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bridge replacement project. These ODOT file numbers are 6116006 and 58174 (per documentation by <br />Gail Harbert and Mike Spaetch). File number 6116006 is comprised of tax lot # 1704340000204 (30.41 <br />acres) and tax lot # 1704340000203 (5.84 acres), for a total of 36.25 acres. ODOT file number 58174 is <br />comprised of tax lot # 1704340000201 (12.91 acres) and tax lot # 1704340000202 (14.47 acres) for a <br />total of 27.38 acres. These two ODOT file numbers are immediately adjacent to the publicly -owned <br />Bertelsen Nature Park on the east and they border the A -3 channel. <br />By transferring these properties into City of Eugene ownership, the areas could be preserved in <br />perpetuity as natural areas. The Bertelsen Nature Park currently serves as an important recreational and <br />educational destination for the community. Its primary recreational uses are nature viewing and <br />environmental education. Expanding the Bertelsen Nature Park to include the two above described <br />ODOT file numbers would further the existing recreational and educational goals of the site and provide <br />a comparable mitigation for the recreational activities that would be lost at the Whilamut Natural Area. <br />In addition, since these parcels would be protected as natural areas many of the biological impacts <br />associated with the bridge replacement project would be mitigated as well. Finally, by bringing these <br />adjacent natural areas into City of Eugene ownership, long term management of the natural area can be <br />coordinated across the larger landscape, allowing for a single unified management approach facilitating <br />both recreation and natural area conservation. For these reasons, we believe that the mitigation offered <br />by the lands in these two ODOT file numbers would adequately offset the direct and indirect impacts of <br />the bridge replacement project as required by the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act. <br />Preliminary discussions of my staff with several ODOT staff indicate that there is broad conceptual <br />support for this mitigation proposal from both parties. After reviewing this letter, I would greatly <br />appreciate hearing back from you whether you believe we can proceed with the next steps to make this <br />proposal move forward. <br />If you have any questions, please feel free to 'contact me by phone (541 - 682 -4930) or by email <br />O ohnny.r.medlin @ci. eugene. or. us). <br />Sincerely, <br />J lin <br />Director, Parks and Open Space Division <br />CC: Tim Dodson, Project Manager, ODOT <br />Steve R. Turner, Project Manager, ODOT <br />Gail A. Harbert, Senior Property Agent, ODOT <br />Mike A. Spaeth, District Manager (District 5), ODOT <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />1. Map showing area with direct and indirect impacts from I -5 bridge construction. <br />Page 4 <br />