HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 2025-74 - Authorizing Application for Land and Water Conservation Fund Assistance for Bikefill Bike Park
COMMISSION RESOLUTION 2025-74
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR LAND AND WATER
CONSERVATION FUND ASSISTANCE FOR BIKEFILL BIKE PARK
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
with Gallatin Valley Land Trust in order to design and construct the Bikefill Park Project, signed
on July 25, 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department has budgeted for
Capital Improvement Plan allocations for the Bikefill Park Project in fiscal years 2026, 2027 and
2028; and
WHEREAS, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant program administered by
Montana State Parks has grant funding available for outdoor recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, Grant No. ______ application has been approved by the City Manager,
Finance Director, and Director of Parks and Recreation in compliance with Administrative Order
2014-001; and
WHEREAS, the City of Bozeman is interested in developing outdoor recreational
facilities on the following described project for the enjoyment of the citizenry of the City of
Bozeman and the State of Montana:
Project Title: Bikefill Bike Park and Snowfill Recreation Area Parking Lot
Total Estimated Cost (LWCF Request and Match): $4,730,000.00
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Commission Resolution 2025-74
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Brief Description of Project: The Bikefill Bike Park project will create a bike park that
provides non-motorized paved, gravel, and single-track trails, as well as specially designed
bicycle-specific terrain and skills features. Specifically, the Land and Water Conservation fund
financial assistance request will be for the creation of a new parking area/trailhead to service both
Snowfill and the new Bikefill recreation area.
WHEREAS, Land and Water Conservation Fund financial assistance is required for the
acquisition or development of said outdoor recreational facilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of
Bozeman, Montana, that the project described be authorized.
AND be it further resolved that the City of Bozeman make application to Montana, Fish,
Wildlife & Parks to seek 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund financial assistance from the
National Park Service in the amount of 50% of the actual, direct cost of the project on behalf of
the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana.
AND be it further resolved by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana
that it certifies to the following:
Section 1- Grant Application
The City of Bozeman wishes to make application to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to seek
2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund for financial assistance from the National Park Service
in the amount of 50% of the actual cost of the project ($750,000); and the grant application to the
Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application for the Bikefill Park Project is approved to
be submitted for the 2025 grant cycle.
Section 2- Compliance with Grant Requirements
The City of Bozeman certifies to the following:
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Commission Resolution 2025-74
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1. That it will accept the terms and conditions set forth in the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Grants in the Aid Manual and the official agreement between the applicant and
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, both of which will be part of the project agreement for any grant
awarded.
2. That it is in complete accord with the attached proposal and that it will carry out the
acquisitions and/or development in the manner described in the proposal and any plans and
specifications attached thereto unless prior approval for any change has been received from
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
3. That, at the time of application, it has committed to fund the entire project (the sponsor
must make full payment on all project expenses before being reimbursed for up to 50 percent of
allowable costs), and will initiate work within 90 days following federal approval (weather
permitting).
4. That the project will be operated and maintained in perpetuity at the expense of said
City of Bozeman, Montana, for public outdoor recreation use.
5. That it will maintain adequate financial records on the proposed project to substantiate
claims for cost sharing.
6. That open public participation was encouraged throughout the planning phases of the
project.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana,
at a regular session thereof held on the 18th day of November, 2025.
___________________________________
Terry Cunnigham
Mayor
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Commission Resolution 2025-74
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ATTEST: ________________________________________
MIKE MAAS
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________________
GREG SULLIVAN
City Attorney
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City Of Bozeman
121 N. Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, Mt 59715
October 22, 2025
Olivia Hollis
Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
Financial Assistance and Compliance Bureau
1420 6th Avenue
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
RE: City of Bozeman’s Bikefill Bike Park LWCF Grant application funding, resource, and maintenance
commitment
Dear Olivia Hollis,
The City of Bozeman appreciates the opportunity to apply to MT Fish, Wildlife, and Parks for the
Land & Water Conservation Fund. This project is a collaboration between the City of Bozeman and
Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) for the future Bikefill Bike Park.
As part of the commitment to this project, two departments within the City of Bozeman will
contribute funding and resources. The department of Transportation and Engineering is committing
one million five hundred thousand dollars as match to the project and the department of Parks and
Recreation is committing five hundred and eighty thousand dollars as match to the overall project.
In addition to the funding, the City of Bozeman owns the parcel of land for the future Bikefill and has
signed a memorandum of understanding with GVLT for the use of the land as a Bike Park.
Additionally, this park will also be a part of the Parks and Trails District which provides a dedicated
funding source for the maintenance and improvement of City’s parks and trails.
Therefore, please accept this letter of commitment as proof of the City of Bozeman’s
acknowledgment and investment in the Bikefill Bike Park project.
Sincerely,
Chuck Winn
City Manager
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Montana Land & Water Conservation Fund Program
2025 Grant Application Form
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
1420 6th Avenue
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-3791
Applicant Organization:
Proposed Project Name:
City of Bozeman, MT
Bikefill Bike Park and Snowfill Recreation Area Parking Lot
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2025 LWCF Program Grant Application Page 2
Program Overview
The Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program is a federal grant program administered by the
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Financial Assistance and Compliance Bureau. The LWCF Program
provides matching grant funds to state, tribal, and local entities to develop outdoor recreation. Eligible
applicants may include incorporated cities or towns, counties, and tribal governments. Example
projects include park improvements, ball fields, picnic shelters, municipal pools, etc. Montana’s LWCF
Program has funded over 800 projects throughout Montana since its creation in 1964.
Application Instructions
All interested applicants must submit a pre-application during an open grant cycle for scoring
by an internal FWP ranking committee. Successful pre-applicants will be invited to complete
and submit a full application. Please read through the 2025 LWCF Guidelines and submit a
pre-application to begin application process. Until invited to apply by FWP, this application is
only for reference.
To apply to the LWCF Program, complete the following Application Sections and provide all required
supplemental documentation as appendices to your application package. I.Application Summary ...................................................................................... 3
II.Project Narrative ............................................................................................ 5
III.Project Budget .............................................................................................. 10
IV.Supplemental Project Information ................................................................. 12
V.Environmental Resources Survey ................................................................... 17
VI. Appendices ................................................................................................... 21
Application Packages Submitted by Online File Transfer Service (Preferred)
Compile all the required Sections into one PDF document. Then, either include the required Appendices
in the main PDF document or compile them into an additional PDF document, depending on the file size.
Send the completed 2025 LWCF application package to the LWCF Program Manager via the State of
Montana’s File Transfer Service. Application packages will NOT be accepted by email.
