Wetland Executive Team, Stormwater

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different organizations across government. He commented that the group did not often celebrate its accomplishments and added that taking the time to celebrate was good for everyone in public service. V. MEMBERSHIP REQUEST FROM WILLAMETTE RESOURCES AND EDUCATIONAL NETWORK (WREN) Mr. Gordon noted that there had been some discussion of the matter at the previous meeting. He said Ms. McRae had put together an additional letter that outlined criteria that WET had adopted for new membership. Tim Whitley, representing the Willamette Resources and Educational Network, said WREN was excited over the possibility of joining the team. He said WREN could bring a strong focus on public education and outreach to the table. He cited WREN's work in developing the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center and noted that the work had strengthened WREN's connection with WET. He added that WREN's board was very much in favor of being a partner. Ms. Johnston said WREN had been building its capacity over the last six months to be able to maintain its efforts on the Environmental Education Center. She added that the group had also added new board members in the last six months. She went on to say that WREN was responsible for much of the public outreach seen in local papers regarding the celebration of Wetlands Month. Mr. Adams, seconded by Mr. Stampe, moved to approve the membership of WREN as a new partner on the Wetland Executive Team. The motion passed unanimously. VI. WET REPORTS FROM THE FIELD A. City of Eugene • Grants; North American Wetland Conservation Act, EPA Wetland Development Mr. Wold said the City had received a million dollar NAWCA grant. He said the funding had been used to purchase Dragonfly Bend. He said the remaining money would be used to cover a portion of the cost for an additional 310 acres. He said the City was working with The Nature Conservancy to purchase that property. He said the acquisition would help with a habitat connection to the Fern Ridge area. He added that it would help create a habitat corridor between the west Eugene Wetlands and Fern Ridge. Mr. Wold said Lane Council of Governments, working on behalf of the partnership, had received an EPA Wetland Development grant to evaluate different wetland restoration techniques. He said the grant was $200,000 for a three year project. He said the field work would begin in the fall 2004. • Land Acquisition: Dragonfly Bend, (Lee/Marvin parcel) Mr. Wold said staff were working, in conjunction with the McKenzie River Trust, to acquire a conservation easement adjacent to Dragonfly Bend. • Upcoming Mitigation Bank Projects MINUTES — Wetlands Executive Team May 12, 2003 Page 2