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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 06.05.2003 MINUTES LAUREL CITY-COUNTY PLANNING BOARD JUNE 5, 2003, 7:00 PM COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members present: Gerald Shay, Chairman Doug Poehls, City Rep. Ed Thurner, City Rep. Kate Stevenson, City Rep. John Ostlund, County Rep. Clarence Foos, County Rep. Tom Robertus, County Rep. Laurel Haggan, City Rep. Steve O'Neil, City Rep. Others presem: Cai Cumin, City Planner Cheryll Lund, City Secretary Wait Foster, Park City Motion by Laurel Haggart, second by John Ostlund, to approve the minutes of the May 1, 2003 meeting, as written. Motion carded. There was no one present for the "Public Input". Walt Foster~ Park City, Montana, Concerns on Clark's Camp Wait Foster, of Park City, Momana voiced his concerns over the closing of the Korb's Clark's Camp. I-Ie questioned the Authority of the Planning Boaxd and Cai Cumin, Laurel City Planner in regards to the Korb's Clark's Camp. Miscellaneous A letter was received from Lila Carpenter and Ken Hanify (attached) regarding concerns associated with the Little Dude Ranchettes subdivision located to the east of Momana Meadows Subdivision. There is a pole barn being built, before a residence, which is against zoning ordinances, but a foundation has been built for the residence and it is also in the process of construction. Cai explained that the County Commissioners have not approved the final plat for Lktle Dude Ranchettes and as such the subdivision is still zoned for 5-acre lots. Cai also stated that they are in the process of putting in the requirement of the fire suppression water tanks and the water recharge system for the park. Growth Management Plan - Draft Ca1 passed out a draft copy of the growth management plan "Natural Resources, Open Spaces, and Recreation", Cai spoke to the board regarding sections of the draft. Discussion by board was held. Ca1 requested that the members review the draf~ and bring any questions, comments, or additional input to the Suly meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 pm. Respectfully subm/tted, d, Secretary 2 June S, 2008, Mm. Cai Cumin Planning Director City of Laurel P.O. Box 10 Laurel, MT. 59044 Dear Mr. Cumin, This is a letter of concerns fi.om the landowners adjacent to Little Dude Ranchettes. We would like to know the status of the Little Dude Ranchettes. The City council approved the zone change from suburban zone to residential zone. It was subject to the Yellowstone County board of commissioners approval of stipulations placed onthe request by the Zoning commission. We are not aware that final approval has been given on this subdivision. We have not seen a new platt map showing the locations of the 2+ acre flood park or the 30,000 gal. water tanks. How can they start building a house and barn if final approval has not been given? Has this lot been sold as a 5 acre or a 1.5 acre lot? Who do we voice our concerns to when we see violations and landscaping requirements not carried out for 5-6 years? Who' s responsibility is it to follow up on these zone changes to make sure the stipulations and conditions placed on them are carried out? A written reply to these questions is respectfully requested. Thank you in advance, Landowner spokespersons: ' 1303 Deethom Dr. Laurel, MT. 59044 // [ / · !~ ./ ,' ' enHm y 1313 Deerhom Dr. Laurel, MT. 59044 Copy to: City Council Yellowstone County Commissioners JUN - 5 2003 CITY OF LAUREL 5Jun03 D-R-A-F-T NATURAL RESOURCES, OPEN SPACE, AND RECREATION INTRODUCTION Laurel's natural resources include everything from its people and culture to its small- town ambience and the viewsheds fi.om the bench lands on the north side of the City. The !~ellowstone County and City of Billings 2003 Gro~vth Policy provides an excellent overview of the geographic context in which Laurel is located to include everything from climate, history, geographic physiography, wildlife, noxious weeds, and land and vegetative types. For such information in and about the Growth Policy, call the Yellowstone County Board of Plauniag Office at 657-8246 or stop at the fourth floor of the Library Building at 410 North Broadway in downtown Billings. The County's Growth Policy may also be seen on the Iutemet at : http ://www. co. yellowst one.mt.u s/plamfine/erowthproiect. Natural resources specific to the immediate Laurel area that are affected by or affect Laurel's growth include its farmland, ground water, wetlands, viewsheds, the Yellowstone River, and its open spaces and parklands--both public (City, State, and Federal) and private. In the previous Comprehensive Plan for Laurel's Planning Jurisdictional Area, m~ps were prepared for such issues as "Septic Tank Hazard Areas," "Slope," and "Prime Agricul~ral Land." These maps are still valid in the areas around Laurel that will see development in the next fifteen' years