WEW Sustainable Management Strategy Implementation Plan Analysis

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West Eugene Wetland Sustainable Management Strategy Background and Options September, 2009 INTRODUCTION The West Eugene Wetlands includes more than 3,000 acres of open space within the city limits of Eugene, Oregon, a community of 250,000 (including Springfield). It embraces the largest contiguous land base of the last remaining 1% of the rare Willamette Valley wet prairie habitat. The urban setting allows for accessibility to all potential users and community members. It is four miles from the heart of downtown Eugene and close to some major regional arterials. The site is available via public transportation, bicycle, private automobile, and is within easy walking distance of many neighborhoods. WEW Partners include the Bureau of Land Management, City of Eugene, The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Youth Conservation Corps, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, McKenzie River Trust, Long Tom Watershed Council and Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN). The WEW program can be broken down into six major program categories including: 1. Threatened and Endangered Species Management 2. Habitat restoration to support recovery of listed and sensitive species 3. Environmental Education and Outreach 4. Partnership coordination and support 5. Recreation 6. Facilities maintenance /operations The BLM has been involved in the West Eugene Wetlands (WEW) Partnership since 1994. BLM has established a Mission Statement and Goals for the WEW project. They are: Mission of the Bureau of Land Management: West Eugene Wetlands Project As a partner in the West Eugene Wetlands Project, the Bureau of Land Management is committed to integrating the needs of human communities and wetlands ecosystems in the Southern Willamette Valley. This will be accomplished through the Bureaus' participation in a unique set of cooperative relationships for the management of selected lands and resources. Goals of the Bureau of Land Management West Eugene Wetlands Project To manage the wetlands of West Eugene as a component of a regional system of open space for the benefit of present and future generations. To promote appreciation and understanding of wetlands ecosystems through environmental education, interpretation and research. To provide for a variety of public uses, ranging from leisure activities to public works that are compatible with the wetland ecosystems. To develop community pride, support and involvement in the project through an active program of reaching out to neighbors, interested organizations and the larger community. (Note: The threatened and endangered species were not yet listed in the WEW, therefore they were absent from the above stated mission and goals.) WEW Background and Options _ Page 1 ------