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. 1 <br /> The current WEW environmental education program operates all field activities out of a 30 -foot diameter <br /> yurt that is un- insulated, has no water service and has very limited electricity capabilities. With such <br /> limited facilities, the WEW education program is constricted by seasonal weather patterns and no longer <br /> meets the growing needs of the program, audience and community. <br /> The City of Eugene has secured $2.0 million for the construction of this center. At risk is the success of the <br /> education center for which the stand alone federal land transfer bill was passed by Congress in 2006 with <br /> full support of the Oregon delegation. The congressional mandate directs BLM to transfer the 12.5 acre <br /> education center building site to the City of Eugene. The City of Eugene will not accept this transfer until <br /> funds are secured to build the first phase of the education center. <br /> Currently, 60% of the funds have been secured for Phase 1 of the education center construction project, <br /> leaving the project short approximately $1.6 million. The total education center building project is $11 <br /> million which is scheduled to be done in two phases to allow flexibility to match funding levels. Economic <br /> stimulus funds are currently the best chance for construction funds in the current economy. However a <br /> federal nexus has not been identified. Economic Stimulus funds have various funding routes such as, <br /> http: / /www.grants.gov, through state governments and associated agencies, and /or a federal partner. Until a <br /> federal nexus to economic stimulus funds can be identified or additional private donations are raised, the <br /> education center will remain unrealized and the land transfer incomplete. <br /> SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY - OPTIONS <br /> In January, 2009, the Eugene District requested the OR/WA State Director to provide appropriate staff and <br /> support to participate in strategic discussions (including OSO briefings) to scope out future alternatives and <br /> opportunities for the WEW program; and assist in the development and implementation of a sustainable <br /> management strategy for the West Eugene Wetlands. <br /> Mark Brown, Oregon State Office Partnership Coordinator and Patricia K. Johnston, West Eugene <br /> Wetlands Project Manager, were identified as team leads. The team of internal staff and external <br /> stakeholders (listed at the end of this document) has developed a set of options using the following <br /> sideboards: <br /> • Evaluate internal and external funding options <br /> • Evaluate capacity and need <br /> • Explore funding, management, and ownership options <br /> • Develop an exit strategy (from BLM Eugene District base funding) that honors commitments, and <br /> enables the WEW to continue to function sustainably , <br /> The established process to create the Sustainable Management Strategy included: (Bolded text represents <br /> tasks that are complete.) <br /> 1. Develop Sustainable Management Strategy <br /> a. Create list of BLM stakeholders who should be involved, and /or receive updates (PAO, <br /> Recreation, BLM Washington Office, etc. <br /> b. Create a list of partners & stakeholders who should be involved, and /or receive <br /> updates <br /> 2. Finalize Sustainable Management Strategy <br /> a. Facilitate internal and external discussions to determine the best option <br /> WEW Background and Options _ _ Page 5 <br />