and are here included from the original Plan Because of the scale involved, these maps are general in nature and depict patterns rather than site-specific information New developmems of more than five parcels, such as Pheasant Brook Subdivision north of town, are considered" .... " major subd~wslons under State, County, and Laurel land use regulations. As such each proposal for development comes before the Laurel City-County Planning Board with very site-specific informstion about the land on which the project is proposed. This information includes whatever is needed for the City Council or County Commission to reach appropriate decisions as 1o whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny proposed developmems. What is germane to the Natural Resources section of this GMP is that natural resource information is part of the information required for developmem review. Even though all natural resource information is not discussed, mapped, or referenced in planning documents such as this GMP, the information is factored into the growth of the area and not overlooked. IF PARTS OF LAUREL'S NATURAL RESOURCES BECOME OF SPECIFIC CONCERN, PARTICULAR INTEREST, OR ENDANGERED, THEN THE COMMUNITY CAN PROCEED WITH AND REQUIRE FURTHER DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT ON SUCH RESOURCE. At present under current planning resources and administration-~and State statute, natural resource information can be part of the "Findings of Fact" required by subdivision 1 Namrai Resources Element Laurel Growth Management Plan regulation or the more detailed "Environmental Impact Assessments" which are required for some projects depending on size and location Other information, as mentioned above, may include any information the local governments deem needed to make informed decisions. This may include addkional groundwater analyses, such as has been required at recent developments such as Little Dude Ranchettes and Pheasant Brook Subdivisions, or additional floodplain surveying in proposed developments along natural streams. "Finding of Fact" addresses issues such as impact on agriculture--including agricultural water users, the natural environment, and w/ldiife and wildlife habitat. (The redundancy here is ~om the Legislature.) "Environmental Impact Assessments" on the other hand, are broader analyses of eye,thing fi:om so ii types to the impact of land developments on schools. The import here is the inclusion of recent and spec/fie natural resource impact information as part of any new development in the Laurel Planning Jurisdictional Area. Such provision of natural resource information assists local communities in preventing · degradation of natural resources it deems important to sound growth. It is very difficult in Montana to prohibit developments on private pmparty unless issues of larger adverse impact are apparent. These larger issues, for example, can be seen in such areas as proinbiting building in the floodway of the Yellowstone River. The law usually does not say that one cannot build a subdivision in an area of prime wildlife habitat or highly pro.ductive farmland; the law just requires that such issues be considered as part of the rewew process. Even in the floodplain regulations, developments may occur if certain conditions are met--such as building the structures so many feet above the base floodwater height. The pl~nnlng process at the Laurel Planning Board level, therefore, often becomes one of compromi~. Such compromise may include setting aside a wetland as part of the perldand dedication requirement or giving up a paved sidewalk requirement in exchange for a pathway through the development connecting to an existing or planned ¢ommllhity trail system tt may seem ideal for a community to be able to d.ietate that boulevard sidewalks and I/ghting are required in all subdivision developments (commercial and residential), but in reality the cost of such amenities are prohibitive unless the project is dense enough to generate both profit for the developer and taxes for the community in the amount required to make the development work. It is part of the compromise system of community development that the economics of projects must work for both the community and for the private owner. Strong land use development regulation sounds good, but regulation coupled with incentives is more effective and reasonable (the latter being something the court system will consider). An example of an incemive would be for the community to offer accelerated review periods and decreased hookup or review fees for, or extension of community services to, developments that fill in parcels of vacant land within the municipal utilkies service area Another example would be to obtain fi:om a private landowner public access to a perennial stream in return for some waiver of park dedication standards in the subdivision process. 