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3. Schedule a field visit for US Fish and Wildlife Service staff, including new regional director. <br /> 4. Continue internal BLM discussion about potential land transfer or conservation easement of <br /> BLM- administered lands in WEW to USFWS. <br /> 5. BLM should share all "planning" and NEPA documents with the USFWS. This would include <br /> the WEW 10 Year Schedule EA, T &E maps, and Biological Opinion on the EA, as well as <br /> facilitate a staff level field visit to various WEW sites. <br /> USFWS, while expressing interest, stressed that patience and time would be needed to fully explore the <br /> opportunities /challenges of taking on the BLM administered lands in the WEW. There has also been a <br /> discussion of how a transition could be implemented. It has been discussed with US Fish and Wildlife <br /> Service that the BLM Project Manager could manage the transfer and serve as a link between the two <br /> federal agencies and provide continuity, not only for the federal nexus, but in the overall WEW Partnership <br /> when stability will be most needed. <br /> Pros <br /> • Historically, the USFWS is a growing organization. USFWS continues to add land and units to its <br /> refuge system and with this increase resource, a growing budget. <br /> • Core mission and vision is a good fit for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. <br /> • A federal land management partner and its tool box would be an important asset to retain in the <br /> West Eugene Wetlands Partnership. <br /> Cons <br /> • At a time when the current administration and congress are emphasizing "Take it Outside" and <br /> "Children in Nature," the BLM will be giving up this opportunity to participate in this program. <br /> • BLM will have lost a "show piece" in the Oregon/Washington, national recognition in <br /> environmental education, recreation, wetland restoration, T &E Species management and <br /> partnership. <br /> Option D: Seek Special Designation of West Eugene Wetlands <br /> Seek special designation for the federally managed WEW properties to strengthen potential for additional <br /> federal funds. Two options were explored, National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) designation <br /> and special management area designation through a BLM planning process or RMP amendment. <br /> National Landscape Conservation System <br /> NLCS Designation can only be achieved through Congressional action or Presidential proclamation. <br /> NLCS as of 2009 does have a designated funding source, however, at this time the funds are not adequate <br /> to manage current NLCS units and it is unclear whether this budget will increase in the coming years to <br /> meet the program needs. NLCS National budget is approximately $28 million for FY09. <br /> NLCS projects are funded through Bureau Planning System (BPS) project selection. Washington DC <br /> NLCS staff reviews BPS submissions and allocates funding accordingly. The West Eugene Wetlands <br /> could be designated as an Outstanding Natural Area, one of the four major NLCS Programs. There four <br /> NLCS Programs are: <br /> • National Monuments/National Conservation Areas (NCA) <br /> (NCAs feature exceptional natural, recreational, cultural, wildlife, aquatic, archeological, <br /> paleontological, historical, educational or scientific resources.) <br /> • Wilderness /Wilderness Study Areas <br /> • Wild and Scenic Rivers <br /> • National Scenic and Historic Trails <br /> WEW Background and Options Page 9 -- <br />