Experts and proponents press Parks staff over incomplete ethnographic report for proposed Botanic Garden

Supporters of a proposed botanic garden near South Boulder Creek told the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that the city's shorter ethnographic summary omits essential material and may underrepresent Northern Cheyenne testimony.

Katherine Sundoval, who identified herself as the local coordinator for the botanic gardens team, asked how staff will use testimony collected in public hearings and tribal consultations to update the city’s ethnographic materials. “How does the city use testimony recorded in various public hearings to update the ethnographic report?” she asked the board.

Dr. Margaret Lecomte, an ethnographer who said she has directed ethnographic research for decades, said the 18‑page document circulated by the city seemed to be an "introductory" extract. She told the board she obtained the 95‑page report directly from the chief investigator and said the shorter version “was not a professionally produced ethnographic research project,” arguing the condensed document lacked descriptive cultural history and underrepresented the Northern Cheyenne voice.

Staff acknowledged ongoing coordination. Allie Rhodes said the parks team is continuing conversations with proponents and that staff has not received a formal proposal; she pledged to follow up with specialists who worked with tribes and to meet directly with Dr. Lecomte to review the concerns.

The board did not take formal action on the botanic garden concept Wednesday; members asked staff to continue outreach and to provide clarification on how ethnographic testimony and formal tribal consultations will be captured and used in planning.