HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-14-26 Public Comment - M. Kaveney - Sustainability Advisory Board- Jan. 14, _26 meeting public commentFrom:Marcia Kaveney
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Sustainability Advisory Board- Jan. 14, "26 meeting public comment
Date:Wednesday, January 14, 2026 11:49:45 AM
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Dear Sustainability Advisory Board Members-
I see on tonight's agenda that you will be reviewing past work done and progress made over
the last two years and have some observations and suggestions for you to consider beforeformulating your next work plan.
Tree Canopy Analysis-
I am glad to see this was started. I encourage it to be done as often as best practicesrecommend. This baseline data will be essential for tracking growth as well as removal of
mature trees. I would suggest the Board recommend getting the most detailed informationpossible especially in the City's areas of historic settlement where planted trees have now been
maturing for several decades, even centuries, as well as the riparian areas that contain the mostnative species of cottonwoods/aspens, willows, and alders- all very productive trees for
providing food and nesting sources for insects and songbirds.
Branch Out Bozeman (BOB)-While planting trees is very important, BOB team leaders can tell you that it is much more
economical to retain mature trees. More information is available on this from the forestrydepartment and Gallatin Watershed Council, and the consultants they worked with in the
formation of BOB. It is also well understood that mature, established trees store much morecarbon than saplings due to their size alone, and as established trees, their survival rate is
much greater than newly planted saplings. They also provide many more ecosystem servicessuch as shade, temperature and moisture control, and stormwater management. Please try to
incorporate preservation of existing mature trees in your future CO2 sequestering work plans.
Finally, please work toward any other methods of tree retention, especially mature and nativetrees. As most of you know, hundreds of trees have been lost to development or
redevelopment over the past few years, including but not limited to the following areas:200 plus trees at the Canyon Gate parcel, 23 mature trees at 7th and Aspen including two
stately spruces over 36 inches in diameter, several trees at the former Tourist Rest Stop on N.19th to make way for Chick Fil-A, several mature trees in the mid-town and old hospital area
for redevelopment, etc.
Thank you for your consideration of these comments.
Marcia KaveneyBozeman Resident