September 2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

New Search

111/-.111 w - - ,- w w T� �� MNI %�7 ' '� MIWVff%til EUGENE �i Z-j -� 1 September 26, 2002 CONTACT: • Chris Girard, Coordinator, Volunteers in Parks Coordinator, 682-4845 • Robin Hostick, Parks and Open Space Planner, 682-4915 • Therese M. Picado, Public Information Specialist, Parks and Open Space, 682-4814 or 682- 4800, therese.m.picadoci.eugene.or.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VOLUNTEER EFFORTS AIMED AT RESTORING VIEWS FROM SKINNER BUTTE In October, City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division staff, in conjunction with volunteers from the Eugene Rotary Club, will spend a day restoring views and habitat on Skinner Butte. Work will focus on restoring the native upland prairie habitat and views from the eastern viewpoints of the butte by removing non-native trees and planting smaller, native trees. If time permits, club volunteers are also hoping to restore views from the western viewpoint near the historic "Big E," placed on the butte in 1915, by selectively removing brush and several trees in that area as well. Since 1996, the Eugene Rotary Club has sponsored several significant volunteer rehabilitation and beautification projects on Skinner Butte, including the Veteran's Memorial overlook and flag. Recent rehabilitation efforts have been guided by the Skinner Butte Park Master Plan, adopted this year following 18 months of research and extensive public involvement. The plan calls for restoration and long-term preservation of popular, historically significant views from the summit of Skinner Butte. Originally, Skinner Butte was largely covered with open grasslands that offered views in almost every direction. Since settlers first arrived in Eugene over 150 years ago, however, large trees have grown on the butte and are now beginning to block some of the last remaining views. Public input gathered showed that views from Skinner Butte are very important for the identity of the community, but that a balanced approach should be taken to restore and protect them. The plan outlines a unique, objective strategy for documenting views and setting clear guidelines for restoration while protecting forested areas. The plan also calls for the protection and restoration of native upland prairie habitat, which once covered nearly all of Skinner Butte. Native prairie is now a highly endangered habitat type in the Willamette Valley, with less than one percent of the original habitat remaining. On Skinner Butte, most upland prairie has been lost to the encroachment of forest and invasive plant species, like Himalayan blackberry. Since the few, small areas of prairie habitat remaining on the butte are precisely the areas where views are still present, the objectives of view restoration and habitat restoration can be combined. For more information, call 682-4915 or go to www.ci.eugene.or.us/PW/PARKS/SBP/sbpmplan.htm to see the master plan. ##tt