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• <br /> Paul Rabis <br /> 3105 Lincoln <br /> Eugene OR 97405 <br /> Eugene City Council <br /> 777 Pearl St. <br /> Eugene OR 97401 <br /> Dear Councillors: <br /> The continuing controversy of dog off -leash use at Wayne Morse Ranch <br /> demands your attention. There are many unresolved issues, but none so <br /> pressing as the ongoing destruction of the wetlands, seeps, springs, and <br /> seasonal streams due to unregulated and excessive use during wet periods. <br /> These areas make up a significant portion of the pasture provided for off - <br /> leash use. Clearly, very little was known about this park before it was <br /> designated to its present use. The Parks Dept. initially provided scant <br /> information on the impact off -leash use would have on this site. To my <br /> knowledge, only the infomation provided by Dr. Tom Pringle (a wetlands <br /> specialist) represents anything close to an objective scientific survey. <br /> His recommendations were ignored off hand. The City Council approved <br /> experimental use of "appropriate" sites and left the management up to the <br /> Parks Dept. Since that time, this issue has taken on a political life of its <br /> own with a number of characters unwilling to take responsibility or make <br /> tough decisions. No one, including the City Council, has taken time to <br /> rationally and objectively judge this issue. <br /> With the recent emphasis of stormwater cleanup that has been put <br /> forward so publicly by Public Works, this dog off -leash use issue can no <br /> longer be dismissed without a comprehensive study of its effect on the <br /> environment. Public Work staff members have made numerous statements <br /> both orally and in writing (as stated in the letters before you) regarding <br /> conditions of use at Wayne Morse Ranch, much of which appears to be <br /> disingenuous rhetoric. To state that they would use temporary shutdowns <br /> to prevent further damage and then in the face of obvious cumulative <br /> damage, refuse to acknowledge that fact, is typical of the manner in <br /> which this whole issue has been addressed. <br /> No one will deny that the dog off -leash concept is popular. Equally, no <br /> one will deny that the Wayne Morse issue has cost the community, the <br /> neighborhood, and the environment more than the $10,000 in fencing alone <br /> at this site. Considering that the whole concept was promoted before the <br /> City Council for a cost of $500, and the cost is now closer to $20,000 <br /> (primarily because of this controversial site) makes the city looks pretty <br />