Wetland Code Update

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The City of Bozeman is looking to update its wetland code!

The City began looking at an update to the wetland code years ago with the goal of encouraging local wetland preservation and creating a "wetland bank." Wetland banking is the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. Wetland mitigation is commonly used to compensate for wetland impacts from development (Natural Resources Conservation Service).

Recent legal changes, including Montana Senate Bill 382 and Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, have impacted the city’s efforts. Notably, the Sackett decision removed federal protections for many of the nation’s wetlands and left management of these areas to states and local governments.

The Wetland Code Update project will focus on the details of how to mitigate wetland impacts locally around Bozeman rather than far outside city limits, with an emphasis on providing the greatest positive benefit to ecological resources.

We aim to have this project wrapped up and approved by Bozeman City Commission by the end of the year. All are invited to learn more about this work and give input this fall!

The City of Bozeman is looking to update its wetland code!

The City began looking at an update to the wetland code years ago with the goal of encouraging local wetland preservation and creating a "wetland bank." Wetland banking is the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. Wetland mitigation is commonly used to compensate for wetland impacts from development (Natural Resources Conservation Service).

Recent legal changes, including Montana Senate Bill 382 and Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency, have impacted the city’s efforts. Notably, the Sackett decision removed federal protections for many of the nation’s wetlands and left management of these areas to states and local governments.

The Wetland Code Update project will focus on the details of how to mitigate wetland impacts locally around Bozeman rather than far outside city limits, with an emphasis on providing the greatest positive benefit to ecological resources.

We aim to have this project wrapped up and approved by Bozeman City Commission by the end of the year. All are invited to learn more about this work and give input this fall!

  • Engagement Continues, Dates TBD

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    One of the things we heard in the recent Community Development Board meeting was a desire to lengthen the timeline of this project to allow for more engagement. As a result, we have adjusted the key dates for this project. We will no longer be going to Commission in December and will be back in touch as we create a new timeline for the project and develop additional opportunities to give feedback. This is expected to happen in 2024, so feel free to take your time reviewing the draft code and thinking about this work! Thanks again for all your interest.

  • Draft Code is Here!

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    The Community Development Board is reviewing the draft wetland code tonight! View the draft code and provide public comment by attending the meeting (at 6 p.m. at City Hall - 121 N Rouse Ave) or emailing agenda@bozeman.net.

  • Thanks to all who joined!

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    We heard so much great feedback at our public meetings on the wetland code. Thanks to all who made it out for both the virtual and in-person meetings!

    In case you missed these events, you can watch a recording of the virtual meeting here.

    We know many of you have been tracking the important dates to be aware of. Please see the sidebar for key dates and opportunities to have your voice heard by Community Development Board and City Commission. We'll also be uploading important documents, such as the draft code, in the coming weeks.

    We look forward to hearing more from you. Thanks again for your interest in this project!

  • Join us at our public meetings!

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    Mark your calendars! The project team invites all members of the public to learn more about this work and provide input. Staff will host two meetings:


    Meetings will begin with a presentation followed by breakout groups. Hope to see you there!

Page last updated: 29 Nov 2023, 09:39 AM