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1. In GIS, we have mapped the levee versus non -levee portions of the Amazon Creek <br /> downstream of Royal Avenue. <br /> 2. We counted the approximate number of trees, by species, for each section of levee. <br /> 3. We researched the Corps guidance pertaining to vegetation variances. Through further <br /> discussions with the Corps' Guy Fielding (who then communicated with others in the <br /> Corps), the City was told that pursuing a vegetation variance would likely be a waste of <br /> the City's time and money, since the Corps was unlikely to approve a vegetation <br /> variance for these levees. <br /> 4. We contacted representatives from different agencies in Washington, Oregon, and <br /> California that have responsibilities for levee management to learn about how those <br /> agencies are addressing the issue of vegetation on levees. Some of the agencies we <br /> contacted include King County (Washington), Multnomah County Drainage District #1 <br /> (Oregon), Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (California), and the U.S. Army <br /> Corps of Engineers, Willamette Valley Projects. <br /> 5. We obtained written materials from the August 28 -29, 2007 symposium jointly <br /> sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, State of California, and the Sacramento <br /> Area Flood Control Agency on levee vegetation management which brought together <br /> over 500 scientists, engineers, and policy makers who shared important information <br /> about the risks, benefits, and methods to manage vegetation on and near levees. An <br /> overarching goal of this symposium was to discuss how to cooperate in achieving better <br /> levee safety while protecting and enhancing the environmental values that levees also <br /> provide. Many experts at the symposium presented evidence that trees may actually <br /> strengthen levees by binding soil layers together. <br /> In addition to these findings, there are three other factors that are important to recognize. <br /> 1. The vast majority of the levee system that contains trees on the levee slope lies outside <br /> Eugene's urban growth boundary. <br /> 2. The Upper Willamette River TMDL for temperature, which is regulated by the Oregon <br /> Department of Environmental Quality, applies to this portion of Amazon Creek. Shade <br /> produced by trees on the levee slope helps cool the water temperature within the creek. <br /> This TMDL requirement is a significant regulatory driver for the City of Eugene. <br /> 3. The City of Eugene and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have proposed a major wetland <br /> and floodplain restoration project for much of the area downstream of Greenhill Road. <br /> This project is being planned as part of the "Eugene- Springfield Metro Waterways" <br /> General Investigative Study. <br /> Two - phased action for item 5 <br /> Based on this research, communication, and other applicable information, we have substantial <br /> questions about what a logical and appropriate plan of action should be. Therefore, we are pursuing <br /> a two - phased action plan: one for inside the urban growth boundary (UGB) and one for outside the <br /> UGB. <br /> 1. For the area inside the UGB (between Royal Avenue and Greenhill Road), the City has <br /> decided to remove all trees and shrubs from the landward slope and toe of the levees. <br /> This work should be completed by November 7, 2008. <br /> 2. For the area outside the UGB, we would like to request additional dialogue, preferably <br /> with you and Colonel Steven Miles, in the near future to further discuss and investigate <br /> this issue and to develop a logical plan of action to address it. We hope this dialogue <br /> would lead to agreement to explore a phased, multi -year approach to addressing the <br /> Page 3 <br />