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• diversity. At least five main points of that program suit this region: a) endan- <br /> gered and threatened species program, b) wetlands and riparian habitats, c) <br /> t r �' ; urban natural areas, d) restoration of habitats, and e) partnerships and cost - <br /> `.. r l ,,, sharing. <br /> tt a This proposal is consistent with the Oregon Ecosystems Program because <br /> it helps protect at least 6 rare plant species (one of which is a federally listed <br /> species), one rare butterfly, and some of the most significant remaining <br /> examples of the wet prairie plant community in the Willamette <br /> gffir,P Valley. Springfield's North Irving Slough is one of the finest <br /> 41; 1' ' �� remnants of the meanders and oxbows that once existed along <br /> the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers in the metropolitan re- <br /> .' gion. <br /> This program would help protect wetlands and riparian areas and restore them. <br /> Many of the waterways suggested for restoration and rehabilitation under this proposal are classi- <br /> fied as riverine wetlands under the Service's National Wetland Inventory. Through restoration, <br /> many of the natural values of these waterways can be enhanced. By cost - sharing in these demon- <br /> stration projects and providing technical assistance, the Service can become a partner in protecting <br /> and restoring urban natural areas. <br /> West Eugene Transportation Enhancement Project <br /> On January 20, 1993, the Oregon Transportation Commission approved a $1.1 million grant to <br /> construct 1.5 miles of bicycle path long lower Amazon Creek from Bailey Hill Road to Danebo <br /> Street. This project will also include enhancing that same stretch of the Amazon by widening the <br /> creek, re- vegetating its banks, and providing improved habitat. This project under the new federal <br /> Surface Transportation Act, will include $300,000 match from the City of Eugene for a total of $1.4 <br /> million. A second phase from Danebo Street to the Southern Pacific Railroad is targeted for next <br /> year's funding cycle. This is an example of a federal -local partnership which can meet urban needs <br /> and improve urban wildlife habitat. <br /> Proposal <br /> This $0.7 million proposal would fund the following: <br /> a. Wildlife and habitat studies in Eugene within the Amazon Creek watershed, continued wet- <br /> land planning in Springfield, and new habitat evaluation within the fringe adjacent to the <br /> metropolitan urban growth boundary. <br /> b. Preparation of inventories and maps for future production of a natural resources atlas for the <br /> Eugene - Springfield region to help implement the West Eugene Wetlands Study, the Spring- <br /> field Wetlands Study, the metropolitan-wide Natural Resources Study and the City of <br /> Eugene's Stormwater Management Study. This atlas would provide a clear understanding of <br /> locations of natural resources that should be taken into account during the land use planning <br /> process. <br /> 2 <br />