HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park TOP Application
Northern Rockies
111 S. Grand Ave.
Suite 203
Bozeman, MT
59715
T: 406.522.7450
F: 406.522.7453
tpl.org
January 6, 2014
Chairman Bob Hawks
Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOP) Committee
c/o TOP Programs Manager
415 North Bozeman Avenue
Bozeman, MT 59715
Dear Chairman Hawks and Members of the TOP Committee,
It is our pleasure to submit the attached application for your consideration. Given the
breadth and scope of the Story Mill Community Park proposal, we thought it would be
useful to describe by cover letter The Trust for Public Land’s intentions and the unique
opportunity we believe the project presents for the Bozeman community.
The Story Mill site has deep connections to Gallatin Valley’s history and agricultural
heritage. It was here that Nelson Story, with assistance from the first railroads, built his
fortune by exporting locally-grown wheat and flour all across the world. With the
addition of the rendering plant and stockyards, as well as a small farm and ranching
operation, the area served as a vital industrial-agricultural hub through the mid-20th
century. Standing on the property today, one can catch a glimpse of the valley as it
looked over one hundred years ago, defined by wild rivers coursing through diverse
wetlands, meadows, and woodlands. The site’s remnant wetlands continue to provide
essential haven for a remarkable array of birds and wildlife in an otherwise urbanized
environment. Open meadows and mature trees with sweeping vistas of the Bridger
Mountains give visitors an immediate sense of space, quiet, and connection to nature,
despite the proximity to a major arterial road, Interstate-90 and Historic Downtown
Bozeman.
As many in the community will recall, the property was recently slated for intense
development, only to be sold through foreclosure to American Bank in November 2011
for $6.2 million (reportedly less than half what the developer had paid for the
assemblage). Given the property’s incredible natural features, The Trust for Public Land
recognized an opportunity to take advantage of market conditions, and stepped in to
acquire the 62 acres in December 2012. Our intent was to create a window of time for
the community to carefully consider the site for a new community park. The acquisition
included the Bank’s holdings west of Story Mill Road, but excluded two parcels
(containing the Mill complex) east of the road. Recently, we have also secured a
contract with the adjoining landowner at the stockyard site to acquire through an
exchange an additional 4-acre strip of critical land – which contributes to an
unparalleled ½ mile of East Gallatin River frontage in the park proposal.
The Trust for Public Land
TOP cover letter
Page 2
The enclosed application proposes a 54-acre Story Mill Community Park with exciting opportunities for
active recreation, outdoor community gathering spaces, a nature sanctuary, new trails and trail
connections, and natural and cultural interpretive programs. The Trust for Public Land will retain an 8-
acre parcel in the northeastern corner of the property to explore the feasibility of a small pocket
neighborhood that would complement the park, while meeting workforce housing needs identified in
the Bozeman Affordable Housing Action Plan.
Over the past year, The Trust for Public Land has dedicated considerable resources to due diligence,
project planning, and public outreach to create a proposal and budget that reflects the Bozeman
community’s unique vision for the Story Mill Community Park. The topline values and opportunities
included in this proposal are:
Revitalization and protection of one of the largest undeveloped properties near downtown as a
flagship community park with exciting recreation and trails amenities;
Restoration of the largest remaining wetland-riparian complex located in Bozeman’s urban core,
providing significant habitat and water quality enhancements along both Bozeman Creek and
the East Gallatin River;
Protection of and improved access to a half mile of the East Gallatin River – a favorite in-town
fishing corridor;
Expansion of trail connections for the “Main Street to the Mountains” initiative, connecting
downtown Bozeman to Bridger Drive and the East Gallatin Recreation Area, and providing an
important staging area for the planned new “Path to the M”;
Contribution of significant matching funds, greatly leveraging the City’s investment and ensuring
the development and maintenance of the new park; and
A multi-year commitment by The Trust for Public Land to dedicate its 40+ years of national
experience in park design and construction expertise, and to collaborate with the City of
Bozeman and partners across the community.
We believe the Story Mill Community Park plan as proposed embodies the leadership, enterprise and
vision expressed during the 2012 parks and trails bond campaign. Over 70% of city residents voted to
think big and to invest in Bozeman’s extraordinary quality of life and unparalleled access to water,
recreation and the outdoors for our children and grandchildren.
Thank you for your service on the TOP Committee, and for your consideration of this proposal.
Sincerely,
Maddy Pope Deb Love
Story Mill Project Manager Northern Rockies Director
Story Mill Community Park Proposal
Application to City of Bozeman
Trails, Open Space and Parks Advisory Committee
Submitted by The Trust for Public Land
Maddy Pope, Story Mill Project Manager
Deb Love, Northern Rockies Director
111 South Grand Avenue, Suite 203, Bozeman, MT 59715
January 6, 2014
Photo: Christi Cooper-Kuhn
Story Mill Community Park Proposal
Application for the City of Bozeman Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOP) Bond Funding
1. Please give a brief description of your project that includes location, budget, amount
requested and amount contributed from other sources.
The Trust for Public Land proposes a new community park at the Story Mill site, which would
include a half mile of river frontage along the East Gallatin River; restoration of the largest
remaining wetland complex in Bozeman; trail connections along the Story Mill Spur Trail and
the planned new “Path to the M”; and exciting recreational amenities, such as new practice
fields, an innovative playground, and plentiful opportunities for educational interpretation.
Approval is requested from the Trails, Open Space and Parks Committee for the City of
Bozeman to acquire the Story Mill property and, in a partnership with The Trust for Public Land,
to masterplan and to build a new community park.
