WEW Sustainable Management Strategy Implementation Plan Analysis

New Search

• The remaining recreation improvements in the WEW, Meadowlark Prairie and the 3 -4 miles of concrete urban bike path (including lighting) that runs through the-project area, are under the jurisdiction of the City of Eugene. The city maintains these projects, keeping the shoulders of the bike path mowed and free of weeds, as well as security at Meadowlark Prairie, maintenance of the picnic structures, interpretive signage, overlook, and a port -a- pottie. The City is also in the process of securing the ODOT property that adjoins the BLM Stewart Pond property in hopes of developing recreational facilities on this land to augment the BLM recreation site. The Army Corps of Engineers is considering engagement at Stewart Pond as a part of the Metro Waterways project, much like the work they did at Meadowlark Prairie to help bring one -time construction resources to these recreation projects. Again, emphasizing an analysis that separates long term commitments from short term investments, and clearly articulating the scope for managers is essential. Bonnie Lippitt emphasized that the scope of WEW recreation facilities is relatively small; short trails and a couple trail heads. These compared to the traditional BLM projects which tend to be much longer trail segments in more challenging terrain and remote locations that are associated with significantly greater investments with limited partnership resources to carry the maintenance workload. The larger commitments and investments in the WEW with regard to recreation, interpretation and environmental education are shared with the City of Eugene, WREN and potential the Army Corps. NLCS designation and overall RMP planning, again, Bonnie was pretty clear when she said that the landscape, partnership lands as a whole are unique and special in their own way, and that this will be very important,and useful in cementing the value of the area should NLSC designation is sought. What will also be important is the scope of planning, that it is large enough to achieve the desired goals. Again, answering the question, "what role does BLM want to fulfill in this bigger picture," will be important in how this planning process proceeds. This again will need to be a carefully analyzed decision, there are many national examples to draw upon that should be reviewed to inform this analysis. If indeed the WEW Partnership seeks a legislative "fix" to the long term sustainability of the WEW Project, it is important that a coherent package provides the necessary elements for that solution. Whether specific funding is allocated (that have sustainability), as well as any other expectations that are currently envisioned. It is essential that outcomes are understood by the WEW Partners. Currently there is a lot of activity in Washington DC around NLCS. NLCS units are being designated and proposed for designation under the new administration. Cathi Bailey oversees Oregon /Washington Wild and Scenic Rivers and Heritage Trails NLSC projects. There are sub - activities that are currently being established for NLCS, as this program grows. Amid shrinking or level budgets within the BLM, NLCS is experience growth, but it is not clear at what cost and how this will affect other BLM programs. Planning funds could likely be made available to the WEW through NLCS, if the site was designated. These funds would likely only be available to use on BLM- administered lands, not all the partnership lands. However, the EDO would likely seek strategic funds ensure adequate funding for a landscape scale RMP. • Conference Call OSO Leads September 21, 2009 __ Page 3 — -- — -- - — — --