HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from Jennifer Lowe-Anker 3-6-14From:Jennifer Lowe-Anker
To:Agenda
Subject:Story Mill
Date:Thursday, March 06, 2014 10:11:02 AM
Dear City Commission Members,
I am writing to encourage you to support the Story Mill Park proposal that TPL has so
generously brought to the table for our community. I believe that this park will stand out as alegacy for all of the people of Bozeman to enjoy in some capacity for generations to come.
The historic and diverse land has seen better days, with decaying buildings, asphalt, garbageand the footprint of bygone use but the walks that I have taken on the property over the last
year have been eye opening, heartening and shown me that nature and wildlife does prevail.The East Gallatin river still flows, meandering beneath towering cottonwoods and through
wetlands and willow stands that are home to many species of birds. Wild birds areexperiencing a decline and duress that is alarming as they struggle to adapt to an expanding
human population and drastic climate change. The wetlands that are present at Story Mill arecrucial to an ever shrinking habitat. We can coexist with nature if we set aside and preserve
such treasures of land within our cities and developments.
On this land, I watched a beautiful elusive Wood Duck spinning circles in the river, Iwandered among giant cottonwoods and listened to a family of Great Horned Owls call to
each other. I saw a family of Sandhill Cranes, House Wrens and many more. Seventy speciesof birds have been documented there. It would be a crime to allow this land to be
developed. Bozeman is a community of active and outdoor oriented people. Lets not pass upthe chance to partner with TPL who has come to us with funding to help create this crown
jewell park that is usable as an outdoor classroom, a handicap accessible trail and a place fora reflective history lesson that encompasses coming full circle to respect and reclaim a wild
place within our city. The vision can be what we make it with bountiful gardens for the foodbank that are tied to the heritage of Story Mill. We can tread lightly and enjoy the wild
section of park with informative nature trails and still have picnic areas and playing fields inthe piece of land along Bridger Canyon Road. By cleaning up and preserving this land, we
can be responsible stewards in a forward thinking community. Please vote yes for Story Mill.
Respectfully, Jennifer Lowe-Anker