The Trust for Public Land is committed to bringing its national park design and development
expertise to our community, and to raising significant matching dollars through a philanthropic
campaign to ensure the success of the Story Mill Community Park project. Since announcing the
project last year, there has been overwhelming interest and support from hundreds of individuals
and dozens of groups all across the community. Together with these emerging community
partnerships, and a significant investment by the City of Bozeman through the TOP program, we
can develop the vision and marshal the resources to create a truly extraordinary community park
at the Story Mill site. A TOP funding request of $4.5 million for land acquisition and park
development will be leveraged by a direct match of $3.7 million by The Trust for Public Land, as
well as substantial additional investments in wetlands restoration and project management.
2 Story Mill Community Park Application
Location: The proposed Story Mill Community Park includes approximately 54 acres of
undeveloped land located in the City’s Northeast quadrant bordered by Bridger Drive to the
north, Story Mill Road to the east, and bisected by East Griffin Drive through its middle. The
site includes 1,854 feet of frontage along Bridger Drive. In addition, the site features trail
connectivity along the popular Story Mill Spur Trail and the planned new “Path to the M”. The
property currently has several structures, including an old farmstead complex and two
slaughterhouse buildings lie within the Northern Pacific-Story Mill Historic District. The site
does not include the iconic Story Mill buildings located east of Story Mill Road.
The Trust for Public Land will retain an 8 acre parcel at the northeast corner of the site that is not
part of this proposal. We have enlisted the assistance of two nonprofit partners, the Human
Resources Development Council and Homeword, to explore the feasibility of developing a
model neighborhood to complement the park and to provide sustainable, affordable housing for
working families in the Bozeman community – a compelling community need identified in the
Bozeman Affordable Housing Action Plan. The Trust for Public Land will provide a trail
corridor easement along Bridger Drive to ensure permanent connectivity between the park and
the Story Mill Spur trailhead at the intersection of Bridger Drive and Story Mill Road.
The northern section of the property (between Bridger Drive and Griffin Drive) is characterized
by open meadows dotted with clusters of mature trees and ornamental shrubs. The southern half
(south of Griffin Drive) includes a significant riparian complex with wetland, forest and
grassland communities. Just above their confluence point, Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin
River flow northwest through the site, defining the wetland area and providing the major natural
features of the property. The Trust for Public Land proposes to restore the wetlands and rivers of
the property, improving wildlife habitat and ecological function and enhancing downstream
water quality.
Recognizing the extraordinary potential of the site, The Trust for Public Land purchased the
Story Mill property in December 2012 with the intention of providing the community with
sufficient time and opportunity to envision a future public park for the site. We are proposing to
sell the property to the City as a new city park, and to assist the City in developing a community-
led park master plan, bringing The Trust for Public Land’s national expertise and 40 years of
experience in building parks to create a new signature park for Bozeman. Green infrastructure,
innovative park design, creative outdoor play spaces, and a participatory community design
process are the hallmarks of our program and what we propose to bring to this new park, if
approved.
To accomplish this, we are requesting $4.5 million in TOP bond funding – $2.65 million for land
acquisition and $1.85 million for park development. We are offering the property for sale to the
City at a fair market value price not to exceed our $2.65 million purchase price, to be
3 Story Mill Community Park Application
substantiated by an independent appraisal. We will commit to match the City’s park
development investment with $3.7 million in cash and in-kind contributions, of which we have
secured over $500,000 to date. The remaining funds shall be raised via a forthcoming
philanthropic campaign following City approval of this application. The $3.7 million
commitment represents a 2:1 match for park design and construction, and includes a $200,000
stewardship fund to help defray park maintenance costs. The estimated $5.5 million park
construction budget is detailed in the ‘Parks’ section of this application.
In addition to the $3.7 million direct investment towards park design, construction and
maintenance, The Trust for Public Land plans to invest approximately $500,000 to execute a
multi-year wetlands and river restoration effort. The Trust for Public Land will also cover
substantial land holding costs, transactional services (such as appraisal, title, and environmental
assessment) and closing costs. The local, regional, and national staff time required to lead a
community participatory design process, to oversee project management and execution, and to
conduct a private philanthropic and outreach campaign will also comprise The Trust for Public
Land’s financial contributions.
The Story Mill project is the top priority project for the Northern Rockies office of The Trust for
Public Land. If the project receives City approval, The Trust for Public Land plans to dedicate
its organizational resources and expertise on a multi-year basis working closely with the
community and City of Bozeman to see the project through to completion. We wish to convey
the property to the City as soon as possible before calendar year-end 2014. In addition, we would
propose entering into a contract with the City of Bozeman to facilitate the community process to
develop a park master plan in coordination with the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board by
summer 2014; and, over the next two years, to assist the city during the park build-out and
development phase of the project.
City of
Bozeman
The Trust for
Public Land TOTAL
PROJECT COSTS
Land Acquisition 2,650,000$ -$ 2,650,000$
Park Design, Construction and Stewardship 1,850,000 3,700,000 5,550,000
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS 4,500,000$ 3,700,000$ 8,200,000$
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
Story Mill Community Park Project Budget
Request to Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOP) Committee
January 2014 - December 2016
4 Story Mill Community Park Application
5 Story Mill Community Park Application
2. Briefly describe how the project creates or enhances one or more of the following:
a. Parks
b. Open Space/Natural Areas
c. Trails
d. Water Quality
e. Multi-Use Recreational Fields
a. Parks
As the largest city-owned park, the Story Mill Community Park will be a significant addition to
Bozeman’s park system that augments and complements recreational opportunities for residents
and visitors. Since acquiring the property in December 2012, The Trust for Public Land has
worked diligently to engage the Bozeman community to create a vision for the park. In January
2013, we conducted an informal online survey with 690 respondents overwhelmingly supporting
the idea of a park for the Story Mill site, ranking park creation, trail connectivity, wetlands and
water quality, and wildlife habitat protection as top priorities (Appendix C). In February 2013,
we invited the public to a half-day workshop to learn more about the proposal, and to discuss key
themes for the site including, park design, trails, wetlands restoration, sustainable agriculture and
potential private redevelopment of mixed-income housing on a portion of the property.