To use the File Transfer Service:
1.Go to transfer.mt.gov.
2.Create a login.mt.gov account and/or login with an existing login.mt.gov account.
3.Click “Send a New File” button.
4.Upload the application package document(s) and click “Continue.”
5.On the “Recipient Options” page, click “State Employee or login.mt.gov Customer.”
6.On the “Recipients” page:
a.Enter the Program Manager’s email address (Olivia.Hollis@mt.gov) or search for and
add the email address using the name “Olivia Hollis.”
b.Ensure the correct file name(s) appears under “File(s)” on the right side of the page.
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2025 LWCF Program Grant Application Page 3
c.Enter a message for the Program Manager on the right side of the page under
“Message.” Keep the message short; include the Applicant Organization Name and
reference “2025 LWCF Application Submission.”
7.Click “Send” to submit the application package.
8.Email the LWCF Program Manager to confirm receipt of the LWCF application package. If you
submitted multiple files, provide a list of the files that should have been included with the
application package.
I.Application Summary
Fill out the fields below.
Applicant (Subrecipient) Organization Name:
Eligible applicants may include incorporated cities or towns, counties, and tribal governments.
Proposed Project Name:
Individual Contact Information (Designee from Subrecipient Organization):
Contact Name:
Address:
City: Zip:
Phone Number:
Email Address:
UEI Number*:
SAM Cage Code*:
*Leave fields blank if applicant organization does not yet have these. Required by the time of award.
Compile all the required Sections and Appendices into one document and send the completed 2025
LWCF application package to the address below. Do not bind as each document must be scannable no
hard copies will be retained. The applicant should retain a full copy of the application package for its
records.
Application Packages Submitted by Mail
MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
C/O FACB – Olivia Hollis
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
City of Bozeman, MT
Jamie Grabinski
121 N. Rouse Avenue
406-582-2364
jgrabinski@bozeman.net
EEAPKALAEM35
3QWR0
Bikefill Bike Park and Snowfill Recreation Area Parking Lot
Bozeman 59715
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2025 LWCF Program Grant Application Page 4
Land Ownership (check all that apply):
_______ City/Town _______ State
_______ County _______ Tribal Government
General Project Information:
Project Type:
______ New Development
______ Expansion/Renovation
Total Project Costs: _______________________________
Subrecipient Match Funding Source(s):
Funding Source Name* Amount of Match
1.
2.
3.
4.
*Match must be committed upon submission of application. Attach additional information, if needed.
Has the project site received LWCF Program funds at any time in the past?
Yes
No
If so, list former LWCF Project Numbers:
(Project number format is 30-00XXX)
Certifying Signature:
By signing below, the Subrecipient Organization Designee is certifying all information included within
its LWCF Grant Application is correct and complete and all project matching funds are committed.
Signature of
Subrecipient Designee:
Printed Name of
Subrecipient Designee:
Title of Subrecipient
Designee:
Date of Signature:
4,730,000
City of Bozeman Department of Transportation and Engineering $1,500,000
City of Bozeman Department of Parks and Recreation $580,000
Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT)$1,900,000
Chuck Winn
City Manager
4 4
4
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2025 LWCF Program Grant Application Page 5
II.Project Narrative
Answer the questions below. Be as specific as possible but limit background narratives. Utilize lists and
bullets if/when possible.
1.Community Information
Describe the community where the project is located. Include the geographic location, population,
demographics, etc.
2.Project Location Description
Provide information about the project site and general location, referencing the maps included in
Appendix 1.
a.Township, Range, and Section of the LWCF Property:
b.Project Area Surroundings:
Describe the type of development and/or land surrounding the LWCF project site.
c.Park or Property Name (if applicable):
d.Other Location Information:
Provide other useful location information, if needed. For example, provide the names of
significant adjacent landmarks like boundary streets/roads.
Bikefill Bike Park
The project will be located in the northeast section of the City of Bozeman in the
rolling hills of the Bridger Mountains. The City of Bozeman population is currently
57,305 residents with nearly 21,000 people who commute into Bozeman daily for
work or personal business. The median age for Bozemanites is thirty-three with
nearly fifty percent who own their homes while forty-three percent are renters.
Bozeman is also home to Montana State University that has a current fall 2025
enrollment of 17,165 students. Likewise, nine miles away from Bozeman is the
Yellowstone International Airport that has had approximately 1.38 million
enplanements to date in 2025. Finally, Bozeman is an active community and many
people visit for the outdoor recreation available to all enthusiasts.
T01 S, R06E, S30
The land surrounding the LWCF project site is residential and recreational. The
area is in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains. Located north of the LWCF project
site is the Snowfill Recreation Area which is a 40-acre, fully-fenced nature park with
1.9 miles of multi-use, gravel trails. Across McIlhattan Road to the west and south
of the project site is the Bridger Creek Golf Course. Also across McIlhattan Road is
Valley View Veterinary Hospital. Lastly, south of the project site is the City of
Bozeman's Solid Waste compost facility.
The future Bikefill is located between McIlhattan Road and Story Mill Road. It is
adjacent to Snowfill Dog Park, east of the Bridger Creek Golf Course, and north to
the City of Bozeman compost facility.
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3. Detailed Project Description
Provide a detailed description of the proposed LWCF project. Include the following:
a. Scope of Work (List Goals and Activities):
Describe the scope of work to be completed with the requested LWCF grant funds and match.
List specific project goals and the project activities corresponding to those goals.
b. Type of Outdoor Recreation Uses:
Describe the type of outdoor recreation uses this LWCF project will provide or expand. Identify
both the active and passive recreational uses this project will provide. Identify if any of the uses
are new or unique to the community.
c. Seasons and Hours of Operation:
Identify the seasons the LWCF project will be open to public use, including the months of use,
and the hours of operation. Provide a short justification for the seasons/hours of operation.
Goal 1: Expand the Snowfill Recreation Area to include a special use park focused
on trails and skill features for bicycles called "Bikefill Bike Park."
Goal 2: Create a new parking area/trailhead to service both Snowfill and Bikefill,
including adding a driveway, 100-vehicle asphalt surfaced parking area, and
associated infrastructure.
Goal 3: Create a bike park that engages all ages and abilities, with a variety of
trails, terrain, features, and infrastructure that will allow for fun, safe recreation for
residents of and visitors to Gallatin County.
Goal 4: Engage the community in a robust public dialogue to best understand how
the park will be used by both humans and wildlife.
