Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan

Share Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan on Facebook Share Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan on Twitter Share Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan on Linkedin Email Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan link

The Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan, adopted in September 2023, outlined the goal to connect Bozeman through safe and enjoyable pedestrian and bicycle facilities called Anchor Routes. A key project of this master planning process is to design the 3.25 mile Anchor Route along the Cattail Creek Corridor, from E. Valley Center Road to Gallatin Valley Mall and Huffine.

The park master plan will also include recommendations for both active and passive park activities and improvements for natural resources, water conservation, and increasing the tree canopy. The Parks and Recreation Department aims to integrate themes of equity and balance along with recreation priorities such as nature play, adult fitness, and dog parks based on the PRAT Plan and community engagement.

As the first park master plan to be completed using the guidance of the PRAT Plan and the City’s first Parks Design Manual, new design standards may be established for pathway construction, riparian planting protocols, and solutions for establishing and emphasizing the delineation between private lots and public land to avoid conflicts and ensure equitable access and enjoyment. Any new standards would be incorporated into the Design Manual.

The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed in the Fiscal Year 2026-30 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP Plan) to invest $1.1 million over three years toward the new park master plan. The initial source of funding in Fiscal Year 2026 ($500,000) would be from the Park Land Trust which primarily consists of payments made by developers to meet requirements of the City's code for subsequent site development after subdivision or for infill projects. The remaining $600,000 would come from the Parks and Trails District assessments in FY27 and 28. The City Commission will hold a CIP Plan Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm following a presentation on the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan.



The Parks, Recreation, and Active Transportation (PRAT) Plan, adopted in September 2023, outlined the goal to connect Bozeman through safe and enjoyable pedestrian and bicycle facilities called Anchor Routes. A key project of this master planning process is to design the 3.25 mile Anchor Route along the Cattail Creek Corridor, from E. Valley Center Road to Gallatin Valley Mall and Huffine.

The park master plan will also include recommendations for both active and passive park activities and improvements for natural resources, water conservation, and increasing the tree canopy. The Parks and Recreation Department aims to integrate themes of equity and balance along with recreation priorities such as nature play, adult fitness, and dog parks based on the PRAT Plan and community engagement.

As the first park master plan to be completed using the guidance of the PRAT Plan and the City’s first Parks Design Manual, new design standards may be established for pathway construction, riparian planting protocols, and solutions for establishing and emphasizing the delineation between private lots and public land to avoid conflicts and ensure equitable access and enjoyment. Any new standards would be incorporated into the Design Manual.

The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed in the Fiscal Year 2026-30 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP Plan) to invest $1.1 million over three years toward the new park master plan. The initial source of funding in Fiscal Year 2026 ($500,000) would be from the Park Land Trust which primarily consists of payments made by developers to meet requirements of the City's code for subsequent site development after subdivision or for infill projects. The remaining $600,000 would come from the Parks and Trails District assessments in FY27 and 28. The City Commission will hold a CIP Plan Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm following a presentation on the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan.



  • Park and Trails Planning Within a Great Avian Habitat

    Share Park and Trails Planning Within a Great Avian Habitat on Facebook Share Park and Trails Planning Within a Great Avian Habitat on Twitter Share Park and Trails Planning Within a Great Avian Habitat on Linkedin Email Park and Trails Planning Within a Great Avian Habitat link

    In December, staff presented the initial proposal for the Cattail Creek and Anchor Route Park Master Plan to the City Commission and the Sustainability Board to raise awareness of the master plan, which City Commission will ultimately adopt by resolution.

    Staff have continued discussions with neighborhood representatives and community organizations to prepare for implementation once the plan is adopted. The main elements of the proposal that will move to construction first include pathway connections, wayfinding, and replacing groomed lawn with a more diverse array of drought-tolerant and native vegetation.

    The planning process has provided a conceptual overlay for an undeveloped "gap" area between Baxter and the Cattail Creek Subdivision, offering an opportunity for the Park Master Plan to proactively guide growth rather than react to it. Additionally, collaboration with the Bozeman School District as one of the largest landowners in the area presents opportunities to enhance safe routes to schools and secure grant funding.

    We are excited to educate the community about the Master Plan through unique opportunities and have been discussing hosting a winter bird count and a nature hike in partnership with the Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) and the Bozeman Tree Coalition. Stay tuned for information and check back here for project updates!


    A bit about birds in Bozeman, report provided by Paulette Epple, SAS Conservation Co-Chair.

    SAS has been conducting annual Christmas Bird Counts, which includes the project area around Cattail Lake. On December 14, counters tallied 76 species, one of the highest counts recorded in the Bozeman area count. Three new species – Greater White-fronted Goose, Anna's Hummingbird, and Williamson's Sapsucker – were added to the list. Other rare sightings included a Sandhill Crane, a Hermit Thrush, and a Great-tailed Grackle, all of which typically migrate south earlier in the season. Notably, a record of 611 American Robins were observed, likely due to warm weather and minimal snow delaying bird migrations in Montana. Within this area, there have now been 180 species of birds recorded since the Cornell database eBird was established in 2002, with an increase of 15 species since 2021 alone.


    Eared Grebe, photo by Lou Ann Harris (Co-Conservation Chair, SASMarsh Wren, photo by John ParkerTree Swallow, photo by John Parker

    Note: these photos showcase bird species associated with the Cattail corridor, though they may not be present in the area during winter or photographed at this exact location.

  • City Commission Project Presentation and Capital Improvements Plan

    Share City Commission Project Presentation and Capital Improvements Plan on Facebook Share City Commission Project Presentation and Capital Improvements Plan on Twitter Share City Commission Project Presentation and Capital Improvements Plan on Linkedin Email City Commission Project Presentation and Capital Improvements Plan link

    On December 3, 2024 the Parks and Recreation Department will present the Cattail Creek Corridor & Anchor Route Park Master Plan to the City Commission, including an overview of the proposals, an update on public engagement so far and next steps in the planning process prior to City Commission adoption.

    After the presentation, the Finance Department will lead a work session with the Commission that includes funding proposed for the project. The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed in the Fiscal Year 2026-30 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP Plan) to invest $1.1 million over three years toward the new park master plan's recommended improvements. The initial source of funding in Fiscal Year 2026 ($500,000) would be the Park Land Trust, which primarily consists of payments made by developers to meet requirements of the City's code for subsequent site development after subdivision or for infill projects. The remaining $600,000 would come from the Parks and Trails District assessments in FY27 and 28. The City Commission will hold a CIP Plan Work Session on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 6:00 pm following the presentation on the Cattail Creek Corridor and Anchor Route Park Master Plan.

  • Bike Your Park Day

    Share Bike Your Park Day on Facebook Share Bike Your Park Day on Twitter Share Bike Your Park Day on Linkedin Email Bike Your Park Day link

    On Saturday, September 28th Parks and Recreation, along with several community organizations, hosted Bozeman's second Bike Your Park Day. This first community event included fun activities for all ages including bike decorating, artwork commissioned by Mountain Time Arts, demonstrations by Ability Montana and Eagle Mount, and a bike hub hosted by Gallatin Valley Land Trust and the Bozeman Bike Kitchen. This event took place at the northern section of the study area to raise awareness about the important natural and cultural resources there, including a beautiful chain of parks along the creek. Though currently isolated from the rest of the park system, the Anchor Route designs will guide infill development on how to complete the path when they come forward.




Page last updated: 08 Jan 2025, 09:05 AM