East Fork Amazon Headwaters; OPRD Local Govt Grant 2008

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taut habitat and protecting stream channels. The East Fork Amazon Headwaters parcel, would build on the foundation already laid in this section, adding an additional 39.9 acres of very high quality natural area to this important and highly popular park system. Existing trails in this area are heavily used, and in some instances are at capacity with regards to usage and the associated impacts to the environment. The construction of a trail through this parcel would make a logical and needed connection between a southeast Eugene neighborhood and the main Ridgeline Park trail system and would help attenuate impacts on other heavily used access trails. If the East Fork Amazon Headwaters parcel is acquired, constructing a trail through it would be a high priority for the Parks and Open Space Divi- sion. In the past, we have successfully undertaken many methods from a variety of resources for trail mainte- nance and construction projects including contracts with private businesses and with state service providers such as the Sheriff's jail crew, Northwest Youth Corps, force account, in -kind services, volunteer efforts, and Recreational Trail Program grants. Amazon Creek runs from east to west through the heart of Eugene. After decades of managing the creek for flood control by stripping it of vegetation and lining portions of it with concrete, an enormous effort has been undertaken in the last several years to return the creek to a healthy and functioning system which addresses multiple benefits. In partnership with the Army Corp of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, and The Nature Conservancy, over 3,000 acres of flood plain, wetlands, and stream channel have been restored in the lower portion of the Amazon basin. Attention is now turning to the upper portion of the basin. Of critical importance to maintaining water quality and the health of the entire stream is protecting headwaters from overdevelopment. The headwater streams contained within this site are highly susceptible to impacts from development which will affect downstream water quality. Most recently, the Army Corp of Engineers has partnered with the City and other local jurisdictions to gain a better understanding of existing problems and opportunities related to area waterways. The first phase of this project is focusing on the Amazon Creek planning area and in December of 2007, a draft report was com- pleted that provides an environmental assessment for the planning area and recommended enhancements. Included in these recommendations is the potential acquisition of headwater streams (including those within this site) for overall watershed protection. The site spans from 810' to 530' in elevation, and includes steep slopes with several stream channels meeting in a floodplain with braided channels at the low point. The site contains riparian forest, broad - leafed forested wetland, upland mixed -fir forest with stands of old growth Douglas-fir. Two rare upland plants, wayside aster (Aster vialis) and tall bugbane (Cimicifuga elata) are present on this site. The site also provides suitable habitat for several rare animals, including the olive sided fly catcher, Northern red - legged frog, Pacific pallid bat, Pacific western big -eared bat, and fringed myotis. The proposed recreation amenities planned for this site will provide protection of the most sensitive plant and animal species while also offering a unique opportunity for educating the public about these rare species and protection of the local watershed. If awarded, the Local Government Grant would be combined with local funds and an Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board grant to acquire the property. The OWEB Acquisition grants will be determined by the board in September 2008, so our expectation is that if both grants are awarded, the city would be able to close on the property by the end of 2008.