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Local Permitting Procedures: The West Eugene Wetlands permitting procedures to be implemented <br /> by the City of Eugene will apply to all wetland areas specifically designated for development in the <br /> Plan. The procedures are outlined in Appendix C of this notice. <br /> The local procedures are intended to prevent prospective and speculative wetland alterations <br /> (alterations not specifically tied to a defined project) by requiring permits and site review information <br /> for all alterations on all wetland property in the plan area that is designated for development. Prior to <br /> issuance of any permits, the applicant will be required to sign a performance contract along with the <br /> City. The contract will include a required schedule for starting and completing the approved project. <br /> Wetland Acquisition Program: A primary strategy for implementing the Plan is acquisition of <br /> wetlands designated for protection and restoration. The City of Eugene through partnership with the <br /> Bureau of Land Management, The Nature Conservancy, and Oregon Department of Transportation is <br /> carrying out this strategy. An active acquisition program is underway in the plan area. <br /> The Bureau of Land Management is managing a Land and Water Conservation Fund project to acquire <br /> wetlands in the area. BLM formally adopted the Plan to provide guidance for its participation in the <br /> project. Through 1993, BLM had acquired 186 acres of wetlands and some surrounding uplands, and <br /> had an additional 431 acres in the process of acquisition. Over $3 million had been spent on this <br /> effort through 1993. <br /> The Nature Conservancy owns 207 acres of valuable wetland property within the Plan area, manages <br /> an additional 121 acres, and has a conservation easement on 32.5 acres. The Oregon Department of <br /> Transportation (ODOT) is acquiring wetlands in conjunction with the West Eugene Parkway and other <br /> State highway projects. In addition, ODOT is awarding funds to enhance bicycle access in the west <br /> Eugene area based on the Plan. The City and Lane County own other important wetland sites in the <br /> area. <br /> The City of Eugene is proposing a waterway acquisition program as part of its Comprehensive <br /> Stormwater Management Plan. The program would include acquisition of waterways and wetlands <br /> that function to enhance flood control, water quality, and natural resource values. <br /> Ordinances to Protect Wetlands: Code amendments, or ordinances, are proposed to be applied <br /> within the boundaries of the Plan to protect wetlands. The new Natural Resource District would be <br /> applied to wetland sites to be protected after they are acquired. Establishment of wetland buffers will <br /> not wait for acquisition of protected wetlands, but will occur immediately following adoption of the <br /> Wetland Buffer Subdistrict zone. A Waterside Protection Subdistrict will be applied to water features <br /> and riparian areas in the plan area to protect water quality and wildlife habitat. <br /> The code amendments, which were approved by the City Planning Commission, will be reviewed and <br /> approved by the Lane County Planning Commission and adopted by the Eugene City Council and <br /> Lane County Board of Commissioners following State and federal approval of the Plan. <br /> BLM Resource Management: BLM anticipates having a long -term role in planning, managing and <br /> protecting it acquires. BLM will continue to be an active partner with the City, County, <br /> and The Nature Conservancy in providing staff, policy and fiscal oversight to the management of the <br /> West Eugene wetlands system and coordinating actions affecting the wetland project area. <br /> Mitigation Program: The Plan avoids the loss of wetland resources in the planning area by <br /> protecting over 75% of the 1,278 wetland acres through acquisition, comprehensive plan designations, <br /> 3 <br />