The new Bikefill Bike Park will provide nonmotorized paved, gravel, and single-track
trails, as well as specially designed bicycle-specific terrain and skills features.
Bikefill will be built and managed as a bike park and will also have certain areas that
are accessible to a variety of wheeled devices, including wheelchairs, scooters,
skateboards, and adaptive mountain bikes. The focus will be on creating a safe,
nurturing spaces for people to progress their riding. Bikefill will be a place where
families with kids of all ages and abilities can find something that engages their
sense of adventure, whether it be riding through the bicycle playground or going
over their first dirt jump.
Snowfill is primarily used by people on foot and its designation as an off-leash dog
park attracts people from across the valley. In addition, Snowfill allows for sledding
and cross-country skiing. Its gently sloping and varied terrain, as well as its ability to
hold snow on north-facing slopes, make it a popular destination in the winter for kids
and their pets.
Bikefill also holds potential for winter recreation. Its topography and variety of
slopes will only add to the terrain Snowfill provides. We also anticipate Bikefill being
used by winter fat bikers whose bicycles with large, knobby tires give them the
ability to ride on packed snow surfaces.
While active recreation is the focus at both Snowfill and Bikefill, the location of the
recreation area in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains will provide opportunities for
passive recreation as well. The views down, into the valley as well as up into the
Bridger Mountains invite people to sit and contemplate. In addition, we plan to
construct a community hub where trails of all abilities converge. The hub will
include seating, a shade structure, and bicycle tools, as well as a skills area
designed to create learning through mentorship.
Though trails and parks that include pump tracks are not unique to Bozeman, the
variety in one concentrated area certainly is. One critique we often hear from bikers
is that the terrain near our population centers is either too easy or too hard. The
Gallatin Valley lacks intermediate terrain, and there are few trails that provide
progressively more difficult features that allow riders to improve their skills without
risking injury. There are also no bicycle-only trails. This park will be unique in that it
will be restricted to bicycles only in the summer season. It will also have
single-direction, downhill and uphill trails, something that does not exist anywhere in
the valley.
Bikefill will be open year-round and will likely have similar operating hours to
Bozemans city park system, which is 5am-11pm. However, bicyclists will be
expected to stay off the natural surface, single-track and dirt features when they are
wet. We are confident that our budget will allow for some areas to have asphalt and
gravel surfacing. These trails and features will allow for rapid drying and use for
those bikers who are eager to spin their wheels. One of the features we hope to
pave includes an extensive pump track that could even be shoveled to remove
snow to promote more rapid drying. As mentioned earlier, when snow covers the
landscape, Bikefill will be available for winter recreation as well. As with most trails
in the area, we will rely on users to follow the Ride Kind ethic, which seeks to
promote responsible use of the trails and show kindness to other recreators.
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d. Additional Project Details:
Provide any other information you think would be helpful in describing the project.
4. Project Justification and Need
Provide an in-depth justification for the proposed LWCF project and description of why the work is
needed.
5. Local Recreational Short-Term and Long-Term Benefits:
Describe both short-term and long-term local outdoor recreation benefits that will be achieved
because of this project. If possible, reference local and/or state planning documents.
6. SCORP Goals to be Addressed:
Review the 2020-2024 Montana Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) (still
current for the 2025 application) and identify which goals and recommendations this LWCF project
aims to address. List the specific goal (1-6) and corresponding recommendation and provide an
explanation about how the project addresses the issue.
The location of Bikefill is ideal for this kind of project. It sits between an existing
40-acre recreation area (Snowfill) and the city's solid waste facility. Properties of
this size are rare within city limits, and its suitability for other uses is limited. It sits
mostly empty, having been used as a hay field until the city began scraping its
topsoil to cap the adjacent landfill cell. Because much of the topsoil is gone, it
supports only sparse vegetative cover.
This property represents a tremendous opportunity for the community. To purchase
a parcel of this size within city limits would make this project prohibitively expensive
were it not already owned by the citizens of Bozeman. In addition, it has an ideal
mix of topography and soil types. Many bike parks require importing of dirt to create
elevation and the correct mix of clay, silt, and sand to shape the land into fun and
interesting trails and features. Bikefill will require little, if any, importing of dirt,
creating significant value for the project.
Though many recreational trails exist for biking in and around the Gallatin Valley, no
one area will provide this kind of variety and accessibility near the population
centers of Bozeman and Belgrade. LWCF funding will allow this project to realize its
full potential as a regional draw for many recreational uses by providing the
necessary infrastructure to accommodate the thousands of daily users it has the
potential to draw.
Bikefill will fulfill a huge need in the Gallatin Valley for bicycle-specific trails. Rogue
trail building has become a problem both on public and private land, and these trails
overwhelmingly feature the kind of terrain favored by mountain bikers. Bikefill will
give bikers what they want: purpose-built trails and features designed to allow safe
progression to hone their skills in their sport of choice. It will also provide a place for
families to spend hours recreating outdoors. Bikefill will be designed to allow
families with young kids on balance bikes to be close to parents on full-suspension
mountain bikes and even have the kind of variety to allow older siblings the chance
to hop on the pump track with their scooter. Likewise, it allows families with
someone on an adaptive mountain bike to ride with each other. Finally, Bikefill will
allow nonprofits such as Bozeman Youth Cycling and Eagle Mount Adaptive
Recreation to run educational programming in a safe and tailored recreation center.
The parking area will provide much needed additional parking for the popular
Snowfill Recreation Area, as well as the additional demand Bikefill will create. This
new parking area will be thoughtfully designed, focusing on safety and ease of use.
It will include considerations for accessibility as well as convenience for families.
The choice to pave the parking lot will ensure that it is usable in all weather and
seasons, and that it can be plowed during winter. Our design team will include
people who use a variety of mobility devices so that, for example, people who use
adaptive mountain bikes have room to adequately park and transition from their
wheelchair to their bike and easily access the entire recreation area. Often, the
most difficult part of accessing trails is the transition from trailhead to trail. It will be
crucial that the parking lot eliminate barriers to use.
Bikefill is supported by multiple local and state planning documents, as well as the
missions and visions of partners such as GVLT and SWMMBA. Specifically, the
2023 City of Bozeman Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan
lists trails and bicycle facilities as three out of its top tenpriorities for recreation
facility investment." The PRAT community survey results indicate that trails and
pathways are rated the top two most important facilities for future needs. Free,
equitable access is also a key feature of the PRAT Plan, and Bikefill will have a
particular emphasis on understanding the community's needs through a robust
public engagement process. The PRAT also identifies Bikefill as "future parkland,"
the only area designated as such on its future facilities map.
