HomeMy WebLinkAboutStory Mill Community Park Public Comment from Richard McEldowney 3-21-14From:Richard McEldowney
To:Agenda
Subject:Vote Yes for the proposed Story Mill Community Park Proposal on March 24th
Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2014 3:32:36 PM
Dear Bozeman City Commission,I am writing to you today as a private citizen. In the interest of full disclosure, I ama riparian ecologist and project manager for the team assisting the Trust for PublicLand with the proposed wetland and stream restoration activities on the threeparcels that make up the Story Mill site. In my opinion the opportunity to conserve this much land at such a unique locationwithin the City of Bozeman happens about once in a generation. Located at theconfluence of the East Gallatin River and Bozeman Creek makes the potentialbeneficial impact of restoration actions on floodplain and wetland functions such aswater quality improvements, flood flow attenuation, and fish and wildlife habitatmuch more significant and of value to the residents of Bozeman when compared toother possible restoration sites within city limits. Most water quality experts in thevalley agree that while this project is not a 'silver bullet' to attaining compliance withthe proscribed total maximum daily loads for pollutants in these streams, it is asubstantial piece of the puzzle. I fully support this project and urge you to vote YES to approve the proposed StoryMill Community Park as it has been presented. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,Richard R. McEldowney406-599-2138 cell