New Search
possibilities in the future. Special designation could increase the profile of the project and expand its <br /> eligibility for unique opportunities. <br /> NLCS designation would increase EDO chances of getting planning funds for this project at the WO <br /> level. At the current time, NLCS is rising in national priority for the Department of Interior and the <br /> BLM, as per communication with Richard Hardt, Eugene District Planner and District NEPA <br /> Coordinator. However, it cannot be stressed enough that this is not about the funding, but increased <br /> opportunities to leverage our resources, while seeking to strengthen relationships and linkages with our <br /> partners and OSO leads. <br /> LANDSCAPE SCALE RMP FOR WEW <br /> The Eugene District is seeking the funding to develop a resource management plan (RMP) for the West <br /> Eugene Wetlands. A RMP, with an associated Record of Decision, is necessary for implementing any <br /> decision option, whether BLM is considering a full exit strategy or an additional investment of resources <br /> in the WEW. <br /> A RMP will guide future land management actions and subsequent site specific implementation <br /> decisions for the collective partnership lands, not just BLM- administered lands. A RMP would analyze <br /> the alternatives and clarify the long term sustainable management strategy for the WEW. <br /> Due to the nature of the WEW project, it is envisioned that the planning team for the RMP include <br /> WEW partner staff members to fully participate in an integrated, landscape scale planning approach. <br /> This process will be crucial to build stakeholder support and BLM's success in the WEW project. A <br /> vigorous public process and consensus - building decision making among the partners would have long <br /> lasting, sustainable support. Additionally, a landscape scale plan will be useful in cementing the value <br /> of the area and should be thoroughly pre- planned to assure the desired outcome. There are national <br /> examples to draw from should this approach be pursued. Compliance with NEPA and the Federal <br /> Advisory Committee Act (FACA) related issues will need to be addressed. <br /> The BLM Eugene District Manager and Siuslaw Field Manager have clearly identified three priority <br /> programs in the West Eugene Wetlands. <br /> 1. Threatened and Endangered Species Management and habitat restoration to support recover of <br /> listed and sensitive species <br /> 2. Recreation (Serving a local community of over 250,000 people.) <br /> 3. Youth Conservation and Environmental Education <br /> The WEW Partners have demonstrated their capacity to participate with BLM on a variety of levels, <br /> when we alone do not have the capacity. <br /> Threatened and Endangered Species Management and Habitat Restoration <br /> A highly variable set of activities and staff expertise are necessary to restore, manage and maintain the <br /> WEW. The WEW Partners have relied on each other to build capacity and contribute specific strengths. <br /> It has not been sustainable, efficient or effective for each partner to duplicate expertise, but rather to rely <br /> on one another for expertise as a cohesive team. Over the years, partnership staff has been cross - trained <br /> to better serve the needs of the project. For example, City of Eugene staff participated in formal NEPA <br /> WEW Vision 2009/2010 page 3 —___ <br />