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DEC1696M Page 6 <br /> VISION STATEMENT <br /> from "West Eugene Wetlands - From Crisis to Opportunity: A Case Study," 1993 <br /> This statement is intended to help gain a sense of the vision which underlies the recommendations <br /> presented below. To facilitate that vision, imagine living in the year 2010 - twenty years in the future! From <br /> that perspective, reflect upon what has come to pass in west Eugene as a consequence of decisions made <br /> in 1990 about protecting wetlands while providing for the development needs of the community. <br /> WEST EUGENE WETLANDS - REFLECTION <br /> The City of Eugene recently celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the adoption of the West Eugene <br /> Wetlands Plan. Since its adoption, most of the Plan's recommendations have been completed resulting in <br /> a national award for Community Development where wetland resources have played a major role in <br /> improving the area's natural resources, economic diversity and meeting some of its utility needs. <br /> West Eugene waterways are once again connected by a functioning and sustainable system of protected, <br /> enhanced, and restored wetlands. Ash and cottonwood forests, prairie grasslands, and shallow ponds <br /> provide a diversity of wetland types. Natural functions, such as flood control, water purification, rare plant <br /> and fish and wildlife habitats have been restored and are now important components of the community's <br /> urban form. Inside the city, people can watch beaver, red rox, ring- necked pheasants, and great blue <br /> herons. At the wetlands interpretive center, children delight in finding tadpoles, frogs, dragonflies, and <br /> turtles. Residents and visitors enjoy the wetlands as they fish, bicycle, canoe, and study nature along a <br /> system of paths, trails, and viewpoints. The Amazon Bike Path is complete, providing a connection from <br /> Downtown through the wetlands to Fern Ridge Reservoir. <br /> Economic development has moved forward in west Eugene. A new trend was established where new <br /> development incorporates wetlands as both an amenity and utility. New business parks use natural and <br /> enhanced wetlands as an integrated system of open space, water quality treatment and flood protection. <br /> Employees enjoy the wetlands and the natural settings project a positive image for customers. The West <br /> Eugene Wetlands Interpretive Center is now a major tourist attraction for visitors traveling to this region. <br /> Educational benefits have been great! The new middle school is purposefully located next to Willow Creek <br /> Natural Area and has incorporated wetland ecology as a major component of its curriculum. And, both of <br /> Oregon's major Universities have graduate level studies of national renown taking place in the region's <br /> wetlands. <br /> In her remarks accepting the award, the mayor noted that the community should take pride in the <br /> accomplishments of the last twenty years. Eugene has protected the livability of the area with the <br /> cooperation of political and business leaders, environmental groups, property owners, and an involved <br /> citizenry. She also indicated that the treatment of wetlands in west Eugene was proving to have a very <br /> positive effect on the local economy in terms of business attitude and community image. Special <br /> recognition was given to the non - profit group, "Friends of the Amazon," whose volunteer efforts helped <br /> make the west Eugene Wetlands Plan another success story for Oregon. <br /> VISION DISCUSSION <br /> Confusion whether we are we evaluating or reflecting on vision <br /> Convert Hyundai to Middle School <br /> Alludes to bigger picture <br />