HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-14-26 Public Comment - J. Trilling - Public Comment - 9.15.26 City Commission - Cattail CorridorFrom:Jared Trilling
To:Bozeman Public Comment
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Public Comment - 9.15.26 City Commission - Cattail Corridor
Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 4:18:56 PM
Attachments:GWC Cattail Corridor LOS 26.9.14.pdf
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Please accept the attached public comment for the September 15, 2026 City Commissionmeeting in support of agenda item I.2, "A Resolution Adopting the Cattail Creek Corridor and
Anchor Route Park Master Plan"
Thank you,
Jared Trilling, Project ManagerGallatin Watershed Councilhttp://gallatinwatershedcouncil.org
Cell: 406.218.1580
Bozeman City Commission
City of Bozeman
121 N. Rouse Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
RE: Letter of Support – Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan
Dear City Commissioners:
On behalf of the Gallatin Watershed Council (GWC), I am writing to express our strong support for the
adoption of the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan and encourage the City
Commission to approve the associated resolution. As an organization focused on improving the Gallatin
Valley’s water resources, GWC is particularly supportive of the plan’s emphasis on improving the
ecological function of the Cattail Creek corridor. Much of the creek corridor is currently bordered by mown
turf and other highly managed landscapes. The plan provides an opportunity to replace some of that turf
with native and drought-tolerant vegetation, restore a more natural riparian corridor, and improve the
creek’s function within the community.
Revegetating the riparian corridor can improve water quality, wildlife habitat, habitat connectivity, and
water conservation. Native trees and shrubs can also provide shade and cooler areas for people using the
parks, while increased wildlife can create opportunities for viewing and experiencing nature close to
home. These improvements can make parks more interesting and enjoyable places to spend time while
also providing important ecological benefits. We strongly support the plan’s approach to reducing
irrigated turf and increasing native vegetation along Cattail Creek, including the proposed 30-foot
minimum setback for non-vegetated improvements and the desired 50-foot watercourse setback where
conditions allow.
This work also builds on GWC’s ongoing partnership with the City through Branch Out Bozeman (BOB). At
Greenway Park, GWC is currently working with the City to convert more than an acre of mown turf to
native plant communities, including aspen groves, grasslands, and pollinator gardens. The Greenway
project was developed with the larger Cattail Creek Corridor vision in mind and provides an example of
how park landscapes can be managed in ways that benefit both the community and the creek.
The Cattail Creek Corridor presents an exciting opportunity to improve riparian habitat and water
conservation while creating more natural and enjoyable parks for the community. We appreciate the City’s
continued partnership and look forward to supporting this work as the plan moves into implementation.
Thank you,
Jared Trilling
Project Manager
Gallatin Watershed Council
The Gallatin Watershed Council guides collaborative water stewardship
in the Gallatin Valley for a healthy and productive landscape.
www.gallatinwatershedcouncil.org