In the short term, the new parking area will provide both expanded access and
safety to the existing Snowfill and new Bikefill parks. It will provide immediate relief
to the existing Snowfill parking area, which is often full and spills out onto McIlhattan
Road.
Bikefill will provide a much needed immediate expansion of bicycle terrain for all
ages and abilities. Bozeman's population growth and the explosion in popularity of
mountain biking have outpaced its capacity to provide expanded access to
recreational trails. The lack of new trail development on public lands surrounding
the Gallatin Valley means that trails are increasingly crowded and user conflict is on
the rise. It also means that, as people seek to escape the crowds, users are
venturing further into the backcountry, increasing pressure on critical wildlife habitat.
In the long term, adding trails helps promote outdoor recreation opportunities for all
Montanans, diversify the local, regional, and state economy, enhance access to
public land, promotes physical and mental health benefits, improves quality of life,
and balances the health of the community with the health of the landscape as it
focuses recreational development on already impacted land.
Goal 1: Promote Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for all Montanans. Bikefill and
Snowfill will provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities for a variety of
users and abilities, including people who use mobility aids and adaptive recreational
equipment. Bikefill will provide space for both skill development and a venue to
teach responsible recreational use through the Outside Kind Alliance etiquette
programming. While the project is located in Bozeman, it is anticipated that this
area will be used by the local community as well as visitors to the regional Gallatin
Valley area. It is anticipated that Bikefill will host bike competitions and other events
that will have a state-wide and regional draw.
Goal 2: Enhance Public Access to Outdoor Recreation Resources and Facilities.
Bikefill opens an additional 65 acres of free, public, front country outdoor
recreational facilities and natural resources for the people in our state and region. In
addition, it enhances access to Snowfill and connects neighborhoods to their public
lands via a planned pathway along McIlhattan Road. Bikefill will include necessary
signage available both on-site and online, which will include asset inventory and
specialized data collected via our High Efficiency Trails Assessment Process
(HETAP) that will allow trail users to make better decisions.
Goal 3: Support Economic Vitality of Communities and State. Montana's outdoor
recreation economy is strong, and trails are a big part of what keeps our economy
diverse. People visit the Gallatin Valley on their way to visit the rivers, mountains,
and parks that are nearby. Adding recreational amenities like Bikefill gives more
people more things to do and encourages them to stay longer and try new things.
Bikefill will absolutely promote tourism in the region, much of it originating in our
state, but we anticipate that Bikefill will give people yet another reason to fly into
Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport and rent bikes at one of our many local
shops. Initially, Bikefill will draw regional users, but as its popularity grows it has the
potential to attract nationwide attention.
Goal 4: Improve Quality of Life through Outdoor Recreation Experiences. Many of
our private donors have already given to our campaign not because they will use
Bikefill themselves, but because our youth need physical activities that are fun
and engaging and can compete with video games for their attention.The local
mountain biking club, Bozeman Youth Cycling, sells out every summer, and is
limited mostly by their ability to find suitable trails on which to bike. Bikefill will
provide critical space for these and other curriculum for young people. Bikefill trails
will also be designed from the very beginning to accommodate the wider
wheelbases that are required for adaptive mountain bikes. These specialized bikes,
as well as pedal-assist, "class 1" mountain bikes will be welcomed on these trails,
which allows many seniors to continue biking even with diminishing physical
abilities.
Goal 5: Adapt Outdoor Recreation for a Changing Environment. Bikefill and Snowfill
were both born out of an adaptive reuse of land originally set aside for landfill
operations. Though no recreation facilities will be located on top of refuse, this area
has been "farmed" for topsoil to cap two existing landfill cells located on the
property and so has already been highly impacted. It is not suitable for residential
housing but will make a great outdoor recreation facility and we hope to be able to
rebuild the topsoil through sustainable practices and plantings.
Goal 6: Honor Montana's Outdoor Legacy. This project seeks to balance
recreational demand with the increasing demands being placed on our open lands,
wildlife, water, and other natural resources. Quite simply, this is the right project for
this piece of land, and it will absorb a lot of demand from the recreating public.
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7. Preserving Environmental Resources:
Identify project design elements that contribute to preserving environmental resources as part of
ensuring a quality outdoor recreation experience for present and future generations. (if applicable)
8. Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act Compliance:
Explain the extent to which the LWCF project will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), and/or provide expanded recreational access to those
with disabilities. Also include if/how the project will benefit nontraditional users.
9. Additional Justification of Need:
Provide any other information you think would be helpful justifying the unique benefits of this LWCF
project.
Though Bikefill does require the construction of recreational facilities on land
currently considered "open and scenic," it does ensure that this land will be
protected from other, potentially more intense and damaging impacts. Gallatin
County's 2021 Growth Policy considers this area "urbanizing," and encourages the
sustainable development of areas such as Bikefill to ensure quality of life and
preservation of community character.
Large areas of the future Bikefill Bike Park were scraped of topsoil decades ago to
cap the adjacent landfill cell. These areas have yet to recover and are sparsely
vegetated, requiring annual treatment and monitoring of noxious weeds. As part of
this project, we envision enhancing these areas by amending the soil with compost
and planting native grasses, bushes, and trees. Though the Solid Waste Facility is
no longer dumping trash into landfill cells, it is actively using the site to compost
household food scraps and wood products. We hope to be able to transport some
of this compost to the areas between trails and trail features in order to enrich the
soil and reestablish native plants.
We have begun engaging with neighbors in the area who have local knowledge of
the area's wildlife and bird species. Several areas with thicker vegetative cover
have already been identified as areas we will seek to minimize disturbance and
perhaps even enhance cover for critters. In addition, we've performed a Level 1
Environmental Assessment, wetland delineations, and consulted with FWP biologist
Julie Cunningham about game species concentrations in the area. None of these
investigations turned up anything of concern, though we will continue to monitor for
signs of wildlife.
Bikefill will have many features that comply with the Americans with Disabilities and
Architectural Barriers Act. With LWCF funding, the parking area and surrounding
infrastructure will include a high degree of accessibility for people using mobility
devices such as wheelchairs. The parking lot itself will be designed and built to ADA
specifications. Facilities such as vault toilets and shade/picnic shelters will be
accessible as well.
