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Mariposa Woodland Oak Habitat Enhancement Project <br /> Resource Management crews could do the burning as many staff have already had some training, or it <br /> could be contracted to IGR. <br /> With regards to permitting regulations and there are no regulatory obstacles to the jackpotting option. <br /> Two permits would be required: an LRAPA permit and a permit from the Eugene Fire Department. <br /> We have a permit application from LRAPA, and John Morrissey, the LRAPA permit specialist, <br /> explained that we should be able to get a permit for the fall burning. Open fires are prohibited within <br /> the City limits unless express permission is granted by the Fire Marshall. This site is just outside of the <br /> City limit, however, we would likely seek Fire Department approval nonetheless. Staff have discussed <br /> this project with Deputy Fire Marshall Greg Musil who felt that such permission could be easily <br /> obtained for this project. <br /> The City would also need to notify neighbors and do some outreach and education for park users as the <br /> site is located near the Ridgeline Trail. In addition, staff expect to place signage along the trail for <br /> hikers before and during the project, explaining the goals and objectives of the project. Staff is <br /> considering flagging trees that would be removed as well. Staff also recommend preparing a press <br /> release prior to, and after the project as well as updating City Council. <br /> Staff have identified three potential risk categories that may be associated with this project which will <br /> need to be monitored and carefully planned. First, there is a risk of public backlash to tree removal if <br /> we are not proactive and effective in our outreach efforts. Second, there is a risk that the habitat will <br /> respond differently than predicted. The biggest risk is that poison oak may respond favorably to the <br /> increased light. This species will need to be monitored and possibly treated. There is also a risk that <br /> other weed species will respond favorably and need to be treated. Third, there are risks to both <br /> methods of slash removal. Although the risk of a wildfire during jackpotting should be quite low, <br /> there is a risk nonetheless. There is also a risk of excessive smoke and possible complaints from the <br /> community. If chipping and removing slash is the selected method there may be risks of compaction, <br /> rutting, herbaceous vegetation damage and erosion to both City -owned lands and Janet Reeves <br /> property. This may result in some level of liability if damage is significant. We feel that all of these <br /> risks can be minimized with adequate planning and attention. <br /> As a pilot project, staff recommend monitoring the site to assess whether goals are being met and to <br /> suggest ways of improving our techniques. Several photopoints have been established on the site that <br /> can be used to monitor before /after conditions. It would also be valuable to gather more quantified <br /> estimates of the habitat response to thinning. Some examples of other characteristics that would be <br /> valuable to monitor include estimating before /after overstory canopy cover, before /after poison oak <br /> cover, herbaceous layer cover changes and other vegetation responses. However, this work would <br /> need to be contracted out as it would be beyond the capacity of existing staff resources. <br /> To conclude, this site still has many qualities of its historic character intact. However, many of the <br /> larger savanna -form oaks are already in danger of being completely overtopped and lost. Similarly, <br /> the historic understory wildflower and grass species are being shaded out. We need to start honing our <br /> management techniques as it is becoming clear that this kind of management will be necessary to <br /> maintain and restore the health of oak habitats throughout our system. If left unmanaged, we will lose <br /> much of the little that remains of these already rare habitats. Furthermore, properly managing our oak <br /> habitats will decrease the risk of catastrophic fires which is a message that is sure to be well received <br /> by south hills residents. For these reasons, we hope to realize this project as soon as feasible. <br /> 6 <br />