WEW Sustainable Management Strategy Implementation Plan Analysis

New Search

• Option C: Transfer BLM Administered WEW Land Management to USFWS • Option D: Seek Special Designation of West Eugene Wetlands • Option E: Transfer BLM Administered WEW Land Management to Non - Federal Partners The EDO's goal is to strategically position itself to seize the opportunities that have not yet been fully realized through this successful, national model partnership. Our guiding principal is to do the right thing in the management of these treasured landscapes and to act responsibly on behalf of the visitors of these public lands. It is important for the Eugene District to clearly articulate BLM's unique role in this partnership and the resources that BLM can bring to the table in the face of inconsistent federal funding levels. This communication needs to be within the BLM, as well as with the WEW Partners. Communication will be essential to our success. The EDO is seeking OSO support to refine and implement the following strategic options and develop an execution plan to achieve a Sustainable Management Strategy for the West Eugene Wetlands: • NLCS Designation of the WEW • A Landscape scale Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the WEW • Co- management with the USFWS NLCS DESIGNATION FOR WEW The strategy team carefully analyzed what NLCS designation would mean for the WEW. The team consulted with the OSO NLCS lead and clearly understands there are unresolved budget issues with the NLCS program. Further research is needed to understand which NLCS designation would best suit the WEW Project. In general, NLCS designation is used to conserve, protect, and restore nationally significant landscapes that have outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values for the benefit of current and future generations. The NLCS has four goals: • Protecting and restoring unique habitats • Preserving culture and heritage • Maintaining quality of life for a growing nation • Protecting critical habitat It is possible that Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) would be an appropriate designation. The Outstanding Natural Area (ONA) designation was established by Congress primarily to protect unique scenic, scientific, educational, and recreational values. Recreation activities center on those that foster education and interpretation of ,the ONAss unique resources. The first of the BLM's three ONAs, Oregon's Yaquina Head ONA, was established by Congress in 1980. In May of 2008, Congress designated two more: Florida's Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse ONA and California's Piedras Blancas Light Station ONA . The City of Eugene has repeatedly expressed interest in seeking National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) designation for the BLM- administered lands in the West Eugene Wetlands through congressional action. While it is anticipated that such designation, in and of itself, will not bring significant resources to the project in the short term, such designation will open up additional WEW Vision 2009/2010 Page 2 -- -- - - -- ------- --- ___ - - ..- -- -