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COREY Kurt A From: CAHILL Michelle R Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 5:10 PM To: *Eugene Delta Ponds Subject: FW: update on Delta Ponds work It's been a while since the " *Eugene Delta Ponds" group got together. Eric sending out the news release below last week reminded me that it would be good to at least give an email update. CORPS/CITY PROJECT Things are progressing along on this CORPS/City restoration and recreation project and we have activity outside the joint project as well (Rotary path etc). The Main project still seems on track for major construction summer '04 and work is moving forward to do a fair amount of invasive species (primarily blackberry) removal by CORPS contract this fall: The objective of improving the habitat to make a resting place for small fry salmon and a diverse habitat for other native species to flourish by creating more floodplain and having better water flow through the ponds seems to be holding as we get into more detail. We still don't have an agreement (PCA=project cooperation agreement) that allows us to start counting some of our activity towards our share of the project but we think that may happen in the next month or so. (It is being reviewed by Washington D.C. CORPS staff now). The Corps did recieve all the environmental buyoffs to get approval of the Feasibility Study as needed and has recieved money and started design work. The have contracted with Tetra Tech to do more hydraulic analysis and habitat design work. The Feasibility Study is available at the- Downtown Library reference area and Kevin Finney, Michelle Cahill and Carolyn Weiss have copies. OREGON SOLUTIONS PROJECT Delta Ponds is an Oregon Solutions Project, accepted by the Governer for state agency support in garnering partners for a successful big project. Steve Greenwood, Oregon Solutions, has contacted potential partners and created two meetings that Mayor Torrey presided over where we provided info on the project and discussed opportunities for partner support. Carolyn Weiss from POS is lead on developing a gift catologue for folks who want to donate time for specific volunteer opportunities, funding for things like benches and other items. As noted below the Rotarians (several groups) are adopting a trail project that is outside the scope of the CORPS/city project. The Capital funds to provide our share of the joint city/corps project are allocated and CORPS has funding identified. The City appears. to be a recipient of a State Parks Grant to help us further the recreation aspects of the plan. Hope this is helpful to you. I plan to do a better job as things speed up with activity. Looking to plans that are about 30% developed from the CORPS here shortly. Will let you know when we recieve them. -----Original Message----- From: WOLD Eric N Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2003 4:09 PM To: *Eugene Wetlands FOG; *Eugene Wetheads Subject: update on Delta Ponds work This may be of interest to you. This article will appear in tomorrow's City Council Newsletter. Eric Park Grant. Donations, Volunteer Work Move Delta Ponds Proiect Forward A $250,000 state park grant, a significant donation of property from a local business, and ongoing volunteer work are among the latest developments in a major project to enhance the Delta Ponds area in north Eugene. The $6.2 million Delta Ponds project, being undertaken in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will improve the connection of the ponds to the Willamette River, helping water flow between the ponds and enhancing water quality and access for fish and other wildlife while maintaining winter flood control. The recreational components of the project include new parking areas, accessible trails, viewing areas, and interpretive signage. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission on August 7 is expected to approve a $250,000 grant in support of the recreation improvements at Delta Ponds. The lottery-funded state grant program was approved by Oregon voters in 1998. The City of Eugene will match the state grant with $450,000 in local funds, including $200,000 from the city's park bond measure approved by local voters in 1998. "Funding from federal, state and local sources is being combined with community contributions to make the Delta Ponds project a uniquely collaborative effort," said Kevin Finney, project manager with the Eugene Public Works Department. "This collaboration is also producing a thoughtful design for a very special place that will be an asset for the entire region." Meanwhile, the project's planned trail system has gotten a boost through donations of land and easements by a locally owned broadcasting company and by volunteer work done by local Rotary Clubs. The land donation and conservation easement being provided by John and Renate Tilson, principal owners of McKenzie River Broadcasting, will allow the construction of a parking area, viewing platform, boardwalk and gravel path. "We are very pleased to be participating in this important environmental project and helping preserve the nature of the area," said John Tilson. Six local Rotary clubs -Eugene Emerald, Metropolitan, Eugene Mid-Valley, Eugene Airport, Eugene Southtowne, and i