East Fork Amazon Headwaters; OPRD Local Govt Grant 2008

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Three key statewide outdoor recreation issues identified in SCORP are addressed in the East Fork Amazon Headwaters project: Need for recreational trails and trail connectivity, Need for Land Acquisition; Re- source Protection/Environsnental Education. Finally for SCORP Planning Region 3, the project addresses the number 2 priority, recreational trail (non - motorized) connectivity. 2008 -20012 Draft Oregon Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan The project supports three Key Planning Recommendations of the 2008 -2012 Draft SCORP: Non - motorized trail acquisition and de- velopment projects, Close -to -home non - motorized trail acquisition and development projects, and develop- ing group -day use facilities, recreational trails, outdoor sports fields, close -to -home camping and alterna- tive camping opportunities. Oregon Trails 2005 -2014: A Statewide Action Plan The statewide trails plan's top regional non - motorized issues identified for the Northwest Trails Planning Region are all supported by acquisition of this parcel: Need for trail connectivity within the region; Need for additional non - motorized trails (for all user types) — especially in close proximity to where people live, and Need for additional funding for non - motorized trial acquisition and development. South Hills Study (1974). This study provided recommendations for ways the City could preserve the unique visual, biological, and recreational character of the south hills. The Amazon Headwaters area is specifically mentioned as a place to pursue acquisition of major (30 +acre) parks to serve recreational, vis- ual boundary and biological needs Comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (1992). This document is the City of Eugene's Policy guid- ance document for managing stormwater. The Plan was developed with extensive public involvement and was ratified by the Eugene City Council in 1992. The Plan provides direction to manage stormwater for multiple benefits including water quality, natural resources, and optimal conveyance of stormwater which includes preservation of natural stream corridors to avoid erosion and down - cutting. The East Fork Ama- zon Headwaters acquisition proposed with this grant application protects the integrity of the stream corri- dor and allows for natural watershed functions which help promote water quality and reduced flooding im- pacts. Rivers to Ridges: Metropolitan Regional Parks and Open Space Stud�(2003 . The Rivers to Ridges vision study was developed using a combination of citizen, staff and elected official input received between 2001 and 2003. The vision is conceptual and intended to serve as a framework for future park and open space protection. The Amazon Headwaters area is trapped as both a Highly Visible Scenic Resource, and as a potential Open Space Anchor. Policies in support of this project include preserving scenic quality; snaking natural area connections for wildlife and recreation; preserving habitat areas for unique or at -risk plant and animal species. The Rivers to Ridges Vision was unanimously endorsed by the Lane County Board of Commissioners, The Eugene City Council, The Willamalane Park and Recreation District, and the Spring- field City Council. Parks Recreation and Open Space Project and Priority Plan (May 2006). The Project and Priority Plan es- tablishes priorities and lists projects that will protect and enhance Eugene's park system for the next 20 years. Acquisition of the Amazon Headwaters is given the highest priority in this plan. The public out- reach that went into this plan was exhaustive and included multiple community surveys, focus groups, web outreach, neighborhood meetings and large open houses. The feedback received shows significant support on multiple fronts for the kind of acquisition this project proposes. From the community survey: the most important benefit of Eugene's Parks and Open Space is providing opportunities to enjoy nature; acquisition of key areas is a high priority for 21.3% of respondents; when asked to identify the top three priorities, ac- quisition of new park areas was ranked third. From the Natural Resources Focus Group: One of the top