Urban Parks and Forestry Board Meeting Summary – July 23, 2026

The Urban Parks and Forestry Board held a work session on the preliminary draft of the 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) and received updates from the Parks and Recreation Director. The meeting began with a technical delay and intermittent audio issues with remote consultants, but discussions proceeded with board members and in-person public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved the minutes from the June 2026 meeting (motion passed 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Northeast Neighborhood Resident (Nina): Expressed concern about the ongoing construction at Northern Pacific Park (depot park) related to the Yards development, stating that the park appears to be losing its grass and mature trees and may become largely concrete. Asked the board to intervene to preserve a better park.
• Daniel Cardi, Bozeman Tree Coalition Co-founder: Stated the coalition recommends a canopy cover goal of 18% (noting that similar cities average 18%) rather than the current plan's 10-12% goal. Emphasized the need for a bold plan that informs changes to the unified development code. Also submitted written comment on behalf of the coalition.
• Marcia Caveney, Bozeman Tree Coalition Co-founder (during work session): Requested that the coalition be treated as an external stakeholder beyond just the online survey, offering expertise on tree-related codes. Urged greater focus on retaining existing mature trees during development, citing examples like Canyon Gate (250 trees removed, 11 replanted) and the Seventh and Aspen project (all trees lost).

Discussion Items

Work Session on the 2026 Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP) Preliminary Draft

• Presentation by Consultant Team (Josh, Matt, Hannah): The team presented the preliminary draft, noting it is near the end of Phase 2. A public comment period will follow after board and staff review. The team highlighted canopy cover analysis, tree inventory data, and a goal implementation matrix. They explained current planting capacity (~300 trees/year) and that achieving a 2% canopy increase to 12% would require ~871 trees/year. A 30% city / 70% community partnership is assumed for tree planting.
• Board Feedback and Discussion:
  • Canopy Goals: Several board members supported offering a "menu" of canopy options (e.g., 12%, 15%, 18%) with associated costs and resource needs (staffing, budget). Mitch asked for clear budget and capacity implications to present to the City Commission. Sally Schrank noted the plan must be actionable and include cost estimates to avoid commission rejection later.
  • Executive Summary: Board members (Sally, Joe, others) requested a concise executive summary with specific proposed actions, benefits, and costs in plain language for commissioners. The current executive summary was deemed too vague.
  • Tree Retention and Code Updates: Board member Matthew Cortan and others emphasized the need for stronger tree preservation measures in new developments, clearer regulations for tree removal notifications, and a heritage tree program. Consultant noted that code recommendations are in the plan (e.g., page 82) but could be better highlighted.
  • Mature Tree Focus: Goal 2 was noted for lacking specific actions on mature tree retention; board suggested adding more detail.
  • Formatting and Figures: Board member Ali praised the figures/graphs and requested more visual aids, especially for inventory condition ratings (e.g., only 2% excellent condition).
  • Consultant Responses: The team acknowledged board feedback and agreed to provide option scenarios with cost/resource implications, improve the executive summary, include more data visualizations, and add specific recommendations for heritage tree program and code updates in the next draft.
• Technical Issues: Audio of the consultants was lost for several minutes midway through the discussion, causing a short recess. Once restored, the board continued.

Director's Updates (Parks and Recreation Director)

• Splash Pad: Opened successfully and very popular; three attendants on site.
• Bogert Pools: Now open seven days a week due to increased lifeguard staffing.
• Ability Montana: 5K walk/run and ribbon cutting for Ability Montana pathway at Lindley Park on July 25 at 9 a.m.
• HRDC Partnership: Parks Department working with HRDC to address homelessness impacts on parks, particularly Glen Lake Rotary Park; training staff and engaging code enforcement and community policing.
• Position Vacancy: The Parks and Cemetery Superintendent position has closed; interviews will occur next month.
• Rate Study: A departmental rate study (first since 2019) will be undertaken, to come before the board before going to the City Commission.
• Synthetic Turf Fields: Field 7 (rugby/multi-use) at Sports Park is operational with punch-list items; Field 14 (football/soccer) near Gallatin High School is nearly complete, opening next month for football practice.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken on the UFMP draft; this was a work session for feedback.
• Next Steps: The consultant team will revise the draft based on board comments, including adding canopy option scenarios with cost and capacity information, improving the executive summary, incorporating heritage tree program details, and enhancing visual data presentation. A revised draft will be presented at the September 2026 work session, followed by a public comment period.
• Director's Updates: Noted for information; no action required.