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5 April 1, 2008 <br />E U G E N E <br />PONS and <br />Open Space Michele Scalise, Grants Program Coordinator <br />Oregon Parks and Recreation Department <br />Local Government Grants <br />1820 ion ofP Roosevel B lv d. 725 Summer Street NE, Suite C <br />1820 <br />Eugene, Oregon 97402 Salem, Oregon 97301 <br />(541) 682 -4800 Dear Ms. Scalise and Advisory Committee: <br />(541) 682.4882 Fax <br />www.ci.eugene.or.us /pw /parks <br />On behalf of the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division, we are pleased <br />to submit a request for $950,000 to the Local Government Grants Program for <br />acquisition of the East Fork Amazon Headwaters parcel. This 39 -acre parcel is <br />important for both its high natural resource values and for its recreational connec- <br />tivity to the regional Ridgeline Park system. We're very excited about the opportu- <br />nity to permanently protect it. <br />The East Fork Amazon Headwaters parcel is identified as having some of the most <br />valuable habitat in the Eugene - Springfield metropolitan area. The area surrounding <br />it has been designated for natural and scenic resource preservation and in fact, as <br />Parks and Open opportunities have become available, the city has purchased 74 acres to increase <br />Space Planning water quality, preserve natural habitat, and provide connections to the Ridgeline <br />Park, a 1,200+ acre regional open space amenity serving the entire metropolitan <br />Parks Maintenance area. <br />Urban Forestry <br />As we have outlined in our application, likely residential development of the site is <br />Wetlands and Open imminent and the construction of homes and streets would permanently alter the <br />Waterways landscape and impact the headwaters within it. We have strong support from <br />area neighbors and many community and environmental organizations that all <br />recognize what is at stake if this natural area is lost to development. <br />The city has committed $570,000; the current owner is providing a donation of <br />$380,000; and the city is seeking additional grant funding from the Oregon Water- <br />shed Enhancement Board. Together, these resources equal 75% of the appraised <br />acquisition cost. With the final 25% match support from the Oregon Parks and <br />Recreation Department the City of Eugene will be able to obtain clear fee title to <br />this key parcel, protecting its natural and recreational values for future genera- <br />tions. <br />With increasing population and associated development occurring within our city's <br />Urban Growth Boundary, the need to preserve and increase passive recreational <br />opportunities, flood capacity, water quality, and habitat values has significantly in- <br />tensified. The East Fork Amazon Headwaters acquisition is fundamentally essential <br />to meeting this need. It is our hope that you find this proposal worthy of funding. <br />Sincerely, <br />Kitty Pie y Johnny Medlin <br />Mayor Parks and Open Space Director <br />