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Mr. Lyle said that the issue before the Wetheads was whether the City could <br /> secure needed right -of -way for the realignment from BLM. Mr. Bowman said that <br /> investigation indicated that BLM would be able to grant the right -of -way. <br /> Since the affected lands were acquired with Land and Water Conservation Funds, <br /> it would be desirable to replace them with a comparable amount of acreage in <br /> the plan area. He said that an acre equalization would be appropriate because <br /> the resource values of wetlands in the proposed realignment area are not high. <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Lyle, Mr. Bowman.said he believed all the <br /> areas to the north were mitigation areas marked in yellow on the plan map. <br /> Mr. Gordon said that the areas were not shown on the plan as developable <br /> wetlands. He said that if the Wetheads concluded a plan amendment was needed <br /> to accommodate the new alignment, it could face some community opposition. <br /> Mr. Gordon indicated he would like to think about the issue further. <br /> Ms. Evans believed that the realignment would require a plan amendment because <br /> of previous decisions the City made to accommodate TransPlan projects not <br /> included in the original plan recommendations. <br /> Mr. Gordon observed that if the alignment was shifted, the Wetheads would have <br /> to examine the abandoned alignment and decide whether the area formerly <br /> dedicated in the plan to the parkway should be protected. Mr. Bowman pointed <br /> out that by the time a decision is made, the areas in question may have been <br /> acquired by BLM. <br /> Mr. Gordon and Mr. Croteau agreed to review a map of the proposed realignment. <br /> VIII. WILDLIFE HABITAT ENHANCEMENT COUNCIL CONFERENCE <br /> Mr. Bowman discussed the Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Council Conference <br /> scheduled to occur in Houston in March. BLM was involved with the council and <br /> would participate in the conference. He said the council would address the <br /> West Eugene Wetlands Project as a case study on wetlands. A short <br /> presentation was planned, followed by small group discussion and analysis of <br /> issues, options, and solutions. Mr. Bowman said that the organizers were <br /> interested in representatives from Eugene to work with the small groups. He <br /> planned to attend the conference and asked if the City of Eugene wished to <br /> send a representative. <br /> Mr. Lyle indicated that Public Works staff would be unable to attend. Mr. <br /> Lyle suggested that Mr. Bowman consider contracting with the Lane Council of <br /> Governments (LCOG) for participation. Mr. Gordon suggested the possibility of <br /> Bonneville Power Administration outreach funds to support a Wethead's <br /> participation. Mr. Croteau said that he did not believe Planning staff could <br /> attend, and suggested that Mr. Bowman consider setting up a conference call. <br /> Mr. Bowman said that BLM might be interested in a contract with LCOG that <br /> involvLthe preparation of graphics and presentation materials. <br /> MINUTES -- Wetheads January 20, 1994 Page 6 <br />