HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-26 Public Comment - D. Carty - Bozeman Creek Vision Plan Work Session, July 14, 2026From: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_WoodyDebris (1).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., brokentree 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 insecthabitat) 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 thepositives 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
Loss of riparian and instream habitat
essential for the support of fish and
wildlife populations and associated
recreational opportunities.
Increased erosion during seasonal high
water and future flood events.
Loss of a healthy, thriving aquatic
ecosystem.
Significant cost of removal and disposal.
It poses a risk to human health and
safety.
It could be mobilized in future flood
events and negatively affect downstream
infrastructure and property.
It has accumulated against bridges,
structures, or streambanks, negatively
altering the flow of water around and
through important infrastructure.
Should you remove large woody debris
from the river?
Before removing large woody debris from a
stream or floodplain, you should carefully
consider the impacts removal will have on
the aquatic ecosystem and on local
communities, including:
Large woody debris should only be
removed when:
It provides stability in a river system by
capturing, retaining, and sorting sediment.
It adds roughness to floodplains which
slows down flood flows, captures fine
sediment, and provides habitat for new
growth of woody vegetation. Over time,
debris degrades, providing organic
material and nutrients, essential
ingredients for the growth and
propagation of riparian vegetation and
aquatic organisms.
It accumulates on gravel bars and
streambanks, slowing stream flow and
creating pools that help increase
streambank stability. These pools provide
shelter for fish, insects and other aquatic
life.
How does large woody debris enter a
stream?
Large woody debris enter streams and rivers
when trees are blown down by wind, toppled
over by natural channel migration, or uprooted
during flood events. The debris are then
transported downstream.
What are the benefits of large woody debris
in a stream or river?
Large woody debris is an essential component
of aquatic ecosystems.
Large Woody Debris
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/StreamPermittingBinderBook2020.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