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BY CITY MANAc F DISTRIBUTED TO: <br /> JUL 6 1992 YO 11 <br /> JCC JA ' ttuA! <br /> )1GR ✓ 690 West 31st Avenue <br /> T MGR 1 Eugene, Oregon 97405 <br /> July 2, 1992 <br /> Councilman Randy MacDonald 'ERT ' • kit_ <br /> City Council Chambers Ran <br /> 777 Pearl Street <br /> Eugene, Oregon 97401 <br /> Dear Councilman MacDonald: <br /> We are writing to you because we are concerned with the manner in <br /> which decisions concerning the Morse Ranch seem to be made. <br /> Last winter there was a lengthy hearing before the Parks and Recre- <br /> ation Commission. Their decision was to recommend that the east <br /> pasture remain an off leash area. Bob Schutz agreed with the <br /> recommendation and the east pasture was left an off leash area. Since <br /> that time the Amazon off leash area was created and use of Morse <br /> Ranch was greatly reduced. It's use Is now approximately what it was <br /> before the off leash area was created and it is hard to understand how <br /> any reasonable person could object to it. Recently it was announced <br /> that the Morse Ranch off leash area was to be cut back to the area <br /> west of the creek. We do not know who made the decision nor how it <br /> was made. We were not consulted until the proposal was made. When <br /> we asked for an explanation vague reference was made to an attempt <br /> to appease a few vocal residents on Lincoln Street. <br /> In fact it is a very poor plan for a number of reasons. It would <br /> impact on the animal rehabilitation center and on other aciuities at the <br /> ranch house. It is the region which is used during the hottest days <br /> because it is in the shade during the late afternoon and early evening <br /> hours. However during the winter rains it is too small an area. The <br /> impact would be great on an area which because of poor drainage and <br /> other conditions would have a difficult time supporting it. During that <br /> time it would be much wiser to encourage use of the wider area to <br /> minimize impact. The banks of the creek could easily be protected by <br /> suitable plants. Blackberry vines and willows which already exist on <br /> some portions of the creek naturally come to mind. The crossing over <br /> the culvert could be protected by framing it in and spreading crushed <br />