Of course, much of the bike park will be constructed using native soil. There will be
areas that are not wheelchair friendly, but project designers will be tasked with
including as many features and trails as possible that can be accessed using a
variety of wheeled devices. With the increasing popularity and advancing
technology of adaptive mountain bikes, many people with disabilities are now able
to participate in the sport of biking. We have learned that simply making trails 12
wider than the standard "natural surface, single track" trails can allow more freedom
and independence for people on adaptive mountain bikes. Bikefill will have many
trails designed with these kinds of adaptive devices in mind.
In fact, part of our bike design process includes having an adaptive mountain biker
assess and make recommendations on how to improve accessibility, from the size
of parking spaces to the turn radius of our banked turns.
Our partners at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust are trained and have the equipment
to perform trail accessibility assessments. These assessments provide objective
information such as average and maximum grades, cross slope grades, and other
data that are specifically cited in the Architectural Barriers Act. These data can be
used to create trail ratings specifically for adaptive mountain bikes and all the
information will be provided to trail users on trail signage, kiosks, and on the Bikefill
web pages.
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10.Project and Site Maintenance:
Describe the subrecipient organization’s plan for maintaining the project after the LWCF work is
complete. Outline a long-term maintenance plan for the LWCF project which clearly identifies the
maintenance activities, timelines, and parties committed to conducting the maintenance work.
11.Explain how this project fits as part of any other projects planned for this same site in the next
three years. (if applicable)
12.Describe the process that led to the development of this proposal and how the public was
involved.
The City of Bozeman Parks & Recreation Department is committed to the long-term
maintenance and management of Bikefill. In addition, Southwest Montana Mountain
Biking Association (SWMMBA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
in which they have committed to maintaining the trails and bike-specific features
that can wear over time. Finally, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, the private fundraising
partner for the project, has committed to raising an endowment in excess of
$100,000 to guarantee the future maintenance of bike park trails and features.
Funds from this endowment can be used to fund maintenance events, purchase
specialized tools, or hire trail contractors to perform maintenance with heavy
equipment.
As we anticipate this will be a popular park, the City of Bozeman will be
instrumental in the upkeep of infrastructure using its Parks and Trails Special
District funds to provide daily maintenance to park amenities such as trash cans
and toilets. The neighboring Snowfill Recreation Area already falls under the care of
the City, so the new Bikefill park will be folded into staffs' routine maintenance
activities. All facilities will be maintained according to standards developed by the
City Parks Department, which currently maintains 70 miles of trails and pathways,
and 77 parks totaling 906 acres.
SWMMBA has over 3,000 members and performs weekly volunteer trail
maintenance events around the region. Within the City of Bozeman, it helps
maintain the Gallatin Regional Park pump tracks and the Westlake Bicycle Dirt
Jumps. The City and SWMMBA are working toward creating a Maintenance and
Management Plan for Bikefill that will detail activities to be monitored on a weekly,
monthly, and annual basis. SWMMBA is very excited to have a project so close to a
majority of their membership base and they anticipate volunteer maintenance
events to be a very important way to continue to engage existing and future
members.
Bikefill will be a unique park in the Gallatin Valley and the region. Nowhere else will
bikers have a park all their own with the variety of trails and bicycle features that will
be available for their use. This park will truly be one of a kind with its focus on
progressive learning opportunities and a something for everyone approach.
The Gallatin Valley is not without bike trails, and we are blessed with many, many
miles of multi-use trails for biking, hiking, dog walking, horseback riding, and
motorized use. However, most of these trails were not built with bikes in mind. The
National Forest trails surrounding Bozeman are often steep, rocky, and difficult to
ride up. They are equally challenging coming downhill, and most trails require years
of experience to navigate safely. Bikefill seeks to fill the niche that many riders
desire, which is for beginner and intermediate trails.
Likewise, a few smaller pump tracks dot the valley, including one that is being
planned in the City of Belgrade. We enthusiastically cheer these projects on, and
we are studying them to understand how to avoid replicating them at Bikefill. We will
be working with our design team to create variety for residents, and even create
some "special" features that would draw mountain bikers to the area. A creative
bicycle playground area, for example, could create family-based tourism for the
Gallatin Valley. Parents often seek out experiences that are kid-friendly, and having
a park where kids can move their bodies is always a plus.
This project was part of a grass roots idea to build a community park with bicyclists
being the primary audience. We had a large community outreach -400 donors
$10-$100k, 1,700 households received mailers soliciting comment. The plan is to
do a full public engagement process with Engage Bozeman -design examples,
Urban Parks and Forestry Board, and the Transportation Board. We want the
community input. Currently, we are working with the MSU architecture department
to create a design charette to be available for viewing during our public outreach.
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III.Project Budget
A detailed, justified budget is essential for your project to be considered for funding. Provide a list
detailing all budget line items (direct costs) associated with the project activities identified in the Project
Narrative Section under Question 3a (Page 6). For each line item, provide the anticipated expense
(based on previous project experience, research on similar projects in other communities, and/or
preliminary contact with potential vendors). If desired, use an Appendix to attach additional
documentation to justify or clarify your project budget. When preparing your budget, keep in mind the
following:
•The LWCF Program is a reimbursement program. The subrecipient organization must conduct
project work and expend funds before seeking reimbursement from the LWCF Program.
•All matching funds must be committed at the time of application. Possible funding sources
should not be included in the LWCF budget.
*See budget example on the FWP LWCF Webpage
1.Total LWCF Funding Request
Total your project expenses. Based on that amount, input how much you are requesting in LWCF
program funding and how much the subrecipient is committing to in match.
a.Total Project Expenses:
b.Total LWCF Funds Request:
c.Total Subrecipient match provided:
Must be at least 50% of Total Project Expenses
2.Committed Funding Sources
Provide a list detailing committed all sources of funding for this LWCF project (funds to be used
as match). Include all committed funding sources and amounts. The total amount of match
funding listed here should equal or just exceed the amount entered in 1c.
4,730,000
750,000
3,980,000
City of Bozeman Department of Transportation and Engineering $1,500,000
City of Bozeman Department of Parks and Recreation $580,000
Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) $1,900,000.
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3. Budget Administration
a. Provide a brief description of how the subrecipient organization plans to manage the LWCF
Program grant funds. If other organizations/entities will be involved with managing the grant
funds, clearly identify the role they will play.
b. Name the organization and main individual that will be responsible for accounting. If it the
individual is not the Individual Contact listed in Section 1, include his/her title, email address,
and phone number.
c. How many years of experience does the individual listed above have in grant accounting and/or
administration?
