Regenerative Greenspace, Food Systems & Natural Environment
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Encourage Local Agriculture and Preservation of Working Lands (6.N.3.)
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As more agricultural land is developed in the Gallatin Valley, it is critical for the City of Bozeman to prioritize local agriculture and the preservation of working agriculture lands by incorporating agricultural elements in new development and working with land owners in the valley to encourage and support carbon sequestration practices on working lands.
- The City is updating the Unified Development Code (UDC). Supporting urban agriculture and local food is a component of the update.
- The City developed model Homeowners' Association (HOA) covenants that included provisions for gardens, urban chickens, greenhouses/garden sheds, and farm stands. The City Commission adopted Resolution 5555 to adopt the Model HOA Covenants.
- The Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department:
- Added 2 new areas of community gardens in Park Master Plans and facilitated improvements to existing garden access at Westlake Park.
- Hosts the Learning Garden at Story Mill Community Park which is managed by the Gallatin Valley Food Bank with the vision to create a healthier, more resilient, food-secure community in which all of the members are empowered and have the means to nourish themselves.
- Hosted the Gallatin Valley Farm to School mobile greenhouse "Bozone Bus".
- The City, along with a working group of technical experts and regional partners, completed the Gallatin Valley Sensitive Lands Protection Plan. The plan developed a regional model that connects water, wildlife, agriculture, and cultural heritage along with recommendations on how to protect sensitive resources. The plan was accepted by the Bozeman City Commission and adopted by the Gallatin County Commission.
- The 2021 Envision Gallatin Growth Policy includes goals related to agricultural heritage and maintaining working agricultural land as a viable long-term industry and defining features of the landscape.
- The City shared the findings of the Local Food System Preliminary Mapping Project with the Gallatin County Planning Coordination Committee (PCC), Bozeman City Commission, and the Bozeman Community Development Board.
- The Parks and Recreation Department will:
- Continue to support and encourage partnerships to manage existing or new community gardens and provide affordable community gardens across the City of Bozeman.
- Continue to support food-based educational programming with organizations, such as the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Gallatin Valley Farm to School.
