Story Mill Community Park Honored Again

Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation have awarded a $75,000 grant to Story Mill Community Park—the second donation to the project through their Environmental Solutions for Communities Initiative – The Trust for Public Land announced today.

The new grant will help to fund river and wetland restoration and improvement of natural areas as part of the new community park at Story Mill. Local supporters and volunteers celebrated at a brief presentation event at Story Mill Community Park on Thursday, September 3.

"Our first Environmental Solutions grant enabled us to work with local experts to create a comprehensive wetlands and river restoration plan for the park," said Maddy Pope, Project Manager for The Trust for Public Land. "We are now working to reclaim and improve 14 acres of wetland, reconnect historic floodplain areas and restore a half mile of river frontage along the East Gallatin River as it flows through the park to create a 30-acre nature sanctuary right on the edge of town."

The Wells Fargo and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant will be doubled, thanks to a $1 million challenge grant aimed at encouraging donations to the park.

"Story Mill is exactly the kind of project we set out to support through our Environmental Solutions initiative, and we're thrilled that it will be doubled by the challenge," said Tod Petersen, Business Banking manager and market president for Wells Fargo in Bozeman. "We seek out opportunities to link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. This park is on track to be a beautiful recreation area that will protect and conserve water and habitat for the people of Bozeman."

"The dedication and commitment to conservation and helping local communities shown by Wells Fargo is inspirational and deeply appreciated by all who participate in these exciting projects. Without Wells Fargo's support, none of this good work would be possible," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF.

When complete, Story Mill Community Park will be 55 acres in total, with a broad range of amenities, including play areas and trails in addition to the nature sanctuary. More than 20 partner groups and hundreds of interested residents have contributed to the park design process through workshops and focus groups. This fall, The Trust for Public Land and City of Bozeman will invite the public to comment on designs for the park.