2 Natural Resources Element Laurel Growth Management Plan The protection of natural resources, identified in the project review process, know-a to and appreciated by the community, or those of regional influence (such as fiver floodways), often consists ora compilation of small efforts. Early review of concept plans and development ideas as required in the Subdivision Plat Pre-application Process (Laurel Subdivision Regulations) conducted between landowners, project engineers, and City officials can avoid design problems later when considerable expense has been invested in surveying and engineering fees. An important issue at this stage of development is awareness of natural resources on the project site. This is a result of mapping by the project surveyor of the resource, such as vegetation, wetlands, rock outcroppings, etc, and preliminary inspection by the local planning official or other City representative. Such mapping is required as part of the preliminary plat submittal to the Laurel Planning Board, and the relation of such resources then becomes part of the decision and required conditions process in the Planning Board's recommendations. The prevention of view-blocking billboards along entryways into the community protects the natural viewshed resource for both visitors and residents. The encouragement of groundwater replenishment systems in new residential subdivisions keeps the traditional level of area aquifers available to both new and old subdivisions. Another way of protecting natural resources or insuring their availability to subsequent generations involves more sophisticated approaches such a the Transfer of Development Rights or TDR's. Assigning property development values to all property within a pl~nnlng jurisdictional area and then allowing landowners to purchase or sell such rights allows non-developers to be involved in the remuneration ofpropetty values in the economic exchanges involved in fand development. An example of this is a developer purchasing the development rights of a traditional farm in a productive farmlimd area to be added to those rights he already has. Such accumulation of rights through the existing market system allows a developer to accumulate the rights he needs to develop a project while compensating the farmer for his land values. At the same time the latter is allowed to keep farming without having to pay the property taxes driven up by adjacent commercial or high-end residential properties. TDR's are an administratively complicated system that requires additional planning and engineering staff at the City level---and iS not recommended for Laurel. Another variation somewhat similar to TDR's is for the City or a land trust to buy a natural resource site to protect it and provide for continued public access. Sometimes (such as in the acquisition by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in conjunction with Pheasants Forever of the Stmdance Site near the confluence of the Clarks Fork and the Yellowstone) private economic forces work in conjunction with e~sting public agencies to facilitate such resource protection. Other commtmities in Montana such as Helena and Bozeman have floated bond issues to raise money to acquire land either in fee simple ownership or just acquiring the right to develop a piece of natural resource. This tactic involves the whole community, is an equitable way of sharing community dreams and resources, and is very. effective in accumulating capital for natural resource protection. Such a method of purchasing rights, whether all of them or just some o£them (such as only the right to develop the land) ks useful and applicable to everything from keeping 3 Natural Resources Element Laurel Growth Management Plan veiwsheds open, protecting productive farmland adjacent to a community, or accessing the Y. ellowstone River. In addition to whole communities organizing efforts to protect or acqmre natural resources, neighborhoods or groups can also be effective in th/s effort. Many such groups organize to build ball or soccer fields. There/s currently imerest in acqu/ring bike paths in parts of Laurel that well may lead to local neighborhoods orgsniwing and even building such pathways. The Laurel Revitaliva~ion Leagues efforts at funding and building a commtm/ty center park Downtown is a classic example of local organiTational effort producing valuable community resources. FARMLAh~ RESOURCES The IJ.