The Urban Parks and Forestry Board approved a community engagement plan for updating the city's Urban Forest Management Plan, with one significant modification. The plan, developed by consultant team DJ&A and PlanetGeo, outlines a phased approach to update the city's 2016 forest management strategy through public surveys, four public meetings, and work sessions with the board. However, board member Paige Lisowski identified a gap in the timeline and successfully moved to add a fifth work session in September, allowing the board to review public feedback before the finalized plan goes to the City Commission. The amendment passed unanimously. Staff indicated the additional session falls outside the current contract scope but can be accommodated.
The board unanimously approved the Bikeville Community Park master plan. The 140-acre bike park, a partnership between the city, Gallatin Valley Land Trust, and SWIMBA, features skill-progression trails designed to separate beginner riders from advanced users. The project generated substantial community engagement with over 1,000 survey responses and 800 individual donors. Several public commenters raised environmental concerns about wildlife habitat, particularly regarding Churn Creek buffers and bird protection. City staff confirmed Sacagawea Audubon will conduct bird surveys in May and June before construction. Board members who toured the site noted that the proposed 50-foot stream setback is appropriate given existing road infrastructure.
Chair Teri Lumsden tabled discussion of the board's 2026-2027 work plan to the April meeting, citing time constraints and wanting staff to provide additional preparatory information. The plan includes five focus areas: Arbor Day programming, the urban forest management update, parks and trails assessment, code amendments, and cemetery oversight.