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Ridgeline Area Open Space Goals Draft, April 2, 2007 The Ridgeline Area Open Space Vision is intended to serve as the conceptual framework for coordinated open space planning efforts in the ridgeline twenty mile corridor. The vision will be implemented through voluntary participation of partner organizations and the public. The goals and associated recommended actions and strategies included in this section have been developed to guide the implementation of the vision and are based on review of existing plans and policy; public participation; and partner input. The goals are divided into the following categories: • Habitat Conservation and Management • Recreation • Tourism • Water Resources • Views and Viewsheds • Urban -Rural Transition Habitat Conservation and Management Goal 1: Habitat Conservation Protect a variety of native habitat types within the ridgeline area including unique or at risk plant and wildlife communities. Special attention should be given to rare or declining habitats such as prairie; oak -pine savanna; oak woodland; riparian and headwater forests; old growth coniferous forests, rocky outcrops; and balds. Recommended Actions and Strategies: A. Inventory and map habitat conditions and species distribution in the ridgeline area to more accurately determine locations of high quality and unique habitats. For much of the ridgeline area, the current vegetation and habitat mapping available is not adequate on a site specific basis. B. Work to identify and preserve high value habitats and unique native plant and wildlife populations throughout the ridgeline area where they exist. C. Focus habitat conservation efforts on preserving large blocks of high quality habitat that are contiguous to each other or to existing conservation areas (as opposed to smaller scattered areas) to help maintain long -term habitat viability. These habitat conservation areas would include a mix of public, land trust, and private lands that would be managed to conserve habitat benefit by the property owners on a voluntary basis. Key habitat conservation areas identified in the ridgeline area total approximately 3,800 acres and are listed in Section G below and shown on the vision map (Areas A — G). D. Create a network of corridors connecting major habitat areas to facilitate native plant dispersal and wildlife movement and reduce genetic isolation of populations. E. Coordinate ridgeline partnership acquisition efforts (fee simple acquisition and purchase of conservation easements) to create areas of contiguous habitat that can be managed more efficiently and effectively for native habitat values. F. Coordinate closely with the City of Eugene's ongoing South Ridgeline Habitat Study (SRHS), which is identifying high value habitat areas located inside the urban growth boundary. G. Provide financial incentives and other assistance to help private property owners to preserve valuable habitat conditions where they exist on their lands. These efforts should focus on properties that possess high habitat values or that are contiguous to other large blocks of public or land trust lands. Numerous federal, state, and local programs are in place to provide some level of assistance in this area (Appendix -A). H. In the ridgeline area, key habitat conservation areas include: 1