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Home My WebLink About06-25-26 - Urban Parks and Forestry Board - Agendas & Packet MaterialsA. Call to Order - 6:00 PM B. Disclosures C. Changes to the Agenda D. Public Service Announcements E. Approval of Minutes E.1 Approve Minutes from May 28, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting (Overton) F. Consent Items G. Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA UPF AGENDA Thursday, June 25, 2026 General information about the Urban Parks & Forestry Board can be found in our Laserfiche repository. If you are interested in commenting in writing on items on the agenda please send an email to comments@bozeman.net or by visiting the Public Comment Page prior to 12:00pm on the day of the meeting. At the direction of the City Commission, anonymous public comments are not distributed to the Board or staff. Public comments will also be accepted in-person and through Video Conference during the appropriate agenda items. As always, the meeting will be streamed through the Commission's video page and available in the City on cable channel 190. For more information please contact Mitch Overton, moverton@bozeman.net This meeting will be held both in-person and also using an online videoconferencing system. You can join this meeting: Via Video Conference: Click the Register link, enter the required information, and click submit. Click Join Now to enter the meeting. Via Phone: This is for listening only if you cannot watch the stream, channel 190, or attend in- person United States Toll +1 346 248 7799 Access code: 934 5616 9186 This is the time to comment on any non-agenda matter falling within the scope of the Urban Parks 1 H. Special Presentations H.1 Bi-Annual Sunset Hills Report(Surber) I. Action Items J. FYI/Discussion J.1 Work Session: 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan - Review Public Survey Results and Preliminary Tree Data(Nordquest) J.2 Director's Update(Overton) K. Adjournment & Forestry Board. There will also be time in conjunction with each agenda item for public comment relating to that item but you may only speak once per topic. Please note, the Board cannot take action on any item which does not appear on the agenda. All persons addressing the Board shall speak in a civil and courteous manner and members of the audience shall be respectful of others. Please state your name, and state whether you are a resident of the city or a property owner within the city in an audible tone of voice for the record and limit your comments to three minutes. General public comments to the Board can be found on their Laserfiche repository page. This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Citizen Advisory Board meetings are open to all members of the public. If you have a disability that requires assistance, please contact our ADA Coordinator, David Arnado, at 406.582.3232. 2 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation Jess Laughlin, Administrative Assistant II SUBJECT:Approve Minutes from May 28, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting MEETING DATE:June 25, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Minutes RECOMMENDATION:Approve Minutes from May 28, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:In accordance with Commission Resolution 5323 and the City of Bozeman's Citizen Advisory Board Manual, all Boards must have minutes taken and approved. Prepared minutes will be provided for approval by the board at the next scheduled meeting. Staff will make any corrections identified to the minutes before submitting them to the City Clerk's Office. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:As suggested by the UPF Board. ALTERNATIVES:As suggested by the UPF Board. FISCAL EFFECTS:N/A Attachments: 05.28.26_Minutes.pdf Report compiled on: June 16, 2026 3 Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 05.28.26 Page 1 of 2 THE URBAN PARKS AND FORESTRY BOARD MEETING OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA MINUTES 05.28.26 A) 00:06:47 Call to Order - 6:00 PM B) 00:06:54 Disclosures 00:06:58 Brandt rents within a couple blocks of the cattail creek corridor. C) 00:07:08 Changes to the Agenda 00:07:14 Mitch proposed with switch items F2 and F3. D) 00:07:36 Approval of Minutes D.1 Approve Minutes from April 23, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting 00:07:41 Motion to approve Approve Minutes from April 23, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Paige Lisowski: Motion Matthew Kortan: 2nd Present: Brandt Berube, Joe Cartwright, Steve Lowry, Matthew Kortan, Paige Lisowski, Sally Schrank Absent: None Excused: Teri Lumsden 00:07:51 Vote on the Motion to approve Approve Minutes from April 23, 2026 Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting The Motion carried 6 - 0. Approve: Brandt Berube Joe Cartwright Steve Lowry 4 Urban Parks and Forestry Meeting Minutes, 05.28.26 