4. How were your project cost estimates derived?
LWCF Program grant funds will have its own project code in order to manage the
specific expenses and revenue associated with this project. The grants coordinator
will be responsible for reviewing each expense associated with this project to
confirm allowability. The grants coordinator will also be responsible for financial
reporting and requests for reimbursement. There will not be any other organization
or entity involved in managing the grant funds.
City of Bozeman
Jamie Grabinski
Grants Coordinator
jgrabinski@bozeman.net
(406)-582-2364
Fifteen years plus
Project cost estimates are a combination of Engineers' Opinion of Probable Cost
and similarly constructed facilities within the City of Bozeman in recent months. The
City of Bozeman Parks Department recently built a 100-vehicle lot similar to the one
being designed for Bikefill that was completed in September 2025. Costs for the
bike park portion of the project (trails, features, etc.) went through a public bidding
process in which six bike park design/build firms submitted proposals, including cost
estimates broken down into various components.
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5. What assurances are there that the costs listed are reasonable?
6. Describe project elements/costs that will improve site resiliency and facility longevity, if any.
IV. Supplemental Project Information
Project Elements
1. What new facilities/amenities will be constructed as part of this LWCF project?
2. What existing facilities/amenities will be renovated or replaced as part of this project?
The project is being engineered by Sanbell Engineering, a trusted source of civil
engineering services in the Gallatin Valley. The City of Bozeman routinely works
with Sanbell on large and small scale projects such as this. The City of Bozeman
will manage all civil components of the project and has experience with local civil
construction firms and their contracts and pricing.
Similarly, GVLT will be managing the building of the bike park trails and features,
and has experience with trail builders and staying within budget on large, complex
projects. GVLT and SWMMBA have overseen several projects around the Gallatin
Valley recently and understand the pricing of these kinds of projects. Finally, GVLT
did extensive research on similar projects around the country and formulated much
of the early feasibility based on projects based in similar sized recreation markets,
such as Boise, ID and Boulder, CO.Bikefill will be built with durable materials where use is concentrated and
advantageous to deal with moisture, and built with dirt where that material is
preferred. With LWCF funding, durability will be a chief design strategy for the
asphalt parking lot, for example, where vehicles and snow plows could otherwise
damage and create future maintenance concerns on more porous surfaces. ADA
ramps, picnic and shade structures, and toilets will also be made of durable
surfaces. The City of Bozeman wishes to construct Bikefill to high standards to
ensure durability, as City Parks will be charged with its perpetual upkeep.
Paving one of the pump tracks will ensure that little maintenance will need to be
performed on it. Though costlier up front, it not only requires little upkeep, but it also
provides a different experience for users. Even the dirt features can be built with
lower maintenance in mind by being built to provide proper drainage and reduced
braking by bikers, which can cause rutting of the trails. Many trail building
contractors have been honing their crafts in the art of moisture management for
years and trail construction has come a long way in just the past two decades.
The construction of Bikefill includes the redevelopment of McIlhattan Road from a
narrow, gravel road to a fully paved road with enhanced safety features such as
increased sight lines and guard rails. A pathway will be built along this new
roadway, connecting neighboring trails into the new parking area/trailhead. A new
access driveway and 100-vehicle parking lot with curbing and sidewalks will be
constructed. Amenities such as toilets and shade structures with tables and seating
will be constructed near the parking area, as well as in the Hub area near the
middle of the park. Paved, gravel fines, and natural soil trails will be constructed, of
at least five miles in length, and for a variety of ages and abilities. Trails include
cross-country, uphill, downhill flow, cyclocross, and trails that serve beginners
specifically. Skills and playground features will include wooden ramps, jumps,
drops, and banked turns, bridges, features to ride over, under, and through. There
will be stations to store, wash, and tune bikes, and places for quiet contemplation.
Fencing, signage, and other minor infrastructure will be installed for safety and
education.
The parking lot/trailhead will also service Snowfill Recreation Area, and so will
require the installation of a new dog corral. Some minor reconfiguring of existing
fencing will need to occur to tie into the new parking area. Much of Snowfill will
remain the same, as it is much beloved and functions well as a dog park.
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3.What general site improvements (e.g. demolition, site preparation, landscaping, habitat
improvements, etc.) will be completed as part of this project?
4.What is the anticipated life span of the facilities/amenities that will be funded as part of this
project?
Basic Information
1.Will this proposal create a new public park/recreation area where none previously existed?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please explain.
2.If this is an existing LWCF site, has the park name changed since the last grant?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please explain.
n
n
In areas where vegetation is disturbed, it will be replaced and in some instances
enhanced. This area is mostly grassland and in some places sparsely vegetated,
because it has lost much of its topsoil to the capping of the old landfill cells. The
project team sees some ways to enhance the natural resources of the landscape by
planting native vegetation, including grasses, wildflowers, bushes, and trees that
will not only enhance habitat but also provide shade and variety to the landscape.
There will be site prep that occurs for most of the area, but especially near the
parking lot, which requires grading to properly drain runoff. Trail building can have
relatively little impact on surrounding vegetation if built well and naturalized shortly
after construction.
The lifespan of an asphalt parking lot can be 20-30 years if properly constructed
and maintained. Many park features have a similar lifespan, though trails vary by
surface type. Because the City of Bozeman has guaranteed funding for parks and
trails through the Special District, routine maintenance should ensure that many of
these features endure for decades. In addition, GVLT's maintenance endowment
fund will provide backup funding for either routine or emergency maintenance
should a severe weather adversely affect portions of the park. As we expect this
park to be well-loved we think our partners will be able to add and replace portions
of the park as they are needed or wear out over time.
Yes, this proposal will assist in the creation of Bikefill Recreation area. The Snowfill
Recreation Area is adjacent to the open space area where Bikefill Recreation Area
will be constructed.
Not applicable
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3.Is this project located in a Special Flood Hazard Area?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, explain how you have worked with the local community to ensure you are meeting floodplain
requirements.
4.Is your site contiguous with or connected to any federally owned recreation area?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please explain.
5.Is your LWCF project site part of a larger management area (e.g., a regional recreation area)?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please explain.
6.Describe the existing (current) conditions at the LWCF project site.
n
n
Bikefill will be contiguous to, and ultimately part of the same recreational area unit
as Snowfill. Together, these two parks will be a combined 105 acres in size, and
managed by the City of Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department.
