HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-26-26 Public Comment - A. Craighead - BikefillFrom:April Craighead
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bikefill
Date:Thursday, March 26, 2026 11:54:43 AM
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Dear Commissioners and UPF Board,
I am writing in regard to the updated version of Bikefill. As I have mentioned in earlier
correspondence regarding this project, I am glad to see this portion of land that has been
neglected in the past, used to facilitate recreation close to town. However, this land is still
being used by wildlife during daily and seasonal migrations from the Bridger Mountains down to
Churn Creek-East Gallatin River. Landowners have recorded the presence of white-tailed deer
(of course) but moose and other wildlife throughout the year. In previous comments, wildlife
biologists and wildlife enthusiasts encouraged that some wildlife habitats remain without
placing trails along Churn Ck and the ephemeral creek to the north. This could have been a
win-win situation even knowing that trails would dimmish wildlife habitat. However, the trails
map indicates that trails will be put on both sides of Churn Ck where the wildlife habitat is best
and around the ephemeral watercourse. It is not abundantly clear how far setbacks would be
from watercourses, but I would hope they would be at the maximum to minimize erosion and
keep some habitat.
GVLT talks about this project of marrying recreation with a balance of natural resources, would
this have been so difficult? It is obvious this is all about recreation, nothing more. Apparently
thinking outside the box was not in the cards for this project, it is all about cramming as many
trails as possible and maximizing thrill seeking. With all the trails and amenities that this
project proposes, it seems more like visiting an amusement park than going for a bike ride in
nature.
I understand that GVLT feels that having recreation close to town minimizes the abuse of
recreationists going to use and abuse public land where there is more wildlife, and that may be
true to a certain extent. However, people will eventually tire of Bikefill and will continue to ask
for more recreational activities on public lands. In the meantime, any wildlife habitat near town
that is still functional for wildlife will be viewed with a scorched earth attitude. If GVLT really
wants to protect public lands from being overused by recreationists they should also be
working to ensure that as well.
Sincerely,
April Craighead
April Craighead
Executive Director
Wildlife Biologist
Craighead Institute
201 So. Wallace Ave
Suite B2D
Bozeman, MT. 59715
406 585-8705
april@craigheadinstitute.org