Feedback was collected from the more than 150 residents who attended, and we have continued
to work with these and other community members and groups to gather ideas and input for the
proposal.
These efforts culminated in August 2013, when park designers on staff with The Trust for Public
Land came to Bozeman to work with a local landscape architect and community members to
develop a conceptual design for the Story Mill Community Park. Informed by the PROST Plan
and the tremendous community input the project has received to date, the conceptual design is
intended as a starting point. It provides a foundation for a forthcoming park master plan and
preliminary cost estimates.
The overarching vision for the Story Mill Community Park is a predominately natural park that
retains the open space and scenic character of the site and that is inspired by the theme of rivers
and water systems. The park would also include an active programmed area that is intended to
serve the entire community by providing diverse and plentiful recreational opportunities and
experiences for all interests and ages. The conceptual park plan and budget (below) include cost
estimates for basic park infrastructure, as well as a range of potential park amenities to be
identified and refined through a future public master planning process.
Within approximately 10 of the 20 acres comprising the north portion of the site (with access
along Bridger Drive), the plan provides for grading and site preparation, ample parking,
landscaping, irrigation and paved pathways, as well as key park amenities, such as sheltered
6 Story Mill Community Park Application
picnic tables, benches, signage, and fencing. In addition, it includes the opportunity for a range
of potential park activities such as a grand lawn, playgrounds and play areas, off-leash dog area,
multi-use practice fields, interactive art, and an intermodal network of trails.
Playgrounds could integrate nature and adventure play with design inspired by the agricultural
milling history of the site, incorporating sand elevators and water play, for instance. Climbing
elements including rope bridges and boulders could also be an attraction. Other ideas include a
teaching farm for children and local schools and an edible food orchard winding along park trails
that could offer opportunities to connect visitors to local food systems and sustainable
agriculture.
The southern portion of the park is envisioned as a passive recreation area centered upon
ecological restoration and permanently protecting a significant wildlife sanctuary for the
community. The proposed budget includes funding for a light, well-placed footprint of trails
with boardwalks crossing sensitive wetland areas and interpretive signage to guide visitors
through the site for viewing birds and other wildlife. The park will serve as a “living classroom”
and visitors of all ages will be able to witness the multi-year process of renewal and restoration
and learn about the importance of wetlands to water quality and ecological health. The
restoration plan calls for removal of the farmstead buildings to allow ample space for wetlands
restoration and expansion. The Trust for Public Land proposes to work with the City to
determine the most appropriate future outcome for the two more historically significant
slaughterhouse/rendering plant buildings situated on the site parcel adjoining Story Mill Road.
The Trust for Public Land and Learning by Nature hosts 130 campers from the Boys & Girls Club, the YMCA, and
Montana Outdoor Science School. Photo: Shasta Grenier
7 Story Mill Community Park Application
As part of the proposed restoration plan, anglers will have enhanced river access via three new
access points that will be developed along the East Gallatin River, our best in-town fishing
opportunity. Restoration activities will include removal of riprap and improved bank stabilization
to ensure future river health. The existing small man-made pond will be restored and
reconfigured to enhance surrounding wetlands for birds and wildlife, and to provide a scenic
park viewing area. With parkland straddling the Story Mill Spur Trail, there will be opportunity
to enhance the trailhead at Story Mill Road and provide increased parking and pedestrian access
to both the trail and to the southern portion of the park.
The Trust for Public Land is committed to working with the City of Bozeman and the
community to realize a fully-developed and functioning park at the Story Mill site. In addition
to conveying the property to the City, The Trust for Public Land proposes to enter into a contract
with the City, providing our services on an in-kind basis, to 1) develop a park master plan for the
Story Mill site through a public participatory design process; 2) oversee the site’s river and
wetlands restoration effort; and 3) assist the City in managing the construction of the park.
Master Planning & Park Design 450,000$
Site Preparation & Demolition (includes building demo and utilities)583,000
Hardscape & Walkways (includes parking area, DG walkway, multi-use path)1,024,000
Landscape (includes grand lawn, irrigation and landscaping)1,005,000
Playground & Sports Fields 650,000
Site Amenities (includes signs, lighting, dog play area, benches, trash cans, restroom etc.)627,000
Contingency (20%)777,000
Construction Administration 234,000
Park Stewardship Endowment 200,000
TOTAL 5,550,000$
THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND
Story Mill Community Park Project Budget
Conceptual Park Design and Construction Estimate
8 Story Mill Community Park Application
9 Story Mill Community Park Application
b. Open Space/Natural Areas
With sweeping views of the Bridger Mountains
to the north and Story Hills to the east, the Story
Mill property is an extraordinary scenic and
open space asset for our community. The Story
Mill Community Park will protect this
significant nature sanctuary and critical wildlife
corridor, home to deer, otter, mink, porcupine,
red fox and other wildlife, all within the city
limits of Bozeman. Many species of birds
utilize the site’s meadows, rivers and wetlands,
including nesting sandhill cranes and great horned owls, kingfishers, dippers, snipe and a
plethora of nesting songbirds and waterfowl. Rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout abound in this
section of the East Gallatin (a.k.a. Rocky Creek) – a favorite of local fisherman. Sacajawea
Audubon has counted over 70 species of resident and migratory birds that utilize the site for
nesting and stopover habitat. Through the protection of an uninterrupted half-mile of the East
Gallatin River, enhancement of this very significant remaining wetland complex, and restoration
of the floodplain along both the East Gallatin River and Bozeman Creek, this natural area will be
unmatched within Bozeman’s urban core.
