for
all Forestry Operations
o Update key stats on Tree Infrastructure: the
current condition & characteristics of the
urban forest.
o Offer Recommendations on Staffing, Budget,
Community Outreach
o Address current concerns of staff,
management, public
• Scope for Request for Proposal &
Develop Community Engagement Plan
• Timeline: now through Fall ‘26
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Review: 2016 UFMP
•3 Main Sections
o Tree Infrastructure – current condition of trees
(size, species, etc.)
o Management – staff and contracting, budget
o Community Engagement – raise awareness,
recommend partnerships & programs
•7 Essential Elements (Overall Goal)
•Emerald Ash Borer – Course of
Action Plan
• Lots of charts, graphs, Cost-Benefit
Analyses… recommendations that we
can pick from
• UFMP + Staff Implementation =
Success!
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Review: 2016 UFMP
•3 Main Sections
o Tree Infrastructure – current condition
o Values are quite outdated today
19CANCELED
Review: 2016 UFMP
•3 Main Sections
o Management – staff and contracting, budget
o Again, values are quite outdated
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21CANCELED
Review: 2016 UFMP
•3 Main Sections
o Tree Infrastructure – current condition
o Management – staff and contracting, budget
o Community Engagement – raise awareness
•7 Essential Elements (Overall Goal)
•Emerald Ash Borer – Course of
Action Plan
• Lots of charts, graphs, Cost-Benefit
Analyses… recommendations that we
can pick from
• UFMP + Staff Implement = Success!
22CANCELED
Review: 2016 UFMP
7 Essential Elements (Overall Goal)
All of these are done; or ongoing
1) Create an urban forester position to oversee Bozeman’s urban
forest.
2) Plant a new generation of trees with appropriate species diversity.
3) Establish a systematic and coordinated detection effort for EAB.
4) Remove trees that are deemed hazardous, in poor condition, or
inappropriate locations.
5) Establish a healthy and vibrant relationship with the community.
6) Complete and maintain the tree inventory.
7) Implement a proactive maintenance cycle.
23CANCELED
Review: 2016 UFMP
7 Essential Elements (Overall Goal)
All of these are done; or ongoing
• Create an urban forester position to oversee Bozeman’s urban
forest.
• Plant a new generation of trees with appropriate species diversity.
• Establish a systematic and coordinated detection effort for EAB.
• Remove trees that are deemed hazardous, in poor condition, or
inappropriate locations.
• Establish a healthy and vibrant relationship with the community.
• Complete and maintain the tree inventory.
• Implement a proactive maintenance cycle.
24CANCELED
Scope: 2026 UFMP
7 Essential Elements (Overall Goal)
We need new areas of focus
• Establish a healthy and vibrant relationship with the community.
• Implement a proactive maintenance cycle.
• Expand on Species Diversity efforts (A tree nursery, More native
trees in parks, watercourse setbacks, etc.).
• Work towards a determined % Canopy Cover goal for City limits.
• New guidance for young plantings & tree establishment; mature tree
impacts on private property.
• Strengthen relationship with Planning & Development, other Dept’s.
• A Forestry crew focused solely on Parks (No Blvd Trees).
25CANCELED
2026 Urban Forest
Management Plan
• Comprehensive guiding document for
all Forestry Operations
o Update key stats on Tree Infrastructure: the
current condition & characteristics of the
urban forest.
o Offer Recommendations on Staffing, Budget,
Community Outreach
o Address current tree concerns of staff,
management, public
•Scope for Request for Proposal
• Develop Community Engagement Plan
• Timeline: now through Fall ‘26
26CANCELED
2026 Urban Forest
Management Plan
•Scope for Request for Proposal
• Nationwide call for expert consultants
• Thorough, explicit description of
Bozeman’s needs/desires will attract
quality
• Scoring process helps us filter out any
inappropriate candidates
• Staff – Fresh assessment of Tree
Infrastructure/Inventory Values
• Staff – Rec. for expanding
staff/fleet/contracting
• UPF Board – ???
27CANCELED
2026 Urban Forest
Management Plan
• Comprehensive guiding document for
all Forestry Operations
o Update key stats on Tree Infrastructure: the
current condition & characteristics of the
urban forest.
o Offer Recommendations on Staffing, Budget,
Community Outreach
o Address current tree concerns of staff,
management, public
• Scope for Request for Proposal
•Develop Community Engagement
Plan
• Timeline: now through Fall ‘26
28CANCELED
2026 UFMP
Develop Community Engagement
Plan
• Builds upon Staff, UPF Board input
• Consistent with other City Projects’
outreach efforts
o How many public meetings? Inter-
departmental meetings? Involve Forestry Div
team!
• Creative ideas for meetings
• Who is our audience?
o General Public
o Students (Give your PARENTS homework!)
o Industry (Arborists, Landscape)
o MSU (Horticulture, Schutter Lab, etc.)
29CANCELED
2026 Urban Forest
Management Plan
• Comprehensive guiding document for
all Forestry Operations
o Update key stats on Tree Infrastructure: the
current condition & characteristics of the
urban forest.
o Offer Recommendations on Staffing, Budget,
Community Outreach
o Address current tree concerns with staff,
management, public input
• Develop Community Engagement Plan
and Request for Proposal
•Timeline: now through Fall ‘26
30CANCELED
2026 UFMP
Ideal Timeline
• Sep ‘25: RFP out nationwide for potential
consultants; Community Engagement
Plan on Engage Bozeman
• Oct-Dec ‘25: Score and Select qualified
candidate; Award Contract. Develop
Framework and Core Items
• Jan-May ‘26: Host Public Work
Sessions, UPF Board Work Sessions;
Refine doc based on feedback
• June-Aug ‘26: Final Revisions
• Sep ‘26: Present Finished Version to City
Commission for Adoption
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Branch Out Bozeman
• Ongoing partnership with Gallatin
Watershed Council
• Volunteer Planting Events!
o 20 Trees @ Arbor Day
o 40 Trees throughout the summer
• Dedicated BOB Website Coming Soon
o Just about ready!
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Bob Website
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BOB Website
1) Clearly explains the
partnership between GWC and
City, but on its own website.
2) Focus on trees for: Water
Quality, Urban Heat, Equity.
3) Volunteer Events, Education,
Donations.
4) Future home of Tree Canopy
Map.
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BOB Website
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BOB Website
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Questions/Comments?
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Memorandum
REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board
FROM:Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT:Urban Forestry Management Plan
- Review 2016
- Scoping for 2026
- Public Engagement for 2026 Plan
- Estimated Timeline
MEETING DATE:September 25, 2025
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Policy Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:Urban Forestry Management Plan
- Review 2016
- Scoping for 2026
- Public Engagement for 2026 Plan
- Estimated Timeline
STRATEGIC PLAN:7.3 Best Practices, Creativity & Foresight: Utilize best practices, innovative
approaches, and constantly anticipate new directions and changes relevant
to the governance of the City. Be also adaptable and flexible with an
outward focus on the customer and an external understanding of the issues
as others may see them.
BACKGROUND:n/a
UNRESOLVED ISSUES:n/a
ALTERNATIVES:n/a
FISCAL EFFECTS:n/a
Report compiled on: September 19, 2025
38CANCELED