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EUGENE <br /> January 21, 2003 <br /> CONTACT: <br /> • Philip Richardson, Parks and Open Space Planner, 682-4906 <br /> • Therese Picado, Parks and Open Space Public Information Specialist, 682-4814 or 682- <br /> 4800 <br /> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE <br /> CITY ACQUIRES 123 ACRES FOR THE RIDGELINE TRAIL <br /> On January 8, the City closed escrow on 123 acres of land near the intersection of <br /> Bailey Hill and Bertelsen roads. The land was purchased with funds from the Parks and Open <br /> Space bond measure voters endorsed in 1998 and a donation from the sellers and represents <br /> the single largest bond-funded Ridgeline acquisition to date. <br /> The open space parcel includes a portion of the actual topographic ridgeline that runs to <br /> the south of Eugene, preserving this scenic, forested skyline and offering views to the south and <br /> west. The property also extends the Ridgeline Trail system, which has been predominantly <br /> focused in southeast Eugene, into the southwest part of the city. The site also contains potential <br /> trail access from Bailey Hill Road and ridgeline properties already purchased further south and <br /> west. <br /> In addition to significantly expanding and preserving open space in Eugene, the <br /> acquisition will provide important ecological benefits. The site includes some of the headwaters <br /> of The Nature Conservancy's Willow Creek wetlands, which will provide long term protection of <br /> this ecologically significant area. It also contains significant Oregon white oak habitat, now an <br /> endangered habitat in the Willamette Valley. <br /> Approximately 90 percent of the money earmarked for the Ridgeline Trail has been <br /> spent. However, due to several donations and favorable sales, the property acquired has <br /> surpassed the bond measure target of 232 acres by almost 150 percent. <br /> For more information, call 682-4906. <br /> # ## <br />