Habitat diversity will be enhanced over time through planned restoration and management.
While much of the plant composition at the Story Mill site today reflect years of agricultural
clearing, manipulation, and neglect, transformation to a healthy, diverse complex of native plant
communities made up of aspen forests, riparian shrublands, herbaceous and shrub dominated
wetlands, and native grasslands is possible through ongoing noxious weed control and the
planned restoration activities. These activities will favor plant species native to the area, which
over time will transform the site into a more diverse refuge for birds, wildlife, and humans
alike. For example, over time the existing aspen community on the South Parcel will continue to
expand westward into the site and the willow dominated wetlands on the south and east sides of
the South Parcel will also expand, providing more habitat and forage for resident and migrant
birds.
In the farmstead area, restoration actions are planned to restore native prairie species and expand
existing herbaceous wetlands. Riparian and wetland shrublands would be planted in the
expanded floodplain areas to help improve water quality as well as to enhance the scenic beauty
of the Bozeman Creek and East Gallatin River corridors. Over time the abundance of available
habitat and the increased plant diversity will offer more opportunities for wildlife and bird use,
leading to increased opportunities for their viewing and enjoyment by park goers. The
incorporation of native plant communities on the site also offers a number of advantages for park
Great Horned Owl. Photo: Ben Pope
10 Story Mill Community Park Application
maintenance, in that a significant portion of the Story Mill Park will not need irrigation and is
largely intended to not be mowed.
The Story Mill Community Park will provide a venue for both natural and cultural exploration.
The site’s wetlands and open space characteristics, reminiscent of the earliest days in the
development of the Gallatin Valley, will offer a unique educational opportunity for the public to
follow the site’s transformation through restoration activities and to learn about the importance
of wetlands in protecting our rivers, streams and water quality. Nature trails through the site will
serve as a ‘living classroom’ providing
activities and learning opportunities for park
visitors. Likewise, the towering Story Mill
buildings and land-use history of the area offers
an extraordinary lesson in both the history of
agriculture across the Gallatin Valley and new
connections to local food systems and
sustainable agriculture today. These unique
features combine to make the Story Mill site a
one-of-a-kind natural and cultural asset for our
community.
c. Trails & Connectivity
Community trails are a central component of the proposed Story Mill Community Park. The
heavily-traveled Story Mill Spur Trail brings pedestrians to the heart of the park, and trail users
will be able to take advantage of new trails and paths that connect through the park. These new
trails and connections will create a central hub for other northeast Bozeman destinations,
including the East Gallatin Recreation Area, Story Hills, Gallatin County and Cherry River
Fishing Access.
The Story Mill Community Park will serve as a starting point for the new “Path to the M”, with a
new parking lot that will provide a park and walk/cycle option. A paved, shared-use path will
meander parallel to Bridger Drive, providing pedestrians and cyclists with a safe non-motorized
transportation route buffered from high-speed traffic. The path will link the park to the City-
owned trail corridor that begins at the intersection of Story Mill Road and Bridger Drive. The
Story Mill site will also provide a long-sought trail connection between the Story Mill Spur Trail
and Bond Street. A PROST Plan priority, this proposed Bond Street connector trail will traverse
the southern portion of the Story Mill site and connect to a path and pedestrian bridge over
Bozeman Creek (part of the proposed Barnard Construction campus expansion). The Trust for
Public Land is working in partnership with Gallatin Valley Land Trust and other community trail
advocates on the design of the trail network for the site.
Sandhill Crane & colt. Photo: Thomas Lee
11 Story Mill Community Park Application
Within the park, a network of new trails will provide diverse experiences on paved paths, natural
surface paths, elevated boardwalks, and interpretive trails. Visitors will have access to loop trails
for walking, running, and cross-country skiing, as well as nature trails that connect users to the
natural environment and provide educational opportunities. The active northern portion of the
park could include a network of paved and natural surface pathways for visitors to move through
the property, stopping to enjoy park amenities before connecting on to other trail destinations. In
the southern portion of the site, a light footprint of natural surface trails and elevated walkways
will take the visitor through the sensitive wetlands area with minimal impact to the resources.
Visitors will enjoy an interpretive trail that highlights the area's natural and cultural history in the
southern portion of the park. Improved access to the East Gallatin River will provide anglers and
others a “blue” trail opportunity within Bozeman's urban river system – a rare amenity that this
site uniquely offers to the public.
Map 1 below provides a conceptual plan for single- and multi-modal trail use across the site as
well as significant connections to expand the Main Street to the Mountains system.
Map 2 illustrates the strategic trail connections and trail hub the proposed Story Mill Community
Park will provide in the northeast quadrant to the Main Street to the Mountains trail initiative.
Photo: Alex Diekmann
12 Story Mill Community Park Application
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d. Water Quality
The Story Mill site, situated at the confluence of Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin River,
offers a rare and remarkable opportunity to combine ecological restoration with multiple other
community benefits for residents and the City of Bozeman. The Trust for Public Land is working
with a group of community partners and a local riparian consulting firm to develop a plan for
restoration of the wetlands and streams found at this confluence site in order to restore several
important functions that have been lost over the years as the area was developed. These include
water quality improvements, wetlands and floodplain restoration, enhancement of habitat for
resident and migratory birds and wildlife, and new recreation and education opportunities for the
Bozeman community.
