By John Edwards
The City of Bozeman is leading the development of a Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan. Jeff Mihelich, Bozeman City Manager, is the project leader. Gallatin County is heavily involved in a leading role. Belgrade, Three Forks, and Manhattan are also involved.
Sacajawea Audubon Society (SAS) is one of the monetary sponsors of the plan, and John Edwards represents SAS as a member of the Working Group for reviewing and supporting plan development. Public meetings have been held to inform and seek input. Another public meeting is scheduled for the evening of October 19, 2023.
The purposes of this plan are to model the sensitive lands in the valley and propose a plan to protect the most sensitive lands as development proceeds in the valley. The sensitive lands are divided into four themes:
– Wildlife & Biodiversity,
– Connectivity,
– Agricultural Heritage, and
– Water Quality & Quantity.
The draft plan is currently being reviewed by the Working Group; a revised plan will hopefully be available for public review in early October. The revised plan will be the topic of the October 19 public meeting. Interested members of the public are encouraged to become involved in this process. Information on plan development and status can be viewed at: https://gallatinvalleyplan.bozeman.net.
We encourage you to track this project and become involved by reviewing the draft plan in early October and attending the October 19th evening meeting. Details on the October 19 meeting will be on the website when they are available. The goal is to have a final plan by the end of 2023.