Page 2 of 2 Matthew Kortan Paige Lisowski Sally Schrank Disapprove: None E) 00:08:14 Public Comments on Non-agenda Items Falling within the Purview and Jurisdiction of the Board F) 00:08:27 FYI/Discussion F.1 00:08:30 Engagement Framework Update F.2 01:10:17 Director Update F.3 00:10:06 Cattail Creek Corridor Park and Anchor Route Master Plan Discussion G) 01:15:50 Adjournment This board generally meets the fourth Thursday of the month from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 5 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton SUBJECT:Bi-Annual Sunset Hills Report MEETING DATE:June 25, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:None STRATEGIC PLAN:2.2 Infrastructure Investments: Strategically invest in infrastructure as a mechanism to encourage economic development. BACKGROUND:The adopted Urban Parks and Forestry 2026-2027 Wok Plan calls for a Bi- Annual Report to the UPF Board about Sunset Hills Cemetery. The City's Cemetery Manager will present the first of a minimum of two annual reports to the Board. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:None at this time FISCAL EFFECTS:None at this time. Report compiled on: June 17, 2026 6 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton, Director of Parks and Recreation Alex Nordquest, Forestry Division Manager SUBJECT:Work Session: 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan - Review Public Survey Results and Preliminary Tree Data MEETING DATE:June 25, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Citizen Advisory Board/Commission RECOMMENDATION:No Action; Board Member discussion. STRATEGIC PLAN:6.5 Parks, Trails & Open Space: Support the maintenance and expansion of an interconnected system of parks, trails and open spaces. BACKGROUND:The City of Bozeman is currently developing an updated Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP), to replace the existing 2016 document. The Urban Parks & Forestry Board recently adopted this project's Community Engagement Plan, which details major milestones throughout the year as the plan develops with input from the Board, relevant city staff, and the community at large. A significant component of plan development includes Work Sessions with the Urban Parks & Forestry Board, to discuss and review key themes of the project's scope. For this meeting, key outcomes of a recent public survey have been prepared by the consulting team from DJ&A and PlanIT Geo; discussion will also focus on draft data analysis across several facets of tree inventory data. This Work Session allows for advisory comments, discussion, and review of these planning elements and how they should influence the overall finished product, ensuring we have adequately accounted for major considerations impacting Bozeman's urban forest. Future Topics for Board Work Sessions: a) Review Board feedback on Preliminary Draft UFMP (July 23rd) b) Review updates based on public comments: Draft UFMP to Final UFMP prior to City Commission review (September 24th) UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None. ALTERNATIVES:N/A FISCAL EFFECTS:The Urban Forest Management Plan is a CIP item allocated within the FY26 Forestry Division budget. Carryover into the FY27 budget year will occur, as the consultant is billing on a monthly basis throughout plan development. 7 Attachments: 26.06.25 Work Session 3.pptx Report compiled on: June 17, 2026 8 City of Bozeman Urban Forest Management Plan 2026 Update Work Session 3 Thursday, June 25 9 Overview Team Introductions Josh Elliott (DJ&A): Project Manager Hannah Kuhns (DJ&A): Environmental Scientist, Certified Arborist Matt Urmson (PlanIT Geo): Urban Forestry Planner, Certified Arborist Review public survey key takeaways Review preliminary data Next steps and continued engagement The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 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The picture can't be displayed. 10 Project Schedule Phase 1: Project Kickoff and Early Planning Phase 2: Public Involvement and Draft UFMP Update Phase 3: Finalize and Deliver UFMP Early 2026 Spring – Summer 2026 Fall – Winter 2026 •Identify existing conditions, goals, objectives, and strategies •Perform assessment of staffing, equipment, budget, policy, and code •Conduct tree infrastructure analysis •Draft Community Engagement Plan •Draft UFMP outline •Review tree infrastructure data analysis •Conduct internal staff survey •Initiate public engagement •Conduct public survey •Develop draft UFMP •Public open house and comment period •Synthesize public comments •Develop recommendations •Finalize UFMP •Present UFMP to the City Commission 11 Public Survey: Initiation 38 survey questions 137 participants, with an average of 117 responses per question Majority (55%) of respondents have lived in Bozeman for over 20 years >70% of respondents are homeowners Majority of respondents are over 55 years of age May 18 – June 