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The oak knoll is a highly sensitive remnant of the Willamette Valley oak woodlands habitat that was once a prominent <br /> part <br /> of the valley landscape. Considered globally endangered, today, only about one percent of this forest type remains in the <br /> valley. Environmentally sensitive techniques will be used to forge the trail into this relatively inaccessible and delicate <br /> irea. <br /> Volunteers have already removed most of the weeds and salvaged native plants from the area. Volunteers who <br /> participate in the May 31 event will learn how to identify native plants in the area, including native poison oak, and how to <br /> protect this rare habitat, as well as what tools to use as they cut the soil to the specified grade, reinforce steep grades <br /> with log curbs and spread gravel along the length of the path. Extra volunteers or those very sensitive to native poison <br /> oak, which is prevalent in the oak knoll area, can participate in habitat restoration by removing invasive, non-native <br /> vegetation in nearby areas. <br /> "REI has a lot of experience with large volunteer projects of a sensitive environmental nature," says John Moriarty, the <br /> coordinator of the Forest Management Plan in the park. "Volunteer education will be an important component of this <br /> project as we attempt to forge a trail without damaging this unique native ecosystem." <br /> The project also includes the creation of interpretive signs to educate users about this endangered ecosystem and how to <br /> preserve it. For more information, call Hendricks Park Head Gardener Michael Robert at 682-5324, REI at 465-1800 or <br /> visit www.rei.com or www.friendsofhendrickspark.org. <br /> Eugene Earns Mention as`Success Story'on National Telecomm Website <br /> Eugene has been cited as a "success story" by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). <br /> In particular, Eugene was offered as an example of successfully involving stakeholders in telecommunications planning <br /> by hosting bi-monthly utility coordination meetings between staff and local rights-of-way users. By bringing together staff <br /> from various utility providers, these meetings have resulted in simple, cost-cutting solutions. At one such meeting, for <br /> example, the first utility in an area agreed to install sleeves under major facilities so subsequent utilities did not then have <br /> to bypass existing facilities and enter a more congested or less accessible space. <br /> While recognizing that policies and practices may differ between industry and local and state governments, the NTIA <br /> sought local government-industry success stories illustrating collaboration and coordination on right-of-way construction <br /> and maintenance. "These examples are intended to provide a resource for governments and carriers that are seeking <br /> )etter solutions, said Nancy J. Victory, Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Administrator of NTIA. "They demonstrate <br /> that the best solutions at the local level emerge through dialogue and continuing discussions among all stakeholders in <br /> the rights-of-way debate. They also demonstrate that mutually agreeable solutions can arise when the parties are willing <br /> to try a novel approach." <br /> Ideas for success stories were submitted to the NTIA by cities and states, and Eugene's report was submitted following a <br /> meeting between the FCC's Local and State Government Advisory Committee (LSGAC) and industry representatives <br /> which included FCC and NTIA staff observers. Councilor Nancy Nathanson has served on the LSGAC since October <br /> 2000, helping identify areas where consensus could be developed with the telecommunications industry on a range of <br /> issues, including right-of-way management, cable service, and media ownership. <br /> NTIA's new electronic report on state and local rights of way can be viewed online at <br /> www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/staterow/ROWstatestories.htm. For more information about Eugene's telecommunications <br /> right-of-way program, contact Damon Joyner, Utility Permit and Inspections Supervisor, at 682-4890. <br /> THIS WEEK <br /> 1 NEXT WEEK <br /> 06/02 M Noon G Pape Housing Policy Board McNutt Room <br /> UPCOMING <br /> 06/09 M 5:30pm All Council Dinner Work Session McNutt Room <br /> )6/09 M 7:30pm All Council Meeting Council Chamber <br /> PAGE 3 <br /> EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER <br />