During the past century, an expansive riverine and wetland ecosystem was first transformed to
support the Story Mill agricultural and industrial hub including a mill and granary, stockyard,
slaughterhouse, ice ponds, and stock pastures. More recently, urban and commercial
development continues to encroach on wetland and floodplain habitat in this area. A review of
historic maps and records suggest that this transformation involved the straightening of streams,
filling of floodplains, draining of wetlands, and the resultant loss of aquatic habitat and water
14 Story Mill Community Park Application
quality benefits that this important confluence site once provided. While the Story Mill site still
supports a significant fishery, and wetlands and riparian areas, these resources are now far below
their habitat and water quality potential. In fact, both streams are listed by the Montana
Department of Environmental Quality as having impaired water quality for both fisheries and
recreational use.
A rigorous planning and stakeholder process undertaken by The Trust for Public Land over the
past year has resulted in the identification of a preferred restoration alternative that will build
resilience into the riverine ecosystem and help ensure river health. It achieves this by restoring
eight acres of wetland—more than doubling the current wetland acreage—and substantially
restoring floodplain areas along the East Gallatin River and Bozeman Creek. Wetlands will be
restored by plugging and re-filling the ditches that drained them and by removing and controlling
invasive weeds that now dominate the site. This will recreate a diversity of native wetland and
riparian vegetation that provides nesting and rearing habitat and forage for many species,
particularly migratory birds. Additional floodplain acreage will re-connect the two streams with
their historic floodplain areas and will attenuate downstream flood flows, capturing fine
sediment that fouls fish habitat, and improving water quality by trapping and processing nutrients
and other pollutants. The planned removal of riprap and junk along a half mile of the East
Gallatin River streambed and banks will improve the trout fishery by allowing the river to once
again scour pools and create spawning and rearing habitat. Maps showing the Selected
Alternative are provided in Addendum A. The Trust for Public Land will provide a copy of the
full Conceptual Restoration Plan upon request.
East Gallatin River. Photo: Christi Cooper-Kuhn
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The Story Mill restoration project is being developed via partnerships and collaborations to
provide the best possible ecological and social outcomes. Community partners such as the
Greater Gallatin Watershed Council, the Gallatin Local Water Quality Planning District, and
Trout Unlimited have contributed expertise in the development of restoration designs. The Trust
for Public Land is working closely with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and
the City of Bozeman to help mitigate upstream water quality impacts. Educational partnerships
are emerging with Montana State University to use the site as a monitoring laboratory and
outdoor classroom. Restoration design is integrated with recreational park design to ensure the
greatest benefit as a community park and living classroom.
The Trust for Public Land, working with its stakeholders, envisions undertaking restoration at
the Story Mill site beginning in the summer 2014 and has begun seeking grants and soliciting
funds for the restoration. If successful, up to $500,000 would be committed to this effort.
e. Multi-Use Recreation Fields
The plan currently provides for two practice fields, a need specifically identified in the PROST
plan for the northeast quadrant.
Note: We have written this application to address ‘Parks’ as the Prevailing Characteristics
matrix recognizing that, in addition, the Natural Areas, Trails and Water Quality matrices also
provide relevant information for review and assessment of the Story Mill Community Park
proposal.
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3. Has the exact site been identified? If so, please detail here.
Yes, approximately 54 acres are proposed for conveyance to the City of Bozeman. As depicted
in the parcel map below, The Trust for Public Land currently owns 50 acres and has 4 acres
under contract to purchase. Also see the Existing Conditions map on page 4 of this application.
4. Briefly explain how the project creates long term value for the residents of
Bozeman. Project Alignment with TOP Bond and City Planning Goals
The Story Mill park proposal is closely aligned with the key purposes identified in Bozeman City
Commission Resolution No. 4386 establishing the TOP Program including open space lands,
trails, parks, natural areas, recreational fields and enhancement of water quality. The Story Mill
community park proposal will:
Create a natural area community park with an array of recreational amenities;
Restore wetlands and streams to benefit water quality;
Enhance trail connections from the Story Mill Spur Trail and along Bridger Drive; and
Protect a nature sanctuary for birds and wildlife.
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The proposal also achieves numerous city planning goals and objectives.
It will advance community objectives identified in the 2009 Bozeman Community Plan to:
Support natural resource conservation in the northeast quadrant while protecting
‘important wildlife habitat and natural areas’. (Goals G-1.4; LU-4.1).
Provide protection and interpretative opportunities for ‘historically and culturally
significant properties.’ (Goal HP-2).
Advance shared-use pathways and trail connectivity for northside destinations (Objective
R-1.5) and develop ‘interconnected and convenient pedestrian and bicycle network for
commuting and recreation’ (Objective T-4.2).
‘Protect, restore and enhance wetlands’ (Objective E-2.1), assist in storm drainage
capacity to enhance ‘floodplain capacity’ (Objective #-1.2) and protect ‘surface and
groundwater quality’ (Objective PS-1.6).
The Story Mill Park Proposal will advance 2007 Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails
(PROST) Plan goals by:
Adding community parkland, playgrounds and practice fields in the Northeast quadrant’
(Section 7.3; 7.5; Section 10.5.5; 10.5.6)
Enhancing community trail and transit system needs -- with significant frontage along
Bridger Drive, a main arterial, and secondary access from Story Mill Road, a collector
street, the site will allow for well-planned traffic flow to and from the new park. (Section
8.9; 10.2.2;10.2.8)
Offering new trail connections of safe and accessible trail routes between city parks and
other public facilities and connecting trail linkages identified on the PROST Map within
the City and connection to the County trail system and federal lands. (Section
10.7.1;10.8.1; PROST Trail Map)
Protecting vital wetlands and important functions such as ‘flood control and aquifer
recharge, as well as important values such as wildlife habitat and open space’ and
recreational benefits such as ‘hiking, bird-watching and visual enjoyment’. (Section
8.1.1)
Creating well-defined opportunities for off-leash dog areas (Section 7.4.1) helping to
address issues relating to dogs in city parks and along trails. (Section 10.10.5)
The Story Mill Community Park will also help realize goals of the Greater Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan 2007 (Updated 2009) to promote multi-modal transportation options. The
Trust for Public Land is presently working with Montana Department of Transportation on the
design for widening Bridger Drive and a plan to provide a 10’-wide off-street shared-use path. A
new parking lot will also serve users of the planned new “Path to the M”, helping to reduce
18 Story Mill Community Park Application
traffic congestion in Bridger Canyon and at existing parking areas and trailheads. The new
parking lot could also be used for a park-and-ride system promoting car-pooling and bus service
to Bridger Bowl and other destinations up Bridger Canyon.