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) defines Prime Farmland as land that h~s the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. Pr/me farmland is also available for these useS, i.e., it is not inside communities or under water. It has the soil quality, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high yields of crops when treated, managed~iucluding water management-- according to acceptable farming methods. NRCS further describes pr/me farmland generally as having adequate and dependable water supply (fi:om precipitation or irrigation), favorable temperature and growing season, acceptable acidity or aikalinity, acceptable salt and sodium content, and few or no rocks. Further such soils are permeable to water and air, not excessively erod~le or saturated with water for long periods of time, and they either do not flood fi:equcntly or are protected fi:om flooding. Pr/me farmland is shown on the Farm Land Map. There are two other farm/and types defined by N'RCS: Farmland of Local Importance and Farml~and of Statewide Importance (also shown on the accompanying map). Lands oflocal importance are those used for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oilseed crops and, although not identified as having national or statewide importance, have been specified as important by local agencies concerned with farm/and, Such lands may include lanrls that have been designated for agriculture by local ordinance such as through the creation of green belts or where the development fights have been purchased or set aside. Farm land ofstatewide importance is ganemlly additional lands that include those that are nearly prime farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods as determined by appropriate State agencies. Some may produce as high a yield as prime farmland if conditions are favorable. The lands may also include u'acts of land designated for agriculture by State law. A final category of farrrdand used by NRCS is that of Unique Farmland. This is also land other than prime farmland tltis is used for the production of high value food and fiber crops. It has the specific combination of soil quality, location, growing season, and moisture supply needed to economically produce sustained high quality and/or high yields cfa specific crop when treated and managed according to acceptable farming 4 Natural Resources Element Laurel Growth Management Plan methods. The moist-are supply may be from stored moisture, precipitation, or irrigation. Such lands combine favorable factors ofsull; quality, growing season, temperature, humidity, air drainage, elevation, and nearness to market that favor growth of a specific food or fiber crop. Examples of such crops, according to NRCS, are citrus, tree nuts, fruits, and vegetables. GROUND WATER RESOURCES Laurel planning is fortunate to have access to a recently completed study prepared by the Monjnna Bureau of Mines and Geology (Hydrogeology of the [Vest Billings,~rea: Impacts of Land- Use Changes on V/ater Resources, 2002, by John L. Olson and Jon C. .~eiten). The report was produced after extensive monitoring and amlyses ofm~ny groundwater wells over a period ora couple of years and covers an area from about Division Street in West Billings to the County line west of Laurel. The study found that over the last several decades there bas been extensive conversion of formerly irrigated tkrrn land to residential subdivisions. Such conversion was not uniform but, rather, it occurred in patchwork patterns in rural areas near communities, often isolating small pieces of farm land, breaking up larger farming areas, and disrupting the irrigation systems on remaining farms. Laurel is pan of the high phim area, a semi-arid region with an anmlal average participation of about 15 inches. The study area is designated (Olson andReiten) a highly consumptive water-use area for agriculture by the NRCS, and estimated water consumption for grasses and B~pical crops is 20 to 30 inches per year--about twice the rate of normal precipitation. The major surface water sources in the ama are the Yellowstone and Clarks Fork Rivers, and these sources feed the Higl~ Cove, nnd BBWA irrigation canals and the Italian Drain around Laurel. Olson and Reiten estimate that the ditches in the area leak about 2-6 cubit feet/day/foot of ditch. For the whole study area, there is 110 miles of minor cnnal~ (2-5 feet wide) and 80 miles of major ditches (20-30 feet wide). The analysts estimate that about 14 pement of the recharge of area aquifers comes from just the ditch leakage alone. Flood irrigation in fields accounts for 65 percent of area water input lin Lauret's Planning Jurisdictional Area, the Yellowstone River over the eons deposited gravel in five, distinct Holocene to Pleistocene terrace levels. The newest is the lowest one (Terrace 1) located along the river and approximately ten feet above it. This terrace is found only in small isolated areas adjacent to the ex/sting floodplaim Approximately 20-40 feet above the existing river is Terrace 2 in a 1-2 mile-wide band north of the flood plain. Terrace 3, 50-90 feet above the fiver, is the geograph/cally largest terrace, and Terrace 4 is a small terrace found only in a small area north of Laurel, 200-300 feet above the fiver. The fifth terrace (5) is 400-500 feet above the Yellowstone River and is the oldest and highest of the terraces; ir is not 'known to be water bearing(Olson andReiten). The accompanying map shows the terraces. 