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i <br />01/;1M TUE 11:1 FAX 541 682 4882 <br />Ae~ <br />EUGENE PW MNTNC & POS -),44 PW ADMIN 0001 <br />I <br />January 21, 2 03 <br />CONTACT: <br />■ Philip ichardson, Parks and Open Space Planner, 682-4906 <br />There a Picado, Parks and Open Space Public Information Specialist, 682-4814 or 682- <br />4800 <br />FOR IMMEDI TE RELEASE <br />CITY ACQUIRES 123 ACRES FOR THE RIDGELINE TRAIL <br />On J uary 8, the City closed escrow on 123 acres of land near the intersection of <br />Bailey Hill an Bertelsen roads. The land was purchased with funds from the Parks and Open <br />Space bond easure voters endorsed in 1998 and a donation from the sellers and represents <br />the single la est bond-funded Ridgeline acquisition to date. <br />The pen space parcel includes a portion of the actual topographic ridgeline that runs to <br />the south of ugene, preserving this scenic, forested skyline and offering views to the south and <br />west. The p party also extends the Ridgeline Trail system, which has been predominantly <br />focused ins utheast Eugene, into the southwest part of the city. The site also contains potential <br />trail access rom Bailey Hill Road and ridgeline properties already purchased further south and <br />west. <br />In a dition to significantly expanding and preserving open space in Eugene, the <br />acquisition ill provide important ecological benefits. The site includes some of the headwaters <br />of The Nat re Conservancy's Willow Creek wetlands, which will provide long term protection of <br />this ecolog Ily significant area. It also contains significant Oregon white oak habitat, now an <br />endangere habitat in the Willamette Valley. <br />Ap roximately 90 percent of the money earmarked for the Ridgeline Trail has been <br />spent. Ho ever, due to several donations and favorable sales, the property acquired has <br />the bond measure target of 232 acres by almost 150 percent. <br />more information, call 682-4906. <br />