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I <br /> Lane <br /> February 24, 1998 Coihnty <br /> Tim Rhay <br /> City of Eugene Parks elk <br /> 1820 Roosvelt Public Works <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97402 <br /> Dear Tim: <br /> Many of us have discussed over the last year or so the increasing visitor use problems and criminal activity <br /> occurring at or adjacent to the boat landings near the metro area. In January, I met with the Oregon State <br /> Marine Board and asked for their assistance. They agreed in concept to use Marine Board funds to assist <br /> with facility improvements (gates, lights, signs, cameras, etc.) and to help facilitate a meeting(s) of local <br /> park and law enforcement agencies to create an action plan for addressing the problems. The Marine <br /> Board was less willing to provide funds for increased patrols. <br /> Below is a general overview of the problem and how I see we can work together to counteract the unlawful <br /> and deviant behavior at the landings. I am very open to other ideas and concerns you may have regarding <br /> this issue. Feel free to call or e-mail me with your thoughts. My e-mail address is <br /> bob.keefer @co.lane.or.us. <br /> EUGENE /SPRINGFIELD METRO AREA BOAT LANDINGS <br /> ENHANCED SECURITY AND VISITOR ACCESS CONTROL <br /> Statement of Problem: Over the last several years, vandalism, illegal drug use, after hour use, illegal <br /> firearm use, illegal dumping, and speeding vehicles have become serious problems at metro area boat <br /> landings. Adjoining neighbors have expressed sincere concern about their safety, trespass, and other <br /> negative impacts the landings have on their neighborhoods. The Lane County Sheriff and the Oregon State <br /> Police do not have adequate staffing resources to routinely patrol the landings and enforce landing hours or <br /> rules. <br /> The visitor use problems at the landings are not limited to just one agency, they are prevalent on sites <br /> owned or managed by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department (Marshall Island); City of <br /> Eugene ( Hileman & Whitely); Willamalane Park and Recreation District (Harvest Lane & Clearwater); <br /> Lane County (Brown's); Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (Rodakowski with Lane County); and the <br /> Eugene Water & Electric Board (Hayden Bridge with Lane County). Each agency has limited funds to <br /> correct the problems and have made attempts to reduce the illegal activity. Limited success has been <br /> achieved. <br /> Minimizing these problems is a major challenge for all of us. However, if we cannot begin to address the <br /> problems, then our ability to provide additional public access to our rivers will be greatly diminished. <br /> Adjacent landowners to proposed access points will have plenty of ammunition to battle land use permits <br /> and zoning changes. <br /> Moving toward a Cooperative Solution: When this problem is looked at as a regional problem and not <br /> just a single agency problem, there is an opportunity to share resources and leverage funding sources to <br /> improve security and control visitor access at the landings. The Oregon State Marine Board is willing to <br /> support a cooperative effort toward reducing the illegal activity at the landings. The Marine Board staff <br /> are willing to facilitate a discussion with all providers and formulate an action plan for improving safe <br /> access at our landings. The following is a DRAFT of possible action steps we might want to take based <br /> on my discussion with Marine Board staff. Your comments are very welcomed. <br /> Proposed Action Steps: <br /> DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS • 3040 NORTH DELTA HIGHWAY • EUGENE, OREGON 97408-1696 • 541/682 -6900 • FAX 541/682 -8799 <br />