5 Natural Resources Element Laurel Growth Managemem Plan An aquifer develops where ground water saturates the come-grained sand and gravel underlying new and old floodplains and terraces. The ground water in the planuing area occurs in relatively thin (0-30 feet in thickness), alluvial gravel deposits underlying the first four terraces. The average saturated thickness of these aqUifers is 15 feet w/th the thinnest saturated zones occurring along terrace scarps and the exdsting river channel; well yields are likely to increase with saturated thickness. Although the gravel in Terrace 1 appears to be in hydraulic communication with the river, the gravel deposits containing the aquifers in Terraces 2, 3, and 4 are discontinuous, separated by the terrace scarps and forming distinct hydrogeologic units that do no flow into each other (Olson and Reiten). Olson and Reiten note that groundwater level fluctuations are qualitative indicators of aquifer recharge, and fluctuations are greatest near flood-irrigated fields (as much as 14 feet). By comparison, groundwater levels in urban areas or in large residential subdivisions were found to fluctuate less than one foot and actually drop during the · growing season. The study found that 66 percent of the water input is fi.om agricultural irrigation and 29 percent fi.om precipitation Eighty percent of the water is lost by evapotran~iration, Groundwater rccharge averaged 8.2 inches per year but depends greatly on land use and soft types. The study notes that irrigation water accounts for 65 percent of the area water input. The actual percentage this irrigation water to ground water is higher because most rain occurs in minor amounts that readily evapotranspirates. Large thunderstorms dump water too fast for it to be effectively absorbed into the ground. Septic dmfiffields account for 0.4 percent of the percentage of return but two perc~t if all septic output is assumed to return to ground water. Residential lawn watering acC°nut, for five percent of area water input. Since most subdivision residents use ground water for lawn watering and most such applied water is lost through evapommspiration, such lawn watering is a large net hydrologic loss. Olson and Reiten summarize the stmiy by saying, 'erhe primary impact fi:om development of the area is in the reduction of ground- water recharge. Reduced recharge will result in lower ground-water levels and decreased well yields. Some developed locations have demonstrated a 5-foot ground-water level decline in the past 20 years." Ground water, its quality and quantity, will become a bigger issue as the area around Laurel grows--and elsewhere la Montana and the West in general. Traditional concepts of rural living will change as a result. The concept of one-acre lawns surrounding suburban homes fed by massive amounts of ground water will no longer be valid, and the use in landscaping of xerophytic technologies and techniques will become more common by shear necessity. In the last two years two new subdivisions in Laurel have been required by the City- County Planning Board with support by the County Commissioners to do something to replenish the ground water their new wells will be taking out of an aquifer already impacted by the lost of nearby irr/gatad fiarm land. Little Dude Rauchettes east of and adjacent to the existing Montana Meadows Subdivision was the first development to be required to re-charge the ground water as part of its approval process. Approval of this Natural Resources Element 6 Laurel Growth Mmmgement Plan subdivision was seriously contested, and the resulting compromise is probably the first time in Montana that such a provision was required. The final approval included the development of a recharge area in park land fed by surface water from a nearby ditch and maintained and operated by a park ma.intenauce district. This concept was applied to Pheasant Brook Subdivision also adjacent to but northwest of Montana Meadows. The recharge provision for this development is a little more sophisticated, but the concept is the same--apply irrigation water rights from the ditches mad canals to water re-charge facilities in new residential subdivisions. WETLAND RESOURCES Wetlands are lands where water is the dominant factor detemaining soil, plant, an~ even animal development. Wetlands include riparian areas along the Yellowstone and Clarks Fork Kiver~ marshes, fens (lowlands covered with or partially covered with water),. prairie potholes, marshes, and spring seeps. In such areas water is often near or at the surface for all or a good part of the year. The soil is usually what is termed hydric-- poorly drained and may small badly, look grayish and lack oxygen The main vegetation is hydrophytic or tolerant of water such as willows, cattails, rushes, cottonwoods, and se~es. Wetlands have traditionally often been maligned