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• Z - Z -9� Lighting project difficult As chairman of the Amazon trail lighting project, I think it is time to set the record straight. Little did I realize what a formida- ble task we were taking* on when we of Ore- gon Track Club Masters volunteered to spon- sor this community project. We have done nothing but face controversy and obstacles from the very beginning and found our- selves compromising every step of the way. After gathering input at no less than three meetings over an eight -month period, the Eugene Public Works Department draft- ed a plan for future development of Amazon Park. Included was the concept of lighting one -half mile of the Amazon running trail. OTCM envisioned completing the project in the dry summer months of 1994. Instead, we weren't given the go -ahead by the city until mid - November, making construction much more difficult. At the onset, OTCM was warned of an endangered plant species in the area, but we were given the impression that it was con- fined to the middle of fields adjacent to the trail. We did our best to keep our trenching as close to the trail as possible. We now are being held responsible for wiping out plant habitat and accused of stealth tactics. At some point the city took it upon itself to remove a tall poplar tree that stood next to the trail. OTCM was as surprised as anyone to find it missing and had nothing to do with its removal. We are more than 80 percent completed with the $24,000 project. Local businesses and individuals have donated all materials and money. All work has been accomplished by community volunteers. After seeing what OTCM has had to go through just to give the community a safer place to exercise in the dark winter months, it amazes me that any- thing ever gets accomplished here in Eu- gene. LARRY NORRIS, president Oregon Track Club Masters Eugene