Bikefill is currently vacant, unused land owned by the City of Bozeman. Originally
purchased as part of the City's strategy to manage solid waste, landfill activity has
largely ceased when the second cell was capped decades ago. The Bikefill project
area does not have waste buried underground, but was farmed for soil to cap the
old landfill cell. Though it was hayed decades ago, it has not been agriculturally
productive for years. It currently sits fallow. Churn Creek runs along the southern
boundary of the project area, and largely represents the dividing line between the
future park area and the Solid Waste facility. Some trees and bushes have
established along the creek. This area does provide cover for some animals who
may use this area as a corridor to and from the foothills of the Bridger Mountains.
However, its proximity to an active composting facility means that most use of the
creek by fauna is before or after operating hours at the Solid Waste facility. There
are a few wetlands that have been delineated and preserved as part of the project.
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7.Explain why the site is suitable for the type of outdoor recreation proposal being submitted.
8.Does the LWCF project site include any elements that visually detract from the outdoor recreation
experience or that represent a potential public safety hazard?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please describe and explain if this project will help address those concerns.
9.What is/will be the applicant’s type of ownership and control of the property?
☐Fee simple ownership.
☐Less than fee simple. Explain what rights the applicant has and what agency holds the
underlying fee simple ownership.
☐Lease. Include a copy of the lease with the application.
Please provide additional explanation if applicant does not have fee simple ownership over the
property.
Stewardship Considerations
1.Is the LWCF project site a multi-use site (i.e. reservoir, state forest, etc.)?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, please describe if any restrictions to public outdoor recreation will occur.
This location, in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains, is ideal for this type of facility.
The topography that exists is a mix of angles and aspects that makes it interesting,
but not too difficult for most bikers. The site has relatively flat terrain for a parking lot
and picnic shelters, and steeper terrain for downhill riding. It will hold snow for
sledding and fat biking in the winter on some aspects, and melt off quickly in the
spring on other aspects. The views are stunning, and even though Bikefill is within
city limits, it feels removed from the bustle of downtown. Indeed, it is less than 4
miles from Bozeman's Main Street, but feels like a world away. Geotechnical
engineering has already been performed and the site has been deemed suitable for
the infrastructure we plan to construct.
n/a
n/a
n/a
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2. Who does/will manage and operate the LWCF project site(s)?
3. Describe the nature of any rights-of-way, easements, etc. within the proposed LWCF boundary
area (the area identified on your Boundary Map submitted with the application).
4. Are there any pre-existing or planned indoor facilities on the LWCF project site?
☐ No
☐ Yes
If yes, describe what they are and if/how the structure(s) support public outdoor recreation.
5. Is the proposed LWCF boundary (as shown on the Boundary Map) the same as the boundary of
the park/recreation area as it exists in its totality?
☐ No
☐ Yes
If no, explain any area proposed for exclusion and why. Ensure the area is clearly depicted on the
proposed LWCF Boundary Map
n
n
The City of Bozeman currently manages and operates the project site and will do so
in the future.
There are no known rights-of-way or easements within the proposed LWCF
boundary. Included in this application is a notice of easement for an electric power
line and communication system. It is adjacent to the LWCF boundary area.
n/a
n/a
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6. Are there any pre-existing or planned resource management practices on the LWCF project site
(i.e. timber management, grazing, etc.)?
☐ No
☐ Yes
If yes, describe the nature of the practice, the anticipated duration, and how the practice supports
outdoor recreation.
7. Are there any pre-existing or planned uses on site that do not support outdoor recreation?
☐ No
☐ Yes
If yes, describe the nature of the use and ensure it is clearly depicted on the proposed LWCF
Boundary Map.
V. Environmental Resources Survey
The tables below serve as a record of the environmental resources present at the project site, whether
the proposed action is likely to have a significantly negative impact those resources, and whether
further information is needed to determine the potential impact. This survey should be completed with
professional input from resource experts and in consultation with relevant local, state, tribal, and
federal governments, as appropriate.
Table 1 – For each resource indicate if positive impacts or negative impacts are anticipated to result
from the action or if further information is needed to determine the potential impact.
+ indicates positive impacts are anticipated to result from the action
- indicates negative impacts are anticipated to result from the action
None indicates no impacts are anticipated to result from the action
? indicates further information is needed to determine the potential impact
n
n
n/a
n/a
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What impacts will the proposed LWCF project have on the
following resources? + - None ?
1 Air quality ☐☐☐☐
2 Circulation and transportation ☐☐☐☐
3 Climate ☐☐☐☐
4 Contamination or hazardous materials, even if remediated ☐☐☐☐
5 Endangered species (listed, proposed threatened, or endangered)
including associated habitat ☐☐☐☐
6 Environmental justice: minority and low-income populations ☐☐☐☐
7 Geological resources: soils, bedrock, slopes, streambeds, landforms,
etc. ☐☐☐☐
8 Historic or cultural resources ☐☐☐☐
9 Invasive species ☐☐☐☐
10 Land use plans or policies from other agencies including tribes ☐☐☐☐
11 Lightscapes, especially night sky ☐☐☐☐
12 Migratory birds ☐☐☐☐
13 Recreation resources ☐☐☐☐
14 Socioeconomics: changes to tax base or competition with private
sector ☐☐☐☐
15 Sound (noise impacts) ☐☐☐☐
16 Unique ecosystems, such as biosphere reserves, World Heritage
sites, old growth forests, etc. ☐☐☐☐
17 Water quality and/or quantity ☐☐☐☐
20 Water: stream flow characteristics ☐☐☐☐
21 Water: wetlands and floodplains ☐☐☐☐
22 Other important resources
Explain: ☐☐☐☐
Table 2 – This is a list of mandatory impact criteria that preclude the use of a categorical exclusion.
Will the proposed LWCF project: Y N ?
1 Have significant negative impacts on public health or safety? ☐☐☐
2 Have significant negative impacts on unique natural resource or geographic
characteristics such as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge
lands; wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or
principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands; floodplains;
national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical
areas?
☐☐☐
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
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3 Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts
concerning alternative uses of available resources? ☐☐☐
4 Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve
unique or unknown environmental risks? ☐☐☐
5 Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about
future actions with potentially significant environmental effects? ☐☐☐
6 Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant but
cumulatively significant environmental effects? ☐☐☐
7 Have significant adverse effects on properties listed or eligible for listing in the
National Register of Historic Places as determined by NPS? ☐☐☐
8 Have significant negative impacts to species listed, or proposed to be listed, on
the List of Endangered or Threatened Species or have significant impacts on
designated critical habitat for these species?
☐☐☐
9 Violate a federal law, or a state, local, or tribal law or requirement imposed for
the protection of the environment? ☐☐☐
10 Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority
populations? ☐☐☐
11 Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by
Indian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity
of such sacred sites?
