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• Restoration is a relatively new concept, and needs time to become accepted by many. Providing opportunities to become more educated about restoration efforts and to participate as citizen volunteers in key demonstration projects may in the long run overcome much of the apparent apathy we see regarding restoration efforts. • Lack of support from taxpayer; Lack of concern from the masses • FUNDING!!! • I will address what I see as the roadblocks to environmental restoration efforts in the City only because that is where I reside. I live near upper Amazon Creek and walk the path every day. Organizational Issues: Mid and upper-level city managers do not provide support for the goals of the storm water program related to water quality, riparian areas, and habitat. Indeed, I don't believe that many of them even believe in the concept. This in not so much a criticism as much as relates to the fact that their backgrounds and rolls are more traditionally related to city services. This split has led to frustration at the operational level in the storm water program. The "city" often seems to believe that it is too far on the cutting edge of the stormwater issue. This is reinforced by the business community, and the continued media coverage of the fact that Eugene is not open for business. In fact, many cities have surpassed us long ago in protecting riparian habitat and water quality. I do support regulation, but do not believe that it is viable in the current political climate. • Budget: With the onset of the budget problems besetting all public entities, the city stormwater budget has been seen as a way to provide funding for programs if any relation to stormwater can be made. • Disconnect: There is a major disconnect between city departments when implementing the stormwater program. A good example is the recent construction at Kinney Park on upper Amazon. The city stormwater program always focused on protection of headwater streams. One could question whether construction of a park with traditional plantings, bark mulch, and irrigation on the banks of the creek complies with headwater stream protection. Erosion control at the site was lacking, and there was dragout onto the street. Materials were stockpiled in the street. The fabric cover over the storm drain to Amazon Creek was removed for several days. When it was replaced, it was folded down it the center to allow for good drainage. Notification to the city received no response. After a second complaint, they indicated that an inspector would be sent out. As part of this project, a new grated drain was installed at the one-quarter mile sign on the trail on the east side. It was installed below grade in a muddy, we area for drainage. It does not seen like the City would allow a developer to do this as it drains perhaps 15 f eet onto the bank of Amazon Creek although there are bank stability problems throughout the creek. It appears that several drains have been installed in this manner as part of this project. Even the white pipes protruding from the bank are pollution. These installations reinforce the fact that our thinking about Amazon Creek has not changed. Ironically, the construction sign indicates that further stormwater enhancement projects will be completed at the site this year. • The city should set an example for construction projects. However, this is not the case, and city project managers exert pressure very like private business because they do not want costs incurred by their projects. • Vegetation: Trees were removed from the headwaters above Martin Street in the last year or so and I assume that it is private property. The area appears to very susceptible to erosion to the creek now. City maintenance crews removed vegetation from upper Amazon Creek, but they did a good job of opening the center of the channel to allow for drainage while removing a limited amount of vegetation. • Residents: In the area where I live, all of the stormwater drains discharge to upper Amazon Creek. I routinely see residents washing cars, applying zinc-based moss killer.the driveways and sidewalks, using caustic to clean driveways and slide walks, and pressure washing. All of these discharges are going to Amazon Creek. I know the city has been involved for years in educational programs. I do not know whether these issues result from lack of knowledge or if people simply do not believe that the little bit of sediment or chemicals is important. We always want to blame industry for pollution rather than ourselves. Basin Plans, Goals, Studies; The Metro agencies have plans, goals, and studies, and we continue to pursue these activities, The challenge continues to be translating these to everyday operational decisions and activities. • Lack of political leadership and funding. Pressure from commercial industrial, and agricultural interests. • Funding, public awareness and opinion. • Your bureaucratic framework could make this very hopeful effort Merely an exercise in making comments on wastewater and stormwater -instead of using the opportunity to create a strong citizen-owenership effort, that will carry on the future, as a watchdog for good water quality • Lack of funding • Much stewardship is on a volunteer basis. Luckily, we have a strong volunteer force in Eugene, but the city should be more involved. • Lack of public demand, i.e. education on this.topic • Lack of resources. Not enough people in policy positions actually spending time regularly in the proximity Metro Waterways Study -Citizen Involvement Summary Report -March 2005 19