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• <br /> • <br /> • <br /> The guidelines state that representatives from the various Fish and Wildlife Services will work <br /> with levee inspectors and local agencies to implement selective vegetation management <br /> practices. However, no procedures are established whereby this collaborative effort should take <br /> place, nor what criteria will be used in making these collaborative decisions. As a local <br /> sponsoring agency, it would be beneficial to the City if these guidelines included both protocol <br /> and a set of criteria to be used by the Corps,Fish and Wildlife Services, and local agencies when <br /> collaborating on habitat and rare and endangered species issues. <br /> 4. The introduction to appendix B, "List of Plant Species on Flood Control Levees",clearly <br /> emphasizes that maximum use of native species, rather than exotic, is encouraged. Included in <br /> this appendix are lists of plant species deemed suitable for residential levees. However,the <br /> species identified in these lists are predominately ornamental in nature and include certain <br /> species not known to do well in Pacific Northwest climates. <br /> In light of the Corps' emphasis on maximizing the use of native species, it seems appropriate that <br /> these guidelines contain a listing of native Pacific Northwest plants that have the ability to <br /> improve habitat values but do not impair levee flood control functions. We have included for <br /> your review(see attachment)a list of native species that have been recommended for riparian <br /> plantings. We realize that all the species listed may not be suitable for planting on flood control <br /> levees. However, we have included this list with our comments in the hope that the Corps will <br /> be able to include a number of these native species as part of any future planting guidelines. <br /> Conclusion <br /> Our goal in maintaining Amazon Creek and other drainage facilities has always been flood <br /> protection for the citizens of Eugene. With careful planning and attention to stormwater quality <br /> and environmental issues, we believe the maintenance goal of flood protection can be <br /> accomplished while preserving and enhancing the environmental value of flood control works <br /> and adjacent lands. I would be very interested in learning how other jurisdictions are dealing <br /> with these environmental issues and what type of alternatives they may have proposed. <br /> Thank you again for this opportunity, <br /> Sincerely, <br /> 00'6 447/1441 ( <br /> Bob Hammitt <br /> Public Wor9T&Maintenance Director <br /> Attachments: Recommended Native Plants for Riparian Plantings <br /> 4 <br />