The Story Mill park proposal also advances Bozeman Guidelines for Historic Preservation by
protecting and interpreting a portion of the Story Mill Historic District and maintaining the rural
character of the north arm of the district (Page 80).
Finally, the Story Mill restoration plan will advance the goals of the Bozeman Creek
Enhancement Plan by improving the ecology and recreational value of Bozeman Creek at the
furthest downstream section of the waterway, just before its confluence with the East Gallatin
River. This effort will also complement the recently approved TOP investment upstream along
Bozeman Creek through Bogert Park.
5. Please list all groups/organizations involved or contributing to this project and what
their short and long term commitments will be.
The Trust for Public Land’s commitment to a public participatory process began when it
purchased the property December 2012. That winter, 690 residents responded to an online survey
and 150 attended a half-day community workshop to discuss and share ideas for a new
community park at Story Mill. The Trust for Public Land continues this outreach with a
dedicated staff member who is working with organizations and interested residents to build
community awareness, engagement and partnerships.
Story Mill Project Community Workshop. Photo: Troy Scherer
19 Story Mill Community Park Application
Below is a chart highlighting some of the emerging partnerships:
Partner Program
Element
Current Partnership
Contribution
Continuing Partnership
Contribution
Sacajawea
Audubon
Natural Areas Conduct bird surveys, install
nesting boxes, lead birding &
nature walks
Help develop park
interpretive programs for
birds and other wildlife
Greater Gallatin
Watershed
Council
Water Quality Ground and stream water
monitoring, public outreach;
Member - restoration
planning working group
Long-term alluvial
groundwater and stream
water quality monitoring;
support restoration effort
Bozeman Creek
Enhancement
Committee
Water Quality Member - restoration
planning working group
Advise and support
restoration effort
Trout Unlimited Water Quality Member - restoration
planning working group
Advise and support
restoration effort
Greater Gallatin
Local Water
Quality District
Water Quality Member - restoration
planning working group
Long-term alluvial
groundwater and steam
water quality monitoring;
advise and support
restoration effort
Gallatin Valley
Land Trust
Trails Assist with trail planning,
design and development
Help design, build,
support and maintain park
trail network
Montana
Department of
Environmental
Quality
Water Quality Providing grant funding for
groundwater well installation
and water, temperature and
nutrient monitoring efforts;
Member - restoration
planning working group
Help fund future wetlands
restoration, educational
partnerships and long-term
site monitoring; advise
and support restoration
effort
Run Dog Run Park Amenity Assist with design for on-
and off-leash dog usage areas
Design and help fund off-
leash dog usage area
Montana
Outdoor Science
School
Education &
Interpretation
Participated in Story Mill
summer camp program and
curriculum development
Support program
development for natural
area interpretive programs
Learning by
Nature
Education &
Interpretation
Wrote curriculum and taught
Story Mill summer camp for
130 local youth
Expand park outdoor
curriculum, interpretive
and youth programs
Broken Ground Sustainable
Agriculture
Research potential for edible
food forest/trail component
Help design edible food
forest; sustainable
agriculture working group
20 Story Mill Community Park Application
Towne’s
Harvest Farm,
MSU
Sustainable
Agriculture
Research and student
engagement in sustainable
agricultural program element
Partner on sustainable
agriculture programming
and student education
Gallatin Valley
Farm to School
Sustainable
Agriculture &
Education
Lead sustainable agriculture
working group and program
development
Help design and manage
K-12 teaching farm
program at the park
Montana
Conservation
Corps
Site Restoration Youth crew engagement in
site clean-up, weed
management and trail
maintenance
Provide youth crews for
restoration, weed
management, and park
construction projects
Northeast
Neighborhood
Association
Community
Outreach
Educate residents about Story
Mill park proposal
Engage residents in park
design, master planning
and development project
Gallatin Valley
Food Bank
Sustainable
Agriculture
Participate in sustainable
agriculture working group
Design program
connection to Food Bank
clients and engage
volunteers
National Farm
to School
Sustainable
Agriculture
Participate in sustainable
agriculture working group
Advise and help design
park programming for
sustainable agriculture and
local foods
Sonoran
Institute
Community
Outreach
Advisor on community
development component
Support participatory park
design process
Boys & Girls
Club of
Southwest
Montana
Youth
Engagement &
Education
Participated in Story Mill
summer camp program
through youth engagement
Developing programming
to meet the needs of
underserved youth in the
community
YMCA of
Gallatin Valley
Youth
Engagement &
Education
Participated in Story Mill
summer camp program
through youth engagement
Developing programming
to meet the needs of
underserved youth in the
community
Montana State
University
Education &
Partnerships
-Sustainable Food and
Bioenergy Systems
-Civil Engineering
-Land Resources &
Environmental Sciences
-Landscape Architecture
-Environmental Art
-Montana Water Center
Participate in park design
and programming, long-
term monitoring and
restoration, student
engagement and
utilization of the Story
Mill site for educational
purposes
21 Story Mill Community Park Application
6. Please describe the anticipated maintenance requirements for the site and who will
be responsible for maintenance.
