City of Bozeman Wetland and Watercourse Code Update

During the Gallatin Water Collaborative’s monthly meeting in July 2025, Nick Ross, City of Bozeman Director of Transportation and Engineering, provided an update on the Bozeman Wetlands and Watercourse Setbacks Code revision process. The code update aims to increase requirements for demonstrating avoidance and minimization of wetland impacts, provide options to mitigate locally, and close loopholes in current practices. The Gallatin Watershed Council’s Restoration Director, Lilly McLane, presented a policy memo that serves as a central resource for context and recommendations, recognizing the ecosystem services of streams and wetlands, and prioritizing impact avoidance and local mitigation. At the September 23rd City Commission meeting, City Commissioners gave final approval to the Wetlands ordinance. The ordinance will go into effect on October 25, 2025.

Goals of this session:

• Understand the City of Bozeman draft wetland and watercourse setback code

• Present the recommendations that GWC has developed

• Questions and discussion about what GWC thinks are priorities

Meeting resources:

• Meeting agenda

• Meeting notes

• Recording

Wetland and Watercourse Setbacks Code resources:

• Engage Bozeman Wetland Code Update

• Gallatin Watershed Council Policy Memo - UDC Stream and Wetlands