18 Hosted on project’s Engage Bozeman page with notifications posted on social media and sent via email Ongoing opportunities to reach out to other demographics not substantially present in the survey results throughout the remainder of update/engagement process 12 Public Survey: Key Takeaways Maintain existing trees while increasing new tree plantings Concern about removal of mature trees Acknowledgement that planting one tree does not immediately equate to the benefits a removed mature tree provided The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 13 Public Survey: Key Takeaways Split opinion on City involvement with private trees Some participants are interested in City support through permitting for private trees Other participants are opposed to City interference with private trees In general, there is a desire for increased education regarding care for private trees The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 14 Public Survey: Key Takeaways Species selection considerations Participants would like to see increased species diversity and native species selection in Bozeman’s urban forest Many participants noted the importance of diversity in species selection for wildlife habitat and to support pollinators The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 15 Public Survey: Key Takeaways Desire for tree maintenance education Tree pruning and general tree maintenance General, mild interest in contributing to volunteer activities across Bozeman associated with maintaining the health of the urban forest Interest in attending a free education class about tree care The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 16 Preliminary Data Review: Tree Inventory Urban forest is relatively young: 59% are 0-6" DSH (diameter at standard height) Most trees are in functional condition: 75% Good or Fair Key diversity concern: ash = 22% of public trees 17 Preliminary Data Review: Tree Canopy Cover Current canopy estimate: approximately 10-12% Recommended technical baseline: 9.8% Significant plantable space, but implementation capacity is the constraint Recommended goal: 12% canopy cover over 20 years 18 Preliminary Data Review: Tree Infrastructure Recommendations and Expected Outcomes Continue strengthening inventory updates, work tracking, and interdepartmental coordination Formalize risk-based maintenance categories Align pruning cycles with recommended industry standards Increase pruning capacity for proactive maintenance 19 Preliminary Data Review: Insects, Disease, and Pests Emerald ash borer is the highest-consequence pest threat Ash = 22% of public trees Other concerns: Dutch elm disease, spruce beetle, western spruce budworm, large aspen tortrix Strategy: monitor, diversify, preserve high-value trees, and phase risk reduction 20 Work Sessions Work Session 1 Thursday, March 26 Introduce project and process Review CEP Work Session 2 Thursday, April 23 Review UFMP Outline Review components for plan update Work Session 3 Thursday, June 25 (today) Review public survey feedback Present preliminary data analysis Work Session 4 Thursday, July 23 Review Board feedback on Preliminary Draft UFMP Work Session 5 Thursday, September 24 Review updates to UFMP after public comment Final review prior to presentation to Commission 21 Public Engagement Meetings Virtual Public Meeting Tuesday, April 28 Present Background Project Information Call for Engagement In-Person Public Meeting Monday, May 18 Present UFMP Outline Initiate Public Survey Virtual Public Meeting Monday, August 10 Present Draft UFMP In-Person Public Meeting Monday, August 31 Review and Discuss Draft UFMP Public Survey Period Monday, May 18 – Monday, June 8 Public Comment Period Monday, August 10 – Tuesday, September 8 22 Next Steps Present a mid-process update to the City Commission Tuesday, July 21 Synthesize data analyses and preliminary public input into draft UFMP Review Preliminary Draft UFMP at next Work Session on Thursday, July 23 Re-engage the public in August Two public meetings Public comment period from August 10 – September 8 Finalize the UFMP Final presentation of UFMP to Board prior to City Commission review in October/November The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. The picture can't be displayed. 23 Thank you, no formal decision required Questions / Discussion 24 Memorandum REPORT TO:Urban Parks and Forestry Board FROM:Mitch Overton SUBJECT:Director's Update MEETING DATE:June 25, 2026 AGENDA ITEM TYPE:Administration RECOMMENDATION:None STRATEGIC PLAN:3.4 Active Recreation: Facilitate and promote recreational opportunities and active health programs and facilities. BACKGROUND:When meeting time permits a standing item of Director Updates will be provided to the Board for communication and informational purposes. UNRESOLVED ISSUES:None ALTERNATIVES:Omit when time does not allow for the update. FISCAL EFFECTS:None. Report compiled on: June 17, 2026 25