Recognizing that the Story Mill Community Park will add to the City’s maintenance budget,
we have included a $200,000 stewardship endowment in the park’s budget.
Until there is a master plan for the new park it is difficult to estimate long-term maintenance
requirements. The national average put forward by the National Recreation and Parks
Association ranges between $4,000 - 6,000/acre/year for maintenance of active park areas.
Depending on the ultimate design, the Story Mill Community Park could include between
10-20 acres of active park programming. The $200,000 stewardship endowment fund is
intended to help defray costs for the first several years as the City works to address expanded
maintenance requirements across the park system.
7. Are you aware of any mitigation needs on any part of a proposed property? If so,
please explain.
There would be no required mitigation for any of the actions proposed for the Story Mill
Community Park and restoration effort.
Applicant Contact Information:
Maddy Pope, Project Manager
The Trust for Public Land
111 South Grand Avenue, Suite 203
Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 522-7450 x4 - office
(406)-539-8698 - cell
maddy.pope@tpl.org
The Trust for Public Land
Story Mill Community Park Application
Appendix A
Story Mill Ecological Restoration
Selected Alternative Conceptual Design
Story Mill Site Restoration Project
Over the past year, The Trust for Public Land and a group of stakeholders have been working
with the local riparian consulting firm, RESPEC, to develop a conceptual restoration plan for the
Story Mill site with the following goals and objectives:
Vision: Create a destination city park where people learn and recreate and where river and
wetland resources are restored and protected for the Bozeman Community
Ecological Goal: In consideration of site constraints and other project goals, restore and protect
on-site natural processes necessary for a functioning riparian and wetlands system.
Ecological Objectives:
Provide hydrologic connectivity between stream floodplain and wetlands to maximize
riverine and wetlands habitat diversity.
Remove river process constraints and non-natural features to the extent possible in the
context of land ownership and access.
Remove or modify drainage and excavated features that disrupt and diminish
groundwater-dependent wetland extent and functioning to restore wetland functions to
the extent site constraints allow.
Demonstrate improved water quality (temperature, nutrients, and sediment measures).
Restore native plant diversity (upland, wetland and riparian communities) and minimize
invasive plants.
We are happy to provide the TOP committee with a copy of the full Story Mill Ecological
Restoration Conceptual Design Report. The maps on the following two pages depict the
Selected Alternative Conceptual Plans for the north and south portions of the Story Mill site.
The Trust for Public Land
Story Mill Community Park Application
Appendix B
Partner Support Letters
The Trust for Public Land
Story Mill Community Park Application
Appendix C
Story Mill Online Survey
Story Mill Online Survey
Overview and Key Findings
February 2013
For four weeks over the holiday season, we invited people interested in our Story Mill project to give us
their views on the potential uses of the site through an online survey. 690 surveys were completed, and
although the methodology does not lead to results that are statistically significant for the residents of
Bozeman – and cannot be guaranteed to reflect the views of everyone in the community – it is an
excellent response and a great basis for the planning process for the future of Story Mill.
All the data tables from the survey are included in the appendix to this brief overview.
Who responded?
97% of respondents come from Gallatin County, with 72% living within Bozeman. Within the city, 40%
live in the north part of town, and 63% do not have any children at home.
Park and trail usage is mixed – 60% use them very frequently, with nearly 5% visiting less than once a
year. For the Story Mill Spur Trail specifically, 30% use it at least once a month, while 15% have never
used the trail at all.
Key Findings
There is enthusiastic support for creating a nature sanctuary park at the Story Mill site, and the
respondents supported an equally diverse number of activities they would like to enjoy there. Only 20
of the responders voiced significant concerns about the project, with a handful saying the site should be
developed rather than turned into a park.
For both future use and activities, responders were given a list of options to rank (any and all of which
could be ranked highest or lowest priority) and the opportunity to add their own ideas.
The top usage options were: enhance trail connections along the Story Mill spur; restore wetlands to
benefit water quality; create a new, natural area park for the city and create a nature sanctuary.
The most suggested additional facility was rest rooms, added by 34 responders, followed by signage and
equestrian amenities.
The top activities looked for in a new park were: to hike, bike or walk on a trail; enjoy rivers and water
features; or view wildlife in wetlands.
0.0%
50.0%
100.0%
Very Important Somewhat Important Not Important I do not have an opinion
How important is it to protect and enhance water quality along the East Gallatin and
Bozeman Creek and restore natural wetlands function on the site?
The most popular ‘write-in’ activity was soccer, suggested by 57 people, with widespread support for a
multi-purpose playing field suitable for everything from lacrosse to ultimate frisbee.
In response to questions about specific uses, 90% agreed that it is very important to protect and
enhance water quality and restore wetlands.
60%, when asked what kind of community gardening would be appropriate, voted in favor of an
educational farm linked to local schools, and 56% answered yes to a proposal to redevelop a 24 acre site
with affordable, energy-efficient housing – although nearly 20% indicated they need more information.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The results of this survey are very positive, and it is clear that there is real enthusiasm for making the
Story Mill property into a multi-purpose outdoor park that is open to everyone.
The Trust for Public Land will present these results at a public workshop in Bozeman on February 7thand
will incorporate the community’s ideas into a master plan for the Story Mill site that includes a proposal
for a new city park.
