HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-26 Public Comment - D. Carty - Bozeman Creek Vision Plan Work Session, July 14, 2026 From: Daniel Carty
To: Bozeman Public Comment
Subject: [EXTERNAL]Public Comment:City Commission,Bozeman Creek Vision Plan Work Session,July 14,2026
Date: Tuesday,July 14,2026 11:22:50 AM
Attachments: Factsheet WoodvDebris M.pdf
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July 14, 11:20 a.m.
Bozeman City Commissioners:
During tonight's work session on the Bozeman Creek Vision Plan (BCVP), you may hear
comments and/or discussion to the effect that all Large Woody Debris (LWD, e.g., broken
tree limbs and downed trees) should be removed from the creek and its banks.
In fact, this is not always the case. As the attached pdf from the state of Montana explains,
LWD can enhance a creek's ecological function (e.g., provide fish and aquatic insect
habitat) and provide positive ecosystem services to humans (e.g., flood control and
environmental education opportunities).
Hence, please ensure that any discussion of the BCVP and LWD includes both the
positives and drawbacks of leaving LWD in the creek at any combination of location and
time. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Daniel Carty
213 N. 3rd Ave
Bozeman, MT 59715
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Large Woody Debris
How does large woody debris enter a Should you remove large woody debris
stream? from the river?
Large woody debris enter streams and rivers Before removing large woody debris from a
when trees are blown down by wind, toppled stream or floodplain, you should carefully
over by natural channel migration, or uprooted consider the impacts removal will have on
during flood events. The debris are then the aquatic ecosystem and on local
transported downstream. communities, including:
• Loss of riparian and instream habitat
What are the benefits of large woody debris essential for the support offish and
in a stream or river? wildlife populations and associated
Large woody debris is an essential component recreational opportunities.
of aquatic ecosystems. • Increased erosion during seasonal high
• It provides stability in a river system by water and future flood events.
capturing, retaining, and sorting sediment. • Loss of a healthy, thriving aquatic
• It adds roughness to floodplains which ecosystem.
slows down flood flows, captures fine • Significant cost of removal and disposal.
sediment, and provides habitat for new
growth of woody vegetation. Overtime, Large woody debris should only be
debris degrades, providing organic removed when:
material and nutrients, essential
ingredients for the growth and • It poses a risk to human health and
propagation of riparian vegetation and safety.
aquatic organisms. • It could be mobilized in future flood
• It accumulates on gravel bars and events and negatively affect downstream
streambanks, slowing stream flow and infrastructure and property.
creating pools that help increase • It has accumulated against bridges,
streambank stability. These pools provide structures, or streambanks, negatively
shelter for fish, insects and other aquatic altering the flow of water around and
life. through important infrastructure.
Do you need a permit to remove woody debris?
Before working in and around Montana's streams and rivers, contact your local Conservation District for
information. Please note, you may need more than one permit. Several resources are available to learn
more, including the following:
• Montana Stream Permitting:A guide for Conservation District Supervisors and Others (Chapter 1)
https://dnrc.mt.gov/ docs/permits-services/StreamPermittingBinderBook202O.pdf
A Guide to Stream Permitting in Montana (flipbook)
• https://dnrc.mt.gov/licenses-and-permits/stream-permitting/
For more information, visit deq.mt.gov/water or contact 406-444-5546