East Fork Amazon Headwaters; OPRD Local Govt Grant 2008

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6. PROGRAM NARRATIVE — In the space provided, describe all elements of the project and the need for assistance, project objectives, facilities to be constructed, existing facilities which are to be renovated, removed or demolished. - Describe who will do the work and who will provide supervision, historical site use, community involve- ment, problems or desires that led to project being selected. - Describe how the project relates to current and future public recreation needs, expected results and benefits. - Describe any unusual or unique features of the project such as innovative design, conservation, unusual site conditions, etc. - Describe the topography of the site and present development on the site and how proposal fits in with future development, and the anticipated start and end dates of the project. See Section 2.1.A in Grants Manual. The City of Eugene seeks to acquire fee title ownership of a 39.9 -acre parcel of undeveloped land to protect it as publicly -owned and managed natural open space. This action will prevent the property from imminent development and protect the forested natural areas, waterways, and wetlands as well as the diversity of species currently inhabiting this property. The current owner has proposed to subdivide the property into approxi- mately 113 new home sites and to construct a road system and utility infrastructure required to serve these new homes. A major portion of the parcel is ranked as a Tier 1 High Conservation Priority in the City of Eugene's most recent South Ridgeline Hills Study Recommendations Report (2007), and it is one of the largest intact natural areas remaining in private ownership in the South Hills. This value is reflected in efforts the City has made to acquire the property for preservation and recreation since 2003. In 2004, the City had an agreement with the previous owners to purchase the property, but it unexpectedly fell through as a higher offer from the current developer was accepted instead. Later that year, the City entered into an agreement with the new property owner to purchase the property with funds obtained through a Local Government Grant award. Although the project received the grant funding, the seller declined to extend the offer to sale because the appraised value of the property was less than the asking price. Following intense and continued public pressure to acquire this property, the City recently acquired an option to purchase it at its current appraised cost. This option is valid through July 31, 2008, and can be extended to November 1, 2008 if necessary. All work regarding negotiating agreements, and any other details required for acquisition will be done by City staff, primarily the City's Senior Real Estate Officer, Russ Royer, with assistance from the Parks Planning office, and others as needed. The City of Eugene has a very successful track record of acquiring properties and managing them both for the public's enjoyment and for natural resource values. The Parks and Open Space Division includes a Natural Resource Section that is dedicated to the planning work and both long -term and short -term operational tasks associated with natural area management. This section has 20 full -time employees with an annual budget of $3.25 million. Ten of those employees, along with a number of seasonal employees, are dedicated to on- the - ground operations work, while the other ten provide technical expertise and planning to direct the overall work program. This Section has the commitment and proven experience to successfully manage this site for both its recreation and natural resources purposes. The East Fork Amazon Headwaters property, if acquired, will serve multiple functions including passive recreation, preservation of water quality, storm water retention, and habitat preservation. The parcel has great potential for passive recreation such as walking, hiking, mountain biking, and nature study, and for educating the public about riparian and habitat protection and value (including the use of interpretive signage). If ac- quired, this parcel will be added to the Amazon Headwaters section of the 1,200 -acre Ridgeline Park. The _Amazon Headwaters section lies between Dillard Road and Fox Hollow Road, and within the last ten years the City has added over 74 acres to this section, with the intent of increasing public access, preserving impor-