For further information please contact our project manager, Maddy Pope, at maddy.pope@tpl.org
0%10%20%30%40%
50%60%70%80%
90%100%
If a new park is created on a portion of the Story Mill property, what would you like to
do in the new park? [Choose as many responses as you like]
Appendix: Survey Response Tables
Response
Percent
Response
Count
72.2%477
24.7%163
3.2%21
661
29skipped question
Outside of the Bozeman but within Gallatin County
Where is your primary residence? (Please select one)
answered question
Within the City of Bozeman
Outside of Gallatin County
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
2.0%13
14.8%95
17.2%111
27.2%175
30.9%199
7.9%51
644
46
6 – 10 years
skipped question
Answer Options
More than 20 years
1 – 5 years
answered question
If you are a current resident of Bozeman, how long have you lived in
Bozeman?
11-20 years
Less than a year
Not a resident
Response
Percent
Response
Count
42.0%265
34.9%220
12.5%79
10.6%67
631
59
If you are a current resident, in what part of Bozeman do you live?
Not a resident
North side of Bozeman
skipped question
West end of Bozeman
Answer Options
answered question
South side of Bozeman
Response
Percent
Response
Count
0.3%2
0.6%4
10.1%67
25.4%168
25.1%166
29.3%194
9.1%60
661
29skipped question
Under 18 years of age
51-65
22-30
answered question
Answer Options
41-50
18-21
Over 65 years of age
How old are you?
31-40
Response
Percent
Response
Count
63.2%417
15.5%102
18.2%120
2.3%15
0.9%6
660
30skipped question
How many children age 17 or younger live in your household?
3
0
answered question
2
Answer Options
4+
1
Response
Percent
Response
Count
0.9%6
3.8%26
9.7%67
25.7%177
60.0%414
690
0skipped question
How frequently do you use the parks and trails in the City of Bozeman
and/or Gallatin Valley?
Frequently (once a month or more)
I’ve never visited any of the parks and trails in the City
answered question
Occasionally (every few months or so)
Answer Options
Very frequently (once a week or more)
Infrequently (less than once a year)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
15.7%108
21.2%146
31.4%217
20.0%138
11.7%81
690
0skipped question
How frequently do you use the Story Mill spur trail?
Frequently (once a month or more)
I’ve never used the trail
answered question
Occasionally (every few months or so)
Answer Options
Very frequently (once a week or more)
Infrequently (less than once a year)
Response
Percent
Response
Count
72.2%498
22.0%152
4.3%30
1.4%10
690
0
How important is it to you to see the Story Mill Spur Trail expanded to help
provide safe routes for walking, running or cycling between downtown
I do not have an opinion
Very Important
skipped question
Not Important
Answer Options
answered question
Somewhat Important
Answer
Options Answer Options Response
Percent
Response
Count
89.3%616
78.6%542
65.9%455
49.6%342
47.5%328
46.7%322
44.3%306
41.0%283
37.5%259
31.6%218
27.1%187
23.6%163
22.9%158
18.6%128
13.8%95
2.9%20
94
690
0
Follow a self-guided environmental education tour
Have a picnic
Other (please specify)
Take children or friends to a playground
Hike, bike, or walk on a trail
Play active sports
Bird watch
skipped question
answered question
Enjoy rivers and water features
Use a small performance stage
Exercise dogs in an off-leash dog area
Raise plants in a community garden
View wildlife in wetlands
Other
Fish in East Gallatin River or Bozeman Creek
View a mural or other artwork
Sit on a park bench
Climb on a bouldering rock
If a new park is created on a portion of the Story Mill property, what would
you like to do in the new park? [Choose as many responses as you like]
Response
Percent
Response
Count
63.2%436
58.4%403
52.3%361
36.7%253
35.1%242
3.8%26
690
0skipped question
Help local growers provide farm-to-market services
Other
Community garden with leased garden plots to
answered question
Answer Options
Demonstration farm to raise community awareness of
Educational farm linked to preschool and K-12
If a portion of the Story Mill property were used for agricultural purposes,
how should it be used? [Choose as many responses as you like]
Community farm for providing produce to the food
Response
Percent
Response
Count
55.5%383
25.2%174
19.3%133
690
0skipped question
No
Should a 24-acre portion of the site along Bridger Canyon Drive, which was
formerly a trailer park, be redeveloped into affordable housing with
answered question
Yes
I do not have an opinion
Answer Options
Response
Percent
Response
Count
87.1%601
10.7%74
1.2%8
1.0%7
690
0
How important is it to protect and enhance water quality along the East
Gallatin and Bozeman Creek and restore natural wetlands function on the
I do not have an opinion
Very Important
skipped question
Not Important
Answer Options
answered question
Somewhat Important
Rating
Average
Response
Count
490 114 36 27 1.40 667
461 127 55 26 1.47 669
379 157 94 29 1.66 659
128 236 188 105 2.41 657
396 178 52 37 1.59 663
96 120 180 237 2.88 633
294 227 96 38 1.81 655
115 189 219 120 2.53 643
47
678
12
answered question
Restore wetlands to benefit the water quality of
Enhance public access to the East Gallatin River and
Please rank the following according to the highest priority for the future use of the Story Mill property. (highest priority is the box on
the far left and lowest priority is the box on the far right)
Create community gardens and an urban agriculture
Other (please specify)
Enhance trail connection options along the Story Mill
Create an active park, with playgrounds or ball fields
skipped question
Create a nature sanctuary for waterfowl and riparian-
Develop interpretive or educational materials to help
Answer Options
Create a new, natural area park for the city
The Trust for Public Land
Story Mill Community Park Application
Appendix D
Story Mill Site Views
Story Mill Project Site: Northern Section Views
Story Mill Project Site: East Gallatin River and Southern Section Views
Story Mill Project Site: Southern Section Views
Story Mill Project Site: Story Mill Spur Trail Connections