and subsequently drained. Much of . Laurel.suffers from high ground water, and the negative aspects of such areas include mosquito ;breeding areas, the impact on septic tank sewage treatment systems~ and storm wat~ runoff from the extensive paved areas of the City. But understanding such lands · has led to a better appreciation of the functions wetlands perform in the broader scope of land relationships. A healthy wetland can soak up large volumes of water, gradually releasing it to adjacent streams during low flow periods in late summer. Wetlands also hold water, allowing it to percolate into underlying soils and replenishing groundwater supplies rather than just running off. The vegetation in wetlands can stabilize shorelines and act as ~/flood buffer, reduchig flood velocities and bank erosion (and subsequent property losses). Such lands also help in the decomposition of organic matter and incorporate nutrients back into the food chain. Wetlands are great natural habitats for a wide variety of bird, reptile, and amphibian species and provide shallow spawning, feeding, and shelter for some freshwater flsl~as well as shrubs and trees that can shelter livestock. Also important is the ability of wetlands to naturally enhance water quality by holding la toxins and filtering chen'fieals applied to farmland, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides, prior to the water reaching surface and ground water. The ability of wetlands to reduce sedimentation also prolongs the life of irrigation pumps and reduces siltation in ponds and irrigation canals. Finally wetlands provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities that include hLking, fishing, hunting, and just pure enjo~vrnent that enhances overall community health and attractiveness. 7 Natural Resources Element Laurel Growth Management Plan Because of the complexity of specifically defining wetlands and the implications for development and use, no mapping of wetlands in the Laurel PJan~ing Jurisdictional Area is here attempted. However, as described above, wetlands occur along the rivers, drainage canals, and some ditches. Old gravel mining areas on the bench between Billings and Laurel have extensive wetlands that have developed since mining stopped. There are also large wetlands along the interstate west of Laurel and south of the Cenex plant. Rather than traditional wastelands, these areas should be looked at as opportunities for commullity enjoyment and growth. The State Highway Department is looldn~ at developing additional wetlands in the old gravel mln~g areas as well as constrllct'~in~ recreational improvements such as parking and viewing areas and trail cormections.'~The BikePed Plan being developed for Laurel also is comidering a pathway connecting South Pond with the wetlands south of Cenex and onto the Yellowstone River (as well as considering the potential use of canal and drainage mutes for future trails). As with other natural resources, existing wetlands are a major consideration during the actual design and development of new subdivisions. All such well, ntis must ~ delineated and the impact on the lands carefully analYZed Often such wetlands become part of natural design features such as paths, natural water amenities, or on-site storm water retention areas. The NRCS also has extensive progrnm~ for mitigating the impact of deterioration of wetlands on farm and ranch land and encourages the incorporation of such areas into positive aspects of land management programs. VIEWS~r~I) RESOURCES Traditionally not much thought h~ been given to Laurel's Veiwsheds~what the people are used to seeing as they enter their ¢omrmmity or from their homes. The awareness of a favorite view often suddenly becomes really valued when it no longer exists. This happens as the community grows and new subdivisions and housing block the open valleys ami views of the mounmim and plains that those who have lived with such views once bad. The Iow bench lauds in tho north of the City provide really spectacular views of th.e. whole valley. Residents them can v~uch tbe ~rn~ gather over the mountains, rain clond~ move down the valley, the morning sun on the glistening mountain palisades to the west and south. This viewshed is a collective resource and valuable asset to the residents of the City. Another viewshed is that seen by residents and visitors that enter and leave the City. When one comes from the east on the Interstate and passes under the east interchange, they have arrived in the Laurel area proper. At present the view is mostly open space: the distant tree line along the Yellowston~ River, the low panorama mountains, farm and grazing land, and facilities of the railroad and petroleum industries. The view is still relatively bucolic and peaceful. Qualities people want/'or their hometown and which attract potential residents and businesses. These qualities, therefore, have community