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Section II: History c~ Background <br /> This section includes reference to the West Eugene Wetlands Plan (WEWP), the Interpretive <br /> Center Report, and a summary of significant events through the period 1992-1999. <br /> West Eugene Wetlands Plan <br /> The West Eugene Wetlands Plan (WEWP) was adopted by City Council and the Lane County <br /> Board of Commissioners in 1992 and included a series of recommendations for an education <br /> center, associated education programs, and other funding sources for the wetlands. The WEWP <br /> lists education and research as benefits of the Plan, including the following statement: <br /> "'The wetland environment in west Eugene will become a favorite place to recreate and learn <br /> particularly when utilized by elementary, secondary, and higher learning institutions in the <br /> community....the possibility of a nature center devoted to west Eugene natural areas...will <br /> be explored" (p.6, 1992). <br /> r <br /> The WEWP includes several references to an education center. In regards to managing the West <br /> Eugene Wetlands system, the WEWP states that the `Public Works Department will assume <br /> overall responsibility for managing and monitoring the west Eugene wetlands system with <br /> assistance from other Departments....Theye are opportunities to work with environmental and <br /> community organizations, nonprofit environmental groups, and the private sector in order to <br /> <br /> protect and enhance west Eugene's natural environment. School children and other interested <br /> citizens can enjoy studying the environment while having a helping hand in improving it. "(p. 7). <br /> Chapter 5: Operating, Maintaining, and Monitoring also includes reference to the education <br /> center. The chapter includes Goals, Policies, and Recommended Actions as approved by the <br /> elected officials. The items pertaining to the education center include: <br /> Recommended Actions <br /> 5.7 Seek support from nonprofit organizations and private volunteers for selected <br /> maintenance and monitoring activities. <br /> 5.8 Create a public education program to inform the community of stormwater permit <br /> requirements, the opportunities that exist to achieve multiple use benefits, and <br /> how citizens can participate. <br /> 5.9 Develop pilot projects for the establishment of maintenance strategies to help <br /> determine methods compatible with multiple use objectives. Pursue grant monies <br /> to create these projects. <br /> Chapter 6: Financing, establishes Policies including General Policies, Acquisition, Construction, <br /> and Operations. The following pertain to the subject of the education center and the associated <br /> organizational structure (i.e. the nonprofit established through the education center workgroup <br /> <br />