HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-26 Public Comment - K. Berry - Public Comment for Bozeman City CommissinoFrom:Katherine Berry
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Cc:Lilly McLane
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment for Bozeman City Commissino
Date:Tuesday, March 3, 2026 11:58:41 AM
Attachments:26.03.03 Public Comment Commission Priorities.pdf
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Please see the attached public comment for the 3/3/2026 City Commission Meeting.
Best,
Gallatin Watershed Council
-- Katherine Berry, Water Policy Manager Gallatin Watershed Councilwww.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org | katherine@gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
Cell: 860-558-3323
To: Bozeman City Commissioners
Re: March 3rd Draft 2026-2027 Bozeman City Commission Priorities
Dear Commissioners,
The Gallatin Watershed Council is writing to encourage the City Commission to add, “Support
efforts and strategies that build long-term watershed health” as a Commission priority under
Goal 4. Protect Bozeman’s heritage, neighborhoods, and environment in the March 3rd
2026-2027 Bozeman City Commission Priorities. The other goals include broad, high-level
vision & value statements to guide the City’s work. We are missing this vision & value statement
under Goal 4, and therefore missing the high-level direction that allows for flexibility and
adaptive management.
The draft priorities already identify important efforts to improve water resource management,
including updating the Integrated Water Resources Plan and Urban Forest Management Plan,
and clarifying the Unified Development Code and Zone Map. However, actions that steward our
water resources and support watershed health extend beyond the scope of any single plan.
Providing the intent, or “why” of this goal can help city staff see themselves in this priority,
empowering them to innovate and find opportunities to advance environmental health, even
when they may not be specifically involved in one of the plans/actions listed. A vision statement
is critical for Goal 4, as everyday decisions around stormwater, infrastructure, parks, and
education influence the quality and quantity of the water in our streams, creeks, wetlands,
aquifer, and irrigation ditches.
Currently, many stakeholders are working across our watershed to improve watershed health,
and we hope the Commission’s priorities can empower participation in these efforts. Last week,
the Gallatin Water Collaborative, a group of over 50 stakeholders (including the City) from
across the Gallatin Valley working towards collaborative water stewardship, updated its five-year
goals, objectives, and actions matrix. Stakeholders outlined actions to ensure adequate water
quality and availability, including finishing a Drought and Deluge Adaptive Management Plan;
developing statewide stormwater green infrastructure guidance; exploring opportunities for
managed aquifer recharge; and coordinating nutrient trading efforts to reduce the cost of
wastewater treatment in response to the 2025 legislative session.
The City is an integral and valued partner in collaborative watershed management. Explicitly
including long-term watershed health as a City priority positions commissioners and staff to
actively support or lead forward-thinking initiatives that benefit our community. We appreciate
your time, consideration, and work in stewarding our water resources.
Sincerely, The Gallatin Watershed Council
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org