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Background Since 1987, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield and Lane County have developed studies of wet- lands, riparian zones, waterways, stormwater quality, and selected uplands. Except for the West Eugene Wetlands and Springfield Wetlands Studies, these efforts have been funded locally in re- sponse to federal and state regulatory and planning requirements. These studies are used in planning for growth and development, natural resource protection, urban facilities, recreation and open space, and water resources management. We have attempted to be pro -active in addressing issues of federal concern, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Interests Over the past four years, this region has developed a comprehensive West Eugene Wetland Special Area Study (WEWSAS) and has begun a Springfield citywide wetlands study. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has participated in development of that plan through Technical Advisory Commit- tee representation, and through review of federal wetland permits affecting this area. Through that participation, the Service has influenced the study and has expressed interest in additional wildlife and habitat data. The prospect of additional Service participation in developing baseline wildlife and habitat data for this urban area and in implementing the west Eugene Wetlands and Natural Re- sources Studies should be attractive to the Service for the following reasons: a. The West Eugene Wetlands Plan links wildlife habitats in west Eugene to Fern Ridge Reser- voir along the Amazon. The Amazon/Willow Creek/Fern Ridge area contains one of the Willamette Valley's finest wildlife areas. The BLM has designated portions of this project area as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). Along with Sauvie Island, Basket Slough, Ankeny, and Finley wildlife areas, Fern Ridge represents a key link in the Willamette Valley wildlife system along the Pacific Flyway. b. Springfield's natural resources and wetland studies have identified several sloughs along the McKenzie River which have outstanding wetland and riparian values. One of these sites, North Irving Slough, has been identified as a future restoration project. • c. Our studies meet the Service's Wetland Action Plan, Urban Wetland Initiative, by protecting and restoring urban wetlands, by promoting public education, and by participating in a coop- erative effort with numerous federal state, and local agencies, and non -profit and private organizations. This proposal provides the Service with the opportunity to work with an exist- ing multiple agency partnership, including the BLM, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, The Nature Conservancy, and others. d. This proposal focuses studies and restoration demonstration projects 4 within Oregon' s metfopo"litan region with a 1993 population of approximately 20040_ Furthermore, the Service's - J * Oregon Field Office has C ± } � ,+ ,,, +I C�10 1 `1`111'' .' ; Ir e I ,� adopted an Oregon Ecosys- tems Program, a landscape approach to maintaining bio- 1