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,,,„_ <br /> Ong on <br /> DEPARTMENT OF <br /> July 7, 1992 OREGON FISH AND <br /> WILDLIFE <br /> Mr. John Etter Springfield District Office <br /> Eugene Public Works Dept. <br /> 1820 Roosevelt Blvd. <br /> Eugene, OR 97402 <br /> Dear Mr. Etter: <br /> I am writing as a follow -up on our phone conversation of June 18 <br /> regarding plans for the City's Golden Gardens Park. As we <br /> discussed, I believe that the ponds at this site have very high <br /> wildlife values. I am concerned that the proposed golf course <br /> development by Van Duyn & Babb (or the City) could result in <br /> severe degradation of the wildlife values of this site. <br /> All the ponds within the metro planning area receive very high use <br /> by a diversity of wildlife species. These sites are amongst the <br /> most productive habitat areas for wildlife in the metro area. <br /> This site compares favorably with the other metro ponds in it's <br /> wildlife values. Contributing to the high wildlife habitat value <br /> of this site is the relative remoteness from existing development, <br /> high edge to water ratio, good combination of shallow & deep water <br /> areas, good aquatic plant diversity, and the undeveloped upland <br /> area adjacent to the water area. <br /> Selling this wetland site to developers is contrary to the West <br /> Eugene Wetlands Special Area Study where the city proposes to buy <br /> wetlands from developers for protection. This is also <br /> inconsistent with the protection standards that were developed <br /> through the Natural Resources Special Study for ponds within the <br /> UGB. <br /> Golf courses that contain water bodies usually maintain turf grass <br /> to the waters edge with very little or no upland habitat for <br /> wildlife. The value of a wetland for wildlife depends very much <br /> on the associated upland area as well as the water area. The <br /> heavy use of fertilizers and other chemicals typically used on <br /> golf courses pose a potential threat to the abundant fish <br /> populations and the wildlife species that depend on the fish such <br /> as osprey and herons. The one species that might do well would be <br /> Canada geese which would feed on the green turf. The geese would <br /> likely not be welcome by the golf course management as they can <br /> create a mess with their droppings. <br /> 3150 East Main Street <br /> Springfield, OR 97478 <br /> (503) 726 -3515 <br /> FAX (503) 726 -2505 <br />