☐☐☐
12 Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds
or nonnative invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may
promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species?
☐☐☐
1.Explain any negative or unknown impacts identified in Table 1 of the Environmental Resources
Survey, or any boxes marked “yes” in Table 2 (mandatory criteria).
2.Have there been any previous environmental reviews or assessments conducted that are relevant to
this project or this specific site?
a.☐ No
b.☐ Yes – Attach and summarize findings and include page number references.
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
This proposed project does not pose any negative impacts to environmental
resources.
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3.How was the information identified in tables 1 & 2 derived and what sources of data were used to
justify the impact selection?
4.Who contributed to filling out the Environmental Resources Survey (include name, title, agency) and
what qualifications do they have that provide the necessary resource expertise to determine impact
significance?
5.List all required federal, state, and local permits/approvals needed for the proposal and explain their
purpose and status.
Cultural and Historical Resources Review
1.Have there been any previous cultural and/or historical resource surveys completed that
included this site within the Area of Potential Effect?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, describe:
2.If the project area is currently developed, will any work proposed extend beyond the footprint
of the existing area?
☐No
☐Yes
If yes, describe:
n
n
The information was based on site analysis reports such as the SHPO report, ESA,
and wetland delineations. Interviews with property managers were conducted. Field
observations were conducted by the City of Bozeman staff ecologists and
consulting engineers and scientists. Plat maps and community input were also used
to identify potential impacts.
Ross Knapper, Park Planner, City of Bozeman is an environmental scientist and
ecologist with multiple years of environmental and regulatory permitting experience
with local, state, and federal agencies.
TD& H Engineering completed the attached Phase I Environmental Assessment.
City of Bozeman Requirements:
1. Park Master Plan to establish the recreational use on the property.
2. Site Plan application to comply with City development requirements, including
zoning, engineering, and environmental standards.
3.Site Plan application for construction entitlement.
4. Building permit is required for any permanent structures such as picnic pavilions.
State/Federal: MEPA/NEPA categorical exclusion.
We requested a cultural resource file from the MT State Historic Preservation Office
(SHPO). Their response and assessment is attached. Based on previous ground
disturbance within the proposed project area, SHPO asserts that there will be no
cultural or historic properties affected by this undertaking.
Not applicable
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VI. Appendices
The following appendices should be included with the LWCF application at the back of the application.
Additional appendices may be included, as desired, to provide further information about the project
scope, budget (expenses and match), or justification of need. Forms referenced in this section are
available on the Montana LWCF Program website: mtfwp/aboutfwp/grantprograms/lwcf
1. Project Site Plan and Maps
A complete application must include adequate information about the LWCF project site itself. At a
minimum, the application must include the following regarding site plans and maps:
a. Site Plan
Provide a site plan of the proposed project area, depicting the elements listed below. The site
plan document(s) must be detailed enough to see each element. If submitting a physical site
plan, it must be at least 8½” x 11” (no larger than 81/2” X 14”).
i. Existing facilities.
ii. Proposed facilities.
iii. Streets, roads, and avenues.
iv. Overhead utility lines.
v. Basic map elements (legend, compass orientation, etc.).
vi. If a building is part of the project, include its floorplan in an additional document.
b. Boundary Map
Please refer to Chapter 6, Page 80 of the LWCF Manual posted on the LWCF Webpage for
boundary map requirements.
c. Location Map
Provide a location map showing the general location of the LWCF project. This map should show
the location of the LWCF project property relative to known landmarks such as cities, towns, etc.
A person unfamiliar with the project area should be able to use this map to understand the
project location.
d. Site Photos (Optional)
You may provide photos (up to 10 photos) depicting the project site’s current state to orient the
reviewer to site attributes and demonstrate the need for development/improvement.
2. Evidence of Title
Provide a legal document demonstrating who owns the property on which the LWCF project is
located. LWCF funds cannot be awarded unless the subrecipient organization can prove it has
control and tenure over the property in perpetuity or an eligible lease agreement as outlined in the
2025 guidelines posted on the LWCF Webpage.
3. Resolution Authorizing Application
See the Montana LWCF Program website for this form. It must be signed by individuals with the
authority to commit funds and attached to the LWCF application as an Appendix.
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4. SHPO
Contact the Montana State Historic Preservation Office (406-444-7715) and request a cultural
resource file search to determine whether your project has a previously recorded historic site within
its boundaries. Include a copy of the survey (if applicable) and any other SHPO correspondence you
may have relevant to the project site.
5. Environmental Analysis
The LWCF Program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) at the federal level and by the
Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) at the state level. LWCF Program projects
must therefore satisfy both National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Montana Environmental
Policy Act (MEPA) requirements to be eligible for funding. Please attach a copy of any
environmental surveys or assessments that have been conducted for the project area within the
past 5 years.
6. Proof of Funding, Resource, or Maintenance Commitments
A complete application must include proof of any financial or resource commitments identified in
Section III, Question 2 (Committed Funding Sources). Proof of commitment should also be provided
for any entities identified as responsible for future project maintenance in Section II, Question 10
(Project and Site Maintenance). The proof of commitment should be from the organization
committing funds, resources, or maintenance.
The proof of commitment should include:
a. The name of organization/individual providing project funding, resources, or maintenance.
b. The amount of funds or type of resource/maintenance being committed.
c. Any restrictions on the funds/resources being committed (e.g. a deadline or timeframe for
when funds/resources will be available).
If the subrecipient organization is committing itself to providing project funding, resources, or
maintenance, the organization’s leadership (e.g., the mayor, the county, city, or town commission)
should provide a statement acknowledging its specific commitment.
7. Letters of Support
The LWCF application should include Letters of Support further justifying the project need and/or
demonstrating user benefits. Applicants should include only a limited number of Letters of Support,
focusing on quality over quantity. There is no minimum requirement regarding the number of
Letters of Support; however, the applicant should try to include no more than ten.
Requirements for Letters of Support:
• Letters are typed.
• Letters are from an organization, not an individual (unless an individual is an adjacent
landowner and/or expressing a commitment of some kind).
• Letters signed and dated.
• Letters are current and reference the specific project for which you are applying.
• Letters are unique. Form letters are not acceptable.
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8. Project Management Timeline
The LWCF application should include a project management timeline. This is a schedule for your
entire project from inception to completion. This will break your entire project into smaller tasks
and milestones, with a deadline assigned to each. This can be done in graph form or a simple
outline document.
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