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community, including engineers and surveyors, architects, landscape architects, developers, planning consultants, and <br /> land use attorneys. As a follow-up to meeting with these various groups, Mr. Zucker will be making recommendations on <br /> improvements the City can make on its development process and related policies and will prepare a report on his findings. <br /> copy of this report will be provided to the City Council when it is completed. For more information, contact Tom Coyle, <br /> Planning and Development Department Executive Director at 682-6077 or by e-mail at tom.q.coyle(c�ci.eugene.or.us. <br /> New Invasive and Native Plant Lists and Policy Released by City Manager <br /> Last week, City Manager pro tem Jim Carlson released a policy to provide guidance for all City employees involved in the <br /> landscaping of City- owned or maintained property. The policy identifies plants that should not be planted, plants that are <br /> discouraged from being planted, and native plant alternatives that are encouraged to be used. The purpose of the policy is <br /> to stop the intentional use of non-native, invasive plant species and reintroduce native species in developed land and <br /> construction projects around the City. <br /> Invasive plant species have created increasing environmental and financial impacts. Invasive plants frequently out- <br /> compete native species, threatening the food, habitat and genetic diversity of native plants and wildlife. Every year, <br /> significant resources, including staff and volunteer time, equipment and contractual work, are spent removing invasive <br /> plant species and replanting with species native to the Willamette Valley. The use of native species in landscaping, <br /> however, would generally require fewer resources to maintain because these plants are more adapted to local soil and <br /> climate conditions. They also support restoration efforts that are occurring in nearby natural areas, such as the West <br /> Eugene Wetlands, Hendricks Park forest, Whilamut Natural Area of Alton Baker Park, Ridgeline Trail, and Spencer and <br /> Skinner buttes, by diminishing the proliferation of non-native species and providing a habitat that supports a broader <br /> diversity of wildlife species. <br /> After analyzing the issue, the City's Environmental Policy Team requested the development of the invasive and native <br /> plant lists. The staff-compiled lists will be reviewed and updated annually. For more information about these lists, contact <br /> Landscape, Medians & Floral Gardens Supervisor Sarah Medary at 682-4824 or Natural Resources Operations <br /> Soordinator Trevor Taylor at 682-4880. <br /> I THIS WEEK <br /> I NEXT WEEK <br /> 03/03 CANCELLED G Pape Housing Policy Board ** <br /> 03/04 T 5:15pm NN,SM,BB Planning Commission + 3 Atrium/Sloat Room ** <br /> 03/05 CANCELLED IGR Committee <br /> I UPCOMING <br /> 03/10 M 5:30pm All Council Dinner Work Session McNutt Room <br /> ABSENT: Nathanson, Taylor <br /> 03/10 M 7:30pm All Council Meeting Council Chamber <br /> ABSENT: Nathanson, Taylor <br /> 03/12 W Noon All Council Lunch Work Session McNutt Room <br /> 03/12 W 5:00pm SM,DK,GP IGR Committee McNutt Room <br /> 03/13 CANCELLED JT,NN Public Safety Coordinating Council ** <br /> 03/13 Th 5:30pm BB, JS Police Commission McNutt Room <br /> Spring Recess: March 13 -April 8 <br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 3 <br /> February 28,2003 cc022703.wpd <br />