Regenerative Greenspace, Food Systems & Natural Environment
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Enhance Greenspace and Carbon Sequestration for New Development (6.P.3.)
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Greenspaces throughout the community can sequester carbon if designed thoughtfully and with intention, or they can inadvertently contribute to increased carbon emissions, through increased energy- and water-intensive activities such as mowing, irrigation, and fertilizing. The City of Bozeman will help guide new development to thoughtfully design greenspaces to mitigate negative impacts and provide positive benefits, such as carbon sequestration.
- The City adopted the Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT) that improves park and recreation guidelines and policies to align with relevant Climate Plan priorities, including targeted engagement around climate and sustainability.
- The Parks and Recreation Department worked to allow and accept more wildlands and wetlands as dedicated park spaces to diversify parkland types and for environmental preservation. Examples include Northwest Crossing, Norton Ranch, Bronken Wetlands, and Story Mill Park.
- The Parks and Recreation Department was awarded grant funds for replanting watercourse setbacks in several Bozeman parks. Tasks will include planting native vegetation, replacing turf with drought tolerant species, and constructing trails, benches, and intentional stream access points
- The Parks and Recreation Department will work with the City Commission and Community Development to align the Unified Development Code (UDC) with the Parks, Recreation and Active Transportation Plan (PRAT) which will develop recommendations and design guidelines that define alternatives to traditional lawn in open spaces, promote less maintenance-intensive management practices in low-use areas, and support creative stormwater management and other green infrastructure within parks.