value and k is the job of the community to consider such values us it grows. A major step in protection of the existing viewshed along the interstate anct entrances into Laurel was 8 Natural Resources Elemem Laurel Growth Management Plan the adoption o£the Entry-way Zoning District. This very proactive step by the pl~nnlng Board and the City Council made everyone aware of the entryways into the community and limited the more garish land uses allowed within this collective resource. As the City grows and becomes more sophisticated in its application ofcommnnlty planning and directing and influencing such growkl'L, issues of views from individual homes placed on the bench lands to the north should become part of the design of such neighborhoods. (This is also a factor in the proposal that landscape architects be involved in the design of major subdivisions as listed in the Land Use Section of this GMP.) It is also behind the proposal to limit the visibility ofhilkop homes to those residents below them. We have already seen the obstruction of the skyline to the north in some areas by the reflection ofshlnnlng roofs or in-yollr-face buildings in some areas that are part of the a lower quality viewshed enjoyed by those who do not have the means to access the higher quality valley~wide views of the more expemive home sites. Some communities limit the placement of homes on skylines and require lanctscaping the s~een the placement of home sites in valued viewsheds of a community. Another part of influencing residential development design is to encourage the use of linear open space as park laud in such developments and the use of such for creating attractive micro viewshads for adjacent housing. YELLOWSTONE RIVER RESOLIRCE There isn't enough that can be said about this great fiver at Laurel's doorstep. Traditionally it has been used as a tool of exploitation--first as a means of access into uncharted territory then as a me~m of disposing of the debr/s of what was known as civilization. It is the somme for the vast irrigation systems that rn:ade the valley blossom as farm land. When it wasn't being used it was mostly ignore& As with ground water, the realization of the importance of the fiver a~ a partner and ~emendous asset in the advancement of community is slowly starting to be realized. As with everything of such anport, the issues are tremendously complex--from the intricate ecosystem of the fiver and environs to the historic fights of water use and needs ofindusU'ies and municipalities. The Yellowstone begins it life high in the mountains on Two Ocean Plateau south of Yellowstone Lake. On its 671-mile journey to the Missouri it is fed by the Clarks Pork, Big Horn, Tongue, and Powder Rivers. It drops 5,800 feet in its first 100 miles providing drainage for 20 counties in two states covering more than three million acres of land. In Laurel's planning area the Clarks Fork enters the Yellowstone contributing approximately 18 percent oftbe total flow of the fiver and eoutribnting about 30-50 percent of the suspended sediment in the Yellowstone. William Lang writing in Stories from an Open Country says: In the center of the valley flows the Yellowstone River, the life chord of this expausive region of open but fractured Iandforms. The region's history is in large 9 Natural Resources Elemem Laurel Growth Management Plan measure the river's possession, a creation of its influence...To understand the hnm~n history of a place requires knowing its environmental history. To understand the Yellowstone Country means understanding the Yellowstone River and what it has meant to the people who have lived ~ used it, and coveted its wealth. Unlike the dying Missouri River where dams have taken the soul of the river, the Yellowstone is and~mmed except for several in-igation weirs. Each year the floodwaters flush the anciem valley taking land, trees, and other property but leaving in its quiet wake the seeds of future life in a complex process of continual change. We have learned that when we try and influence the river in one place, the affect of that influence will probably appear somewhere else. The ripraping of a bank in one location increases the speed of the river and it now abrades another site further downstream as a result. The elimination of flooding destroys the natural cycle of vegetation. The heating of the water from sewage treatment systems entering the waterway affects the quality of the fishery available. As with other natural resources in the Laurel plaaning area, we can work to improve our past and existing relationship, but it is with new development proposals chat good planning and ¢ommullity development will have the most i_n_fluence and long-term benefit. PARK LAND AND OPEN SPACE City/st/fed/priv ISSUES, POLICIES, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES Issue-l: Policy-l: Strategies: 1 0 Natural Resources Elemem Laurel Growth Managemem Plan