HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-26 Public Comment - K. Berry - 1.14.26 Sustainability Board Public CommentFrom:Katherine Berry
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Lilly McLane
Subject:[EXTERNAL]1.14.26 Sustainability Board Public Comment
Date:Wednesday, January 14, 2026 12:10:57 PM
Attachments:26.01.14 Sustainability Board Public Comment.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Please see the attached public comment for the Sustainability Board.
Best,
Katherine
-- Katherine Berry, Water Policy Manager Gallatin Watershed Councilwww.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org | katherine@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
Cell: 860-558-3323
To: Sustainability Board
From: Gallatin Watershed Council
Re: Sustainability Board Work Plan
Date: January 14, 2026
Dear Sustainability Board Members,
After a year of active engagement with the City, the Gallatin Watershed Council is excited to
carry forward the momentum created through recent efforts such as the Stormwater Facilities
Plan, the Wetland and Watercourse Code, and the Unified Development Code. These initiatives
represent meaningful steps toward protecting our water resources as Bozeman grows, and they
also open the door to important next steps.
While much progress has been made, there is still significant opportunity to strengthen
stewardship of urban streams and wetlands in ways that support climate resilience. Healthy
riparian areas, intact wetlands, and a thriving urban forest are among the most effective tools we
have to reduce flood risk, slow and store water, provide climate refugia, sequester carbon, and
keep our neighborhoods and waterways cool. Investing in these natural systems benefits both
our community and our climate goals.
The Gallatin Watershed Council’s mission is to guide the collaborative stewardship of water for
a healthy and productive landscape. We believe these efforts are strongest when many partners
are involved, and we are encouraged by the interest, expertise, and capacity of the
Sustainability Board, especially as new members join. The timing of your work plan
development aligns with several exciting City-led initiatives where the Board could play an
influential role. These include:
Integrated Water Resources Plan (IWRP). A foundational planning document that will guide
Bozeman’s water supply decisions over the next 50 years. Last updated in 2013, the IWRP is
now being revisited to incorporate updated data, growth projections, and strategies to ensure a
resilient water future.
Bozeman Creek Vision Plan. A new planning effort focused on improving ecological health,
enhancing connectivity, celebrating Bozeman’s natural heritage, and reducing flood risk along
urban sections of Bozeman Creek.
Drought and Deluge Adaptive Management Plan. A watershed-wide, collaborative effort to
improve drought communication, coordinate voluntary conservation, and identify long-term
actions that help communities respond effectively to both drought and flood conditions.
Unified Development Code (UDC) Follow-Up. Following adoption of the new UDC, City staff
have identified next steps to support implementation. These include creating a wetland and
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
watercourse code policy intent, unavoidable impact replacement ratios, and an on-site wetland
and watercourse mitigation manual for how to quantify impacts and guidance for restoration and
enhancement techniques.
These initiatives strongly align with the Sustainability Board’s interests protecting our water
resources, building climate resilience, and understanding our local carbon sinks. Designated
engagement by the Board—whether through coordination, continuity across efforts, or technical
insight—would add capacity, momentum, and influence at a critical moment.
In addition, we would like to share a few “wishlist” items that could meaningfully support this
work:
Wetland Inventory and Tracking
During the August 13, 2025 presentation on the Wetland and Watercourse Code, Board
members expressed interest in understanding the carbon sequestration potential of local
wetlands. The City and Gallatin Watershed Council are currently collaborating on Branch Out
Bozeman, which is evaluating carbon stocks in the urban tree canopy. A similar approach could
be explored for wetlands, recognizing their important role in carbon storage, water quality
protection, and flood mitigation.
Evaluating Wetland and Watercourse Setbacks
Also at the August 13 presentation, Board members showed interest in reviewing the science
behind setback widths, including recommendations outlined in the Watercourse Commons
Report by the Gallatin Water Collaborative. With ongoing efforts such as the Bozeman Creek
Vision Plan and the Integrated Water Resources Plan, there will be continued opportunities to
assess how setback widths support water supply reliability, flood mitigation, and climate
resilience goals.
Thank you for your continued dedication, and a warm welcome to new Sustainability Board
members! We look forward to working together to build a more resilient and water-smart future
for Bozeman.
Sincerely,
Gallatin Watershed Council
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org