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N <br /> plan and opened the discussion to those present. <br /> The following are comments made at public forum: <br /> Thanks to John Etter and City staff for working with the Wayne Morse <br /> Historical Park Corporation and Eugene citizens on this plan and for <br /> holding these hearings tonight and for all the effort and energy that <br /> went into them. I also want to make a point that I see this as a <br /> conceptual framework, a springboard and a wonderful opportunity for all <br /> the citizens of Eugene. I am thrilled by it and excited by this time to <br /> discuss tonight that reflects the opportunity. <br /> Wayne Morse was a very political person. He was a Republican, an <br /> Independent, and a Democrat when he held the United State Senate seat. <br /> A very individualistic type of person and attitude. One issue is the <br /> off-leash issue. I hope some nice agreement can be made over this <br /> issue. I don't think he would want the ranch to be remembered for this <br /> issue. <br /> I enjoy using the ranch for my dogs. <br /> Wayne Morse had dogs on his ranch. I don't think it would have upset <br /> him to have dogs on his ranch. <br /> I don't have dogs, but I am glad to know there is a place they can go to <br /> run and have fun. <br /> I thought the dog issue was resolved by Bob Schutz making a decision to <br /> . retain the concept of dogs using the Ranch. I don't understand why it <br /> isn't referred to or included in the plan. <br /> Mr. Etter explained that although the plan does not target the dog issue, it <br /> can work nicely with the plan. The staff and the Parks and Recreation <br /> Commission determined that we should have an off-leash area for a trial <br /> period, and the decision was made to implement it. This program does not <br /> require capital investment or changes to the landscape, and is compatible with <br /> the draft plan. Excluding the dogs and terminating the program cannot happen <br /> without the consent and direction of the Commission. <br /> Ms. Penny noted that the off-lease program was not an issue when the plan was <br /> developed and therefore was not an element in the original plan. <br /> Members of the Corporation have been excluded from the development of <br /> the Plan. <br /> If trees are cut, the wildlife which currently occupy the site will <br /> leave. Improvements to the landscape such as larger trails would be <br /> nice T" but you can never go back once it is changed. It could affect the <br /> wildlife fe forever. <br /> The success of the off-leash program at the Ranch cannot be ignored. It <br /> presents an environment where people who participate can meet and begin <br /> friendships. <br />