HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-08-26 Public Comment - Bozeman Tree Coalition - UFMP Update @ Sustainability Board meeting, tonight 4_8_26From:BozemanTreeCoalition
To:Bozeman Public Comment; Emma Bode; Mitchell Overton; Alex Nordquest
Subject:[EXTERNAL]UFMP Update @ Sustainability Board meeting, tonight 4/8/26
Date:Wednesday, April 8, 2026 10:28:16 AM
Attachments:2026.4.8. BTC- UFMP comments..pdf
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Dear City Clerk-Please attach the following letter to the Sustainability Board packet.
Thank you,Sincerely,
Marcia Kaveneyfor the Bozeman Tree Coalition
April 8, 2026
Dear Sustainability Advisory Board members, Mitch, Natalie, Alex, and Commissioner
Bode,
The Bozeman Tree Coalition (BTC) is writing today to comment on Agenda Item H.1.
Specifically, we are commenting on the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) update
presentation. The BTC looks forward to the UFMP update and being involved in the
engagement process.
For tonight’s meeting, BTC respectfully requests that the following items be included
more clearly in the goals and scope of the 2026 UFMP update: (1) Clear mission and
vision statements for the next ten years, and (2) a separate line item for the “protection
of existing mature trees on private or public property undergoing development review” in
the scope/goals of this update, and (3) a statement about the UFMP providing foundation
for UDC recommendations. BTC believes these items would be meaningful additions to
the UFMP update scope and outline and relate to sustainability goals.
Background:
In reviewing the presentation, BTC could not find a place holder for a mission statement
nor vision Statement. They were part of the 2016 UFMP and set the stage for the goals.
The following are excerpts from the 2016 UFMP. Please note the underlined passages
(emphasis by BTC).
Introduction (2016): “Bozeman’s Urban Forestry Management Plan presents the most
cost-effective management possible, yet it preserves the existing canopy cover,
substantially grows canopy, and maximizes benefits. Every opportunity to “do more with
less” is stressed in this plan, and the budget recommendations will result in greater
overall efficiency while gaining a remarkable return on investment.”
Mission Statement (2016): “The City of Bozeman is committed to providing a healthy,
safe, and aesthetically pleasing community forest for its residents and visitors. By
maintaining, managing, and preserving its trees, the city raises its citizens’ standard of
living and maximizes the benefits offered by its urban forest.”
BOZEMANTREECOALITION@GMAIL.COM
Vision Statement (2016): “Bozeman’s community forest is an essential component of
municipal infrastructure, one that creates eHiciencies and long-term solutions to achieving
a sustainable community. The community forest is cared for by the city and its people,
creating a high quality of life, a healthier citizenry, and making it a leader of towns in the
Mountain West.”
The BTC supports these goals from the earlier 2016 UFMP and encourages the
Sustainability Board to discuss the planned mission and vision of the 2016 UFMP with the
Forestry staH at tonight’s meeting and encourage a line item for developing them during the
public engagement process.
Additionally, trees are commonly known to be an appreciating and necessary green
infrastructure and it is also commonly considered to be less costly to keep existing healthy
trees rather than depend on replacement methods. Recent growth in Bozeman has
demonstrated the need for municipal code protection of mature, existing trees. The most
common loss of mature trees in Bozeman appears to be the removal of trees during new
development (or redevelopment). Even though more trees are often planted, their benefits
will not be realized for 20-30 years and use more resources such as water and finances to
establish. This topic is given a nod in the UFMP presentation on page ten but arguably
warrants its own line item. BTC also recommends including a statement that this UFMP
update will be providing the foundation for future UDC recommendations.
In conclusion, please discuss and suggest the written inclusion of mission and vision
statements, a separate line item for protection of existing mature trees in the list of goals,
and a statement about providing foundation for UDC recommendations.
BTC appreciates the opportunity to comment and your time considering our concerns.
Sincerely,
Bozeman Tree Coalition