East Fork Amazon Headwaters; OPRD Local Govt Grant 2008

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12. LOCAL RECREATION NEEDS /BENEFITS AND PLANNING — Describe and explain the needs and benefits of the proposed project. a)Describe any social, economic or other benefits resulting from the project. b)ls this project identified in local park master plans, local comprehensive plans, and /or watershed, basin -wide or statewide eco- regional restoration, or SCORP? How it meets the needs identified in these planning documents? c) What local or regional need does it meet and who will be the primary users of the project site? d) Describe any planning and public involvement efforts that led to the selection of the project, includ- ing citizen involvement through public workshops and public hearings, park board and local citizen ad- visory committees in the development of local park plans. Needs: With increasing population and associated development occurring within Eugene's Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), the need to preserve and increase the flood capacity, water quality, and habitat values of the Amazon Creek system has intensified. A denser population has also increased the recreational impacts on natural systems. In order to create attractive places to live within the UGB and to reduce the susceptibil- ity for sprawl, the City of Eugene has been acquiring significant acreage within the headwaters of Amazon Creek. Over the past five years, these acquisition efforts have preserved the hydrological functions of the headwaters, created a larger, more robust habitat preserve, and have increased the bearing capacity and di- versity of the recreational system. The initial users of this site will probably be residents of the adjacent neighborhood, but they would be closely followed by the rest of the hiking and biking population in Eugene. The trail system is very heavily used in Eugene, and support for new trail construction is high. Recreational Benefits: The project will provide opportunities for walking, biking, runnin wildlife view- ing, bird watching, nature photography, environmental education and volunteer involvement. It is close to developed neighborhoods, and will link them to the Ridgeline Park and to other neighborhoods adjacent to it. This acquisition will become a key component in the larger Ridgeline Park system of open space. Pas- sive recreation and habitat preservation are primary goals for this twenty -mile long corridor. Public access and facilities will be provided throughout the Ridgeline Park area that support non - motorized recreational activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and nature study. Public access will be managed in a way that balances human access with protection of vegetation and wild- life and avoids potential conflict with adjacent private property owners. Social benefits: The social effects are multiple. The Ridgeline system creates a 20 -mile corridor through the hills of South Eugene. This system links up with neighborhoods, schools, parks, transit stations, and other community destinations, making it accessible to all city residents, with segments of varying diffi- culty, including those that will provide a high level of accessibility for all skill levels to enjoy. Close proximity to recreational trails provides opportunities for residents to live healthy and active lives, while also providing opportunities to appreciate and learn about natural systems. The Ridgeline Park protects the visual quality of the ridgeline for all residents, provides viewpoints along the trail itself, helps pro- vide a visual contrast to developed urban areas to the north, and helps define the southern edge of the city. Its preservation as a wooded natural area helps maintain the community's sense of place. Economic benefits: The Ridgeline Trail has been featured prominently in tourist brochures and in maga- zine articles about the livability of Eugene. Improvements to the system will continue to draw people to the region based on the quality of life it affords. The proposed acquisition will be a vital addition to the larger open space network known as the Ridgeline Park system. The vision for the Ridgeline system is to protect, connect, and enhance a variety of habitats; provide regional recreational opportunities and trail connections for residents and visitors alike; and showcase the area's natural, scenic and historic landscape. Acquisition of the headwater streams will lead to